Overview
- The inaugural gala, which took place Monday at Madrid’s Royal Tapestry Factory, brought together the defence and interior ministers with top military, police and intelligence leaders.
- Notable honors included a Europe-focused award for Javier Solana, a career award for Julián García Vargas, and recognition of the frigate Victoria’s crew for freeing a hijacked merchant ship in the Indian Ocean.
- Prensa Ibérica president Javier Moll centered the event on the ethic of service, saying true service puts the common good ahead of self-interest.
- Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska praised Spain’s security forces as a global reference and framed the public sector as the pillar that holds the country together.
- El Periódico de España provided live updates during the ceremony and will publish a full multimedia recap on Tuesday with the complete list of winners.