COMUNICACIÓN

The event, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, is being held in Cáceres, with both in-person and online participation, to analyse the main geopolitical challenges facing Europe and Ibero-America. (15/10/2026)

Over 150 people from nine countries have registered for the 4^th edition of the Sessions on Security and Defence in the Ibero-American Region, organised by the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation and the Ministry of Defence. The event, being held in Cáceres with most participants attending online, brings together experts, institutional representatives and students to reflect on the strategic and security challenges posed by the current international context.

At the opening ceremony, the director of Yuste Foundation, Fernando Pizarro, stressed the importance of creating spaces for rigorous analysis in response to the proliferation of messages about security and defence in public debate, the media and on social media. In this regard, he highlighted the value of sessions that “bring together the experience and knowledge of people with an in-depth understanding of these issues, which are of crucial importance to a country and to the world”.

Pizarro also highlighted the message of “unity and concord” conveyed by King Felipe VI during his recent visit to Ceuta and Melilla. Referring to Miguel de Unamuno, he defended truth and knowledge as the foundations of a solid and lasting peace.

Fernando Manzano, secretary-general for Home Affairs, Emergencies and Civil Protection of the Regional Government of Extremadura, emphasised the topicality of the issues being discussed and the opportunity these sessions provide for students from the University of Extremadura to share knowledge and experiences with specialists in the field.

The deputy defence representative in Cáceres, Colonel Vicente Lunar Bravo, highlighted how security and defence continue to shape the balance of power and the world order. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between Spain and Ibero-America in addressing the challenges posed by the so-called “grey zone” between peace and war.

The mayor of Cáceres, Rafael Mateos, thanked Yuste Foundation for holding this event in the city and highlighted its contribution to Cáceres’ bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2031.

The sessions also feature contributions from former minister of Defence Federico Trillo; former president of the Regional Government of Extremadura and senator José Antonio Monago; colonel Juan Carlos Castilla Barea, senior analyst and associate lecturer at the Spanish Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN) and the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE); and Juan Félix González González, full professor at the University of Extremadura.