The Spanish View of European Security for the Next Millenium

Abstract

Assessing that European security cannot be dissassociated from Euro-Atlantic security, Minister Serra points out that after the Cold War the vertical tension between North and South will be the epicenter of the strategic panorama. This tension derives from theexistence of risks that are security related, economic, demographic, political, and social in nature. Serra stresses that the most important risks in the security field evolve from a possible failure in the consolidation of the European security and defense architecture, the uncertainty of Russia’s future, and the access to weapons of mass destruction. Other risks include cultural differences, the repercussions of emerging markets, and the crisis of the state. The author underlines that Spain, as a medium power, can play a role to promote dialogue, cooperation and solidarity as preventive policies, while underlining the importance of the Mediterranean for Europe.