29th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – Special remarks
Hon. Pedro Rollán, President of the Senate of Spain, delivered special remarks welcoming participants to the Spanish Senate for the 29th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum, the first edition hosted in Spain. He expressed gratitude to Robert Pittenger, ambassadors, parliamentary leaders, and international delegates, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that discussions extend beyond the forum’s walls to strengthen global awareness and cooperation.
He underscored Spain’s strategic role in global security, citing its geographic position, strong ties with Latin America and North Africa, and membership in the European Union and NATO. Reflecting on Spain’s painful history with terrorism including ETA and the March 11, 2004 Madrid bombings he highlighted the country’s continued commitment to vigilance, intelligence, and security excellence. He also noted Spain’s progress in cybersecurity, referencing its strong global standing in cyber preparedness.
He addressed the evolving global threat landscape, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, disinformation, interference in democratic processes, organized crime, human trafficking, and irregular migration. He stressed that such transnational threats require coordinated international responses, greater investment in defense and intelligence, harmonized legal frameworks, enhanced cybersecurity strategies, and strengthened multilateral cooperation.
He concluded by calling for unity in defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, urging participants to use the forum as a platform for firm, coordinated, and transformative action to safeguard security and freedom for future generations.
