(L-R): Margarita Robles, Spain's Minister of Defence; Minister Yuriko Backes; Credit: Ministerio de Defensa

On Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October 2024, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, Minister of Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, paid a working visit to Madrid.

During a meeting with her counterpart, the Minister of Defence of Spain, Margarita Robles, they discussed, among other things, the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the military support provided to Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, security of the Southern neighbourhood and the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the areas of defence, security and peace. The Defence Ministers also discussed the role of the European Union and NATO in European security. "In our efforts to strengthen European defence, we must ensure that synergies are created between EU and NATO efforts," stressed Minister Backes.

In the context of the tragic floods that hit Spain on Tuesday 29 October, Minister Backes expressed to Minister Robles her solidarity with the Spanish population: "In the face of the devastating floods, my thoughts are with the Spanish people. Luxembourg stands by you."

The programme also included a visit to the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen). SatCen supports the decision-making process of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy, in particular by using satellite images. During her visit, which included a briefing on SatCen’s activities and a meeting with its Director, Yuriko Backes signed a voluntary financial contribution of €500,000 from Luxembourg Defence to the Centre. This contribution is dedicated to the acquisition of high-resolution images, an essential resource for SatCen’s analysis and intelligence needs, particularly in response to high-intensity crises. “SatCen plays a key role in the EU’s ambitions to become an even stronger security provider. You can count on Luxembourg’s support,” said Minister Backes. 

This is Luxembourg’s third voluntary financial contribution to SatCen. Minister Backes also announced that Luxembourg Defence intends to contribute images from its Earth observation satellite, LUXEOSys, to SatCen as soon as it becomes operational.