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Jan 22 2025

Spanish-led Multinational Brigade in Slovakia welcomes Romanian first contingent

Lešť, Slovakia - Jan 18,2025 - The Spanish led Multinational Task Force Brigade deployed in Slovakia held an official ceremony to formalize the integration of an anti-tank defence section from the Romanian Armed Forces. With this incorporation, Romania officially establishes its participation in this joint mission.

Our strength lies in our multinational character and in the sum of our abilities to achieve our goals together" says Spanish Colonel Martínez Victoria.

The ceremony was presided over by Colonel Jesús Manuel Martínez Victoria, Commander of the Brigade and it was attended by the Romanian Ambassador to Slovakia, Călin Fabian. The event included the hoisting of the Romanian flag and the playing of the national anthem.

During the event, Colonel Martínez Victoria stressed the importance of cooperation. He stated: “Our strength lies in our multinational character and in the sum of our capabilities to achieve together our objectives, which are none other than to maintain the security and stability of Europe and to protect our citizens’ wellbeing”.

The Romanian anti-tank section is specialized in neutralizing armoured threats, thus improving operational capabilities. For Lieutenant Cosmin Nițu, head of the section, “the deployment and integration into the Spanish led Multinational Task Force in Slovakia, represents a significant commitment by Romania to regional security and NATO's collective defence. This integration not only strengthens our capabilities, but also enhances our interoperability with allies. For our Unit, this deployment represents an opportunity to share experiences, build lasting relationships and actively contribute to the security of our shared values”.

The ceremony took place at Camp Slavia I, located within the Lest manoeuvre camp in south-central Slovakia. There, the Romanian flag joined the five other flags of the nations that make up the Multinational Brigade.

Romania thus joins Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain in an integration of nations that strengthens not only the military structure, but also the message of cohesion and interoperability that Spain and its allies project to the world. This is a collective effort that also demonstrates their ability to adapt to current strategic challenges, thereby contributing to a more secure and stable environment.

NATO's forward presence

NATO’s military presence on the eastern flank of the Alliance is a key element of its enhanced deterrence and defence commitment, which has been strengthened in recent years to address the evolving security realities in the Euro-Atlantic area. The forward presence of Allied forces is defensive, proportionate, transparent, and consistent with the Alliance’s international commitments and obligations.

This allied reinforcement comprises eight multinational battlegroups, contributed by framework nations and other allies on a voluntary, sustainable, and rotational basis.

Currently, NATO allies’ troops and personnel train and exercise together in the eastern part of the Alliance, embodying unity and solidarity. Contributing nations’ forces rotate in and out of the battlegroups, and may either be deployed in the operational area or stationed in their home countries, with the capability to deploy rapidly if necessary.

Story by HQ NRDC-ESP Corps Forward Element Military Public Affairs

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