Overview
- During a Christmas videoconference, Pedro Sánchez received updates from roughly 15 missions with about 3,400 personnel connected.
- Hours earlier, the Council of Ministers renewed authorization for Armed Forces and Guardia Civil operations abroad through January 31, 2026 with similar staffing and funding.
- Sánchez emphasized that threats to Europe continue, focusing on the conflict in Ukraine and a rise in drone-related airspace violations.
- Spain highlighted NATO duties on the Eastern Flank, including Baltic air policing with F-18s and a newly deployed advanced counter-drone system in Lithuania.
- Officials noted Spain’s presence in 15 countries with nearly 4,000 deployed, more than 20,000 personnel serving abroad in 2025, and a tribute to 175 fallen over 36 years of missions.