mand that the allies spend 2 % of their GDP on defence, Elena Gómez explained that «a figure should never be a reference. NATO is based, and this is one of its greatest assets, on cohesion and solidarity. Each of us must have the appropriate Armed Forces and we must ensure that they have the necessary capabilities to be used whenever and wherever necessary. We are referring to what is called the three Cs (cash, capabilities and commitments): cash is required in order to have better capabilities and be committed to deploying them whenever and wherever necessary. If these elements are not interconnected, figures are useless». She reiterated that, although Spain does not meet this figure, «we are an absolutely exemplary ally when it comes to making all our resources available to NATO». Another interesting debate that took place in Toledo was entitled EU and NATO: doomed to understand each other. The Eurocorps Chief of Staff assured that rather than a condemnation it was a «reward » because «as both organisations’ strategies and threats are rather similar, they need to reach an understanding through effective and optimum cooperation that reduces everybody’s defence bill». In this regard, he pointed out that the Eurocorps «has been a clear example that a purely European unit can lead both NATO and EU multinational units» and that this simultaneity «is beneficial and diminishes costs, but requires significant political will in order to promote, improve and optimise it». Pursuing this idea further, Javier Solana suggested that one way of putting an end to the current vertigo in NATO «is to recognise that it comprises not only the Atlantic Nations but also European nations, and that claims that the EU can weaken NATO are nonsense. What is certainly the case is that duplicity is huge in Europe. We must do everything in our hand to increase the integration of European security, because it is in everybody’s interest. Europe must stand united and strong where defence is concerned. Doubting this is taking ideology, and not reality, into account». R. R. internationalisation and we are already taking the first steps». He also recalled the transcendent role that NATO has played —and will continue to play— within the concept of multilateralism itself. «The Atlantic Alliance», he said, «is the best proof of the results that can be obtained through collective commitment: it facilitates a beneficial common effort and assimilates the leadership of a power such as the USA, although always taking into account the opinions of the other States». Reaffirming this idea, the Secretary General for Defence Policy explained that NATO «treasures a wonderful term: consensus, and as a result, not only does it achieve interoperability among its members, but this policy —which means respect for all— has been exported to many other international organisations. NATO breathes multilateralism». As far as Spain was concerned, Elena Gómez Castro pointed out that «Spain has always been a committed partner, convinced that any of our ally’s security is also our security. Furthermore, NATO is a bridge to keep contacts and share concerns with other associated countries with which we also share common interests. It builds trust with third countries, necessary in a world in which we all face risks and threats». Ricardo Pérez/MDE After an overview of the evolution of NATO over the past 70 years and how it has managed to adapt to the various challenges and threats that have arisen, the General Director for Defence Policy underlined its current role in the fight against terrorism and for stabilisation. «Only a military intervention can create a stable environment for the population and the distribution of humanitarian aid and also be capable of establishing an area to train local forces so that they can progressively assume this responsibility». She also recalled that NATO’s role and limits are clearly established: «Our approach is always based on legality, bearing in mind added value and complementing the efforts of the international community. It is not about replacing, but playing a role that only the Armed Forces can play in extreme situations, such as terrorism in its current forms«. With regard to the debate prompted by the US Administration’s de- The EU’s bid for defence strengthens NATO, according to experts July/August 2019 Revista Española de Defensa 37
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