Global security

In recent decades, global security has emerged as fundamental priority for Spain. Challenges such as the fight against terrorism and organised crime and cyber-security are central to our foreign policy. 

Fighting terrorism

Terrorism poses one of the greatest threats to the gains and rights achieved in terms of justice, security and freedoms. There is no justification whatsoever for terrorist acts, which deserve the strongest and most emphatic condemnation. The fight against terrorism and the scrupulous respect for human rights are two mutually reinforcing and complementary objectives.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation carries out a continuous analysis of the phenomenon of international terrorism, as well as the proposal and definition of different actions to face this threat through:

The central role that victims of terrorism must play in national, regional and global counter-terrorism strategies. From 8 to 9 October 2024, Spain co-organised together with the Ministry of the Interior, UNOCT and the City of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, with a special focus on education and youth as an engine of support for victims and their families.

The European Network of Victims of Terrorism (NAVT), Spain is committed to the adoption of a universal binding international standard with the specific aim of protecting the rights of victims of terrorism.

HM King Felipe VI, together with the Basque Prime Minister, Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, among others, at the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism held in Vitoria in October 2024. EFE​ 

Non-proliferation and disarmament

Arms control, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and progressive disarmament are key instruments to contribute to international peace, security and stability. In this regard, Spain is committed to:

• An architecture of legal and political documents that aims to limit the stationing of certain weapons systems, promote transparency and confidence-building measures (arms control), prevent countries and non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (non-proliferation) and even reduce military capabilities or ban certain categories of weapons already deployed.
• Export control regimes, which control trade in technologies and goods that could be used for the development of weapons of mass destruction while facilitating legitimate trade.
• Continuing to take an active role in international forums that seek to make progress on these issues, through participation in initiatives such as the Stockholm Initiative proposing concrete steps towards nuclear disarmament. Domestically, measures are implemented to prevent Spanish materials and technologies from being used in wars of aggression, human rights violations and the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Spanish participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

For over three decades, Spain has been participating in military operations abroad, both in peacekeeping operations of the United Nations (PMOs) and of the European Union (military and also civilian CSDP missions) or as part of international coalitions (such as The Global Coalition against Daesh). In total, it has participated in more than fifty missions, in which members of the Armed Forces and the State Security Forces have been deployed. 

Spain continues to participate actively in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Among them is the commitment to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which, under very complicated conditions on the ground, under Spanish command and with a very large national contingent, continues to strive for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). Several EU Member States are also part of this mission. The UN Security Council has been extending the mandate urging the parties to implement measures for de-escalation of the conflict and stability along the Blue Line. 

In a similar stabilising effort, Spain contributes to the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), which monitors compliance with the 2016 peace accords and has military observers.

Spanish participation in UN military missions follows the principles of responsibility and solidarity, and integrates Human Security and the approach to the international agenda of Women, Peace and Security as key elements for the prevention and resolution of conflicts, in accordance with the provisions of the National Defence Directive and the United Nations Charter.

Troops from the Miguel de Cervantes base, where the headquarters of the Eastern Division of the UNIFIL Interim Force under Spanish command is located. EFE 

Cybersecurity

Over the years, security priorities in foreign technology policy have shifted. The emergence of new technologies and communication systems has removed barriers, but it has also brought new challenges and threats. For this reason, the National Security Council has included cybersecurity as a priority in the National Security Strategy. 

This priority is developed along two axes:

1. The Strategy which aims to articulate an adequate capacity to prevent, defend against, detect, respond to and recover from cyber threats.
2. The National Cybersecurity Plan, which sets out the lines of action to develop the first document. The opportunities and risks of technological globalisation require cooperation between countries to achieve a secure and reliable cyberspace. 

Spain aims to achieve global standards, the application of international law in cyberspace and to develop and promote best practice.

 Headquarters of the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE). EFE​​ 

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