— The director-general for External Relations and with the EU, Jesús Gamallo, inaugurated the 50^th  session of the ‘Online meetings Xunta-EU’,  moderated by Ana Ramos, the head of the Representation of the Government of Galicia in Brussels.

— Francisco Casalduero, representing the European Commission, and Farrah Lisa Meghazi, deputy director-general of the Government of Galicia, contributed the European and Galician perspectives.

— The meeting also featured the participation of Galicia’s specialised business sector, which plays a key role in the implementation of the Galician Strategy for Security, Defence and Space.

Brussels, the 24th of September 2025 – The director-general for External Relations and with the EU, Jesús Gamallo, inaugurated this morning a new edition of the ‘Online meetings Xunta-EU’, which have now reached their 50^thsession since being launched in 2020 the Representation of the Government of Galicia in Brussels. Its head of office, Ana Ramos, moderated the session, which on this occasion was devoted to European defence policy, an area that has gained prominence on the EU agenda following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In his remarks, the Director-General recalled the far-reaching measures recently announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: from the launch of the SAFE instrument with €150 billion available for joint procurement to the introduction of a defence preparedness plan with a 2030 horizon. Jesús Gamallo also explained that the proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework foresees allocating €131 billion to defence, security and space- five times the budget of the previous period. “An unprecedented effort,” he stressed, “that opens opportunities both for Member States and for regions.” In this context, he highlighted Galicia’s role, noting that it has been developing an aerospace ecosystem for years with dual civil and military applications.

After 50 sessions, the virtual meetings have brought the priorities of the European agenda closer to more than 700 representatives of the Government of Galicia.

This 50^th edition also had a special character, featuring the participation of representatives of Galicia’s business sector linked to the Strategic Initiative on Security, Defence and Aerospace. Their presence enabled a direct dialogue between the European Commission, the Government of Galicia and businesses, an essential step to strengthen Galicia’s position in a sector set to grow strongly within the EU.

Francisco Casalduero, adviser at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence (DG DEFIS), presented the Commission’s perspective on defence policy priorities, the instruments available and the opportunities for cooperation across territories. From a Galician perspective, Farrah Lisa Meghazi, deputy director-general for Industrial Promotion and Business Land, presented the Galician Strategy for Security, Defence and Space, which foresees a direct public investment of €183 million and the mobilisation of up to an additional €900 million. Its goal is to reinforce the business ecosystem, support innovation and consolidate Galicia as a national benchmark in these strategic sectors.

Online meetings Xunta-UE

More than 700 representatives of the Government of Galicia have taken part in the 50 sessions of the ‘Online meetings Xunta-UE’, held since 2020. The Representation of the Government of Galicia in Brusels launched this initiative during the COVID pandemic to inform about the EU’s response and the design of the 2021–2027 programming period. It has since evolved into a monthly forum for debating the most relevant issues on the EU agenda for Galicia.

Further information

— Galician Strategy for Security, Defence, and Space