The Chief of Defence Staff (Jemad), Admiral General Teodoro E. López Calderón, presided this week in Brussels over the inauguration ceremony of the new Military Representative of Spain to NATO and the EU (MILREP), Admiral José María Núñez Torrente.
The newly appointed MILREP succeeds Lieutenant General Francisco Javier Fernández Sánchez, who has been in office since September 2021. Núñez Torrente’s last assignment was as Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Atalanta until November 2023.
Jemad, in his remarks, highlighted the professional career of Admiral Núñez Torrente and that the experience acquired will help him to assume this new responsibility. “You arrive at this position at a time when a radical change is occurring, or has already occurred, in the global geopolitical situation, in which the Western world is immersed, and therefore Spain as an active party. a kind of new Cold War characterized by an attempt to change the current system of international relations based on democratic norms and values,” he stressed.
Admiral General López Calderón concluded his speech by reiterating that the admiral’s long and comprehensive military career and his experience on the international scene, both at NATO and European level, make him “the ideal person for this position.” “I am sure that, from your new position, you will contribute to raising the prestige of Spain and its Armed Forces as an example of fulfillment of duty and spirit of service,” he said.
The event also brought together Spanish general officers and admirals stationed in different headquarters in Belgium, as well as diplomatic representatives from Spain, the EU and NATO.
The main functions of MILREP are to represent Jemad before the Military Committee of NATO and the EU, as well as to guarantee the interests of Spain before these committees.
In addition, it informs Jemad of the issues studied in the military commissions and the decisions adopted there. In addition, it cooperates with the permanent representatives to the Atlantic Council, the European Union and the Political and Security Committee to obtain advice from the military side.
