Last Thursday, June 16, the delivery of the Awards of the Spanish Atlantic Association: "NATO 2030" took place at the Naval Museum of Madrid, convened in its first edition by said Association, with the support and sponsorship of the Diplomacy Division Public of the Atlantic Alliance. Our university, represented by The “Francisco Villamartín” Chair of Security and Defense Studies was the star of the evening, winning two of the three awards granted: gold and silver.

In addition to the URJC students, the Francisco de Vitoria and CEU San Pablo Universities attended the call.

The contest consisted of carrying out a research project on the subject of NATO 2030, on the occasion of the celebration in Madrid of the next summit of the Atlantic Alliance, on June 28 and 29, in which a new strategic concept will be approved .

Professor Vicente Garrido Rebolledo, director of the Chair, wanted to highlight the importance of the Summit for students, as well as to praise the quality of the papers presented. In his own words, “it is very necessary that the promotion of the Culture of Security and Defense has young allies, since these will become future agents of change”.

Of all the participating students, nine works have been selected. Our university has been represented by Nair Robleda, Alessandra Pereira, Miriam García and Ian Arribas.

Our students and especially the winners, Nair Robleda (first prize) and Alessandra Pereira (second prize) were accompanied by the Rector of the URJC, who attended the Awards Ceremony, together with the rest of the academic authorities, military and the president of the AAE, Adolfo Menéndez. In his words, the Rector highlighted "the role of the University as a vital pillar of the promotion of the Culture of Security and Defense", as these transmitters of thought and "institutions older than the States themselves".

For Nair, a second-year student of IR and CCPP, this award has provided the opportunity to investigate more about NATO and to have life experiences in which to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom.

For her part, Alessandra, a third-year student of International Relations and Journalism, wanted to vindicate the brilliant work carried out by our university by presenting opportunities like this to students, being aware of how lucky she is to be able to train as a professional in Madrid.

The nine selected students will have the opportunity to visit NATO headquarters in Brussels on July 13-14. In addition, the three best works will be published, in Spanish and English, which will allow Nair and Alessandra to disseminate the results of their research as URJC students.