Revista del Instituto Español de Estudios Estratégicos n.º 13 - Año: 2019 - Págs.: 243 a 274 264 Journal of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies Núm. 13 / 2019 place in May 2017, parallel with the bilateral Summit in Vila Real, and the 61st Penin-sular General Staff Meeting in November. On balance, its functioning is very positive, but there is a wide margin for im-provement. The main difficulty lies in the form taken by the intermediate level, the Preparatory Commission, responsible for preparation of the meeting of the Council based on the results obtained in the Working Groups. This Commission, or “meeting of eight”, should be formed by the foreign policy and defense policy General Directors, the armament General Directors, and the Chiefs of the Defense General Staff, but it has never met because of the difficulty in coordinating the agendas of these authorities. On the other hand, the only working group that holds regular annual meetings and undertakes an effective follow-up of cooperation is that of the Peninsular General Staffs, where the military aspects of cooperation are dealt with. In order to achieve maximum performance from bilateral cooperation, it is neces-sary to solve these structural deficiencies which, in the end, are limiting deficiencies. An efficient model should be the establishment of a bilateral strategy of cooperation, holding objectives within different time contexts. It is a question of building an inte-gral project, with efficient management, control and evaluation organs, which would permit the alignment of political positions, integrate military forces, and coordinate defense industries. The project is conceptually defined and is now provided with the adequate judicial framework through the Bayona Agreement. The current political, eco-nomic and security situation in the EU creates an opportunity window for con-solidation of cooperation. Thus, it is essential to continue strengthening trust, to avoid haste, and to identify the areas of complementarity within the two countries. Giving shape to cooperation: Projects, activities and operations. According to the Bayona Agreement and declarations at successive CLESD, the possibilities of peninsular cooperation in security and defense can be as broad as both countries decide: cooperative defense; agreement of national positions; common actions in the international sphere; common and reinforced capabili-ties; maritime security; management, education, training and exchange of per-sonnel; undertaking of joint exercises; joint management of emergencies and catastrophes; cooperation in joint-mixed operations; joint actions in the areas of technology and industry; cooperation in cyber-defense and in the fight against global terrorism; energy challenges and climate changes; cooperation in geo-graphic and hydrographic activities; and even the promotion of historical and cultural activities.
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