Revista del Instituto Español de Estudios Estratégicos n.º 13 - Año: 2019 - Págs.: 243 a 274 268 Journal of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies Núm. 13 / 2019 within governments is critical; an alternation might substantially change the strategic culture. The establishment of mutual dependencies and the consideration of cooper-ation as “State Policy” on a long-term basis could contribute to minimize the effects of such alternation. Although there may be initial differences between the defense cultures, the organi-zation of the Armed Forces and the concepts of employment and of doctrine, effective cooperation demands the progressive evolution of “national thought” towards “mul-tinational thought”, influencing the consideration of defense priorities. The exchange of liaison officers between General Staffs and of students, the realization of mixed exercises and the joint launching of projects contribute to reducing the problem. Time and an understanding disposition are necessary. Permanent forms of cooperation call for progressive alignment of defense planning. Mutual dependencies are strengthened when the partners use the same equipment; this results in greater interoperability of their forces and strengthens the model as a result. Transparency is a prerequisite, those responsible for planning thus being forced to seek, first and foremost, potential for multinational cooperation. Standardization of doctrine and interoperability of equipment is directly related to the ease of establishment of cooperation, because it allows integration of training, supply, maintenance and acquisition of spare parts more easily (an example of this is that of the European Participating Air Forces, constituted among the MS that operate F16 fighters in the EU). Portugal and Spain share the NATO doctrine and a strong facility for understanding that contributes to strengthening cooperation. Reality is also an important condition for success. The Bayona Agreement includes many areas for cooperation that must be developed with clear and attainable goals. Therefore, there is no room for symbolic purposes. Furthermore, the initiatives must be solvent in budgetary terms, and in the assumption of political risk (partial loss of sovereignty and tensions in the defense industry), which is in direct relation to the depth of cooperation. The full activation of the CLESD, in its political and industrial aspects, is essential in order to move forward. The last condition to be considered refers to the participation of the national Parlia-ments in everything regarding the projection of forces, defense planning, and acquisi-tions. For real and efficient cooperation, it is necessary to make such cooperation State policy, something which today is undoubtedly a challenge, at the peninsular level. Conclusions Cooperation in defense matters is essential for the MS of the EU at this moment. It is not possible to develop nor to maintain alone the military capabilities that guarantee the security of citizens, given the security, economic and political environment in the last decade. In view of the reality of the situation described, most recently precipitated by Brexit and the warning from the USA stemming from systematic non-compliance
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