35 Chiefs of Navies reinforce their cooperation in Spain in the face of an increasingly crucial maritime scenario for security and the economy.

Spain will host on May 6th and 7th another edition of the Chiefs of European Navies Meeting (CHENS), the annual gathering of European naval chiefs, which this year brings together 35 top Flag Officers along with representatives from allied countries and international organizations.

This annual forum, which rotates among the participating countries, provides a high-level space for strategic dialogue on issues related to the maritime domain, where analyses are shared, common risks are identified, and cooperation mechanisms between navies are strengthened. Its importance has intensified in recent years, in parallel with the transformation of the maritime environment into a central scenario for European security and prosperity.

Admiral General Antonio Piñeiro Sánchez, Chief of Staff of the Armada (AJEMA), emphasized the crucial nature of this moment: “We are meeting in a context of special strategic significance, in which challenges to the international order demand a coordinated response, based on cooperation.”

The AJEMA also highlighted the international dimension of the meeting, which includes the participation of Ibero-American partners and representatives from the European Union, NATO, and the United States: “Coordination between organizations and nations is more important than ever to safeguard freedom of navigation, uphold international law, and preserve peace at sea.”

Currently, over 80% of global trade relies on maritime transport, between 95% and 99% of global Internet data is transmitted via submarine fiber-optic cables, and nearly half of the vehicles we use are imported by sea. Ports and essential infrastructures enable everything from digital communications to energy supply. This dependence makes maritime security a direct factor in economic stability and the wellbeing of our citizens: any disruption in this environment has immediate effects on our daily life.

From attacks on merchant ships in regions like the Red Sea, to strategic competition in areas like the Arctic, maritime events have an immediate impact on the global economy and international stability.

During CHENS 2026, the participants will analyze various key regions, from the Baltic to the Indo-Pacific, including the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the Red Sea, where recent incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of maritime routes and their global impact.

The CHENS program is structured around working sessions, and the discussions will be moderated by Navy Commanders. Top-level speakers with extensive experience in NATO and European Union operations, as well as in strategic planning and naval force command, will share lessons learned, analyze trends, and will advance a common vision for the employment of naval power in a multi-domain environment, where the sea increasingly interacts with the land, air, space, cyber, and cognitive domains.

Beyond the content of the sessions, the meeting strengthens personal relationships among naval leaders, an essential factor for effective cooperation in real-world scenarios. In an interconnected world, what happens at one point in the ocean can have immediate consequences thousands of kilometers away, making it necessary to share information, coordinate efforts, and act jointly. “Only through understanding and cooperation can we effectively face the challenges of the present and the future,” affirms Admiral General Piñeiro.