Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has expressed confidence in the "operational success" of the security measures designed for the XXX Ibero-American Summit, taking place in Madrid. The summit will bring together more than 40 heads of state and government, along with their respective delegations, and representatives from international organisations such as the United Nations and the European Council.
To ensure the event runs smoothly, 3,250 personnel from Spain's security forces are being deployed from Wednesday, as part of a comprehensive security plan established by the Ministry of the Interior. This plan aims to protect over 2,000 participants and key venues associated with the summit, as well as vital urban areas in the city.
The majority of the security personnel will come from the National Police, contributing 1,800 officers, while the Civil Guard will provide 650 agents and an additional 800 will be from the Municipal Police of Madrid. Resources from the Ministry of Defence will also be involved in the operation.
Grande-Marlaska led a meeting with officials from all institutions involved in the security coordination centre (CECOR), located in the Royal Collections Gallery, one of the summit's official venues. This centre will remain active until the conclusion of the Ibero-American gathering.
The security planning encompasses not only the main venues but also the accommodations for delegations, their movements, arrivals, and departures related to various events, including pre-summit activities. The overall coordination is outlined in the Special Security Plan approved by the Secretary of State for Security, Aina Calvo.
As part of the Special Security Plan, the critical phase began on Wednesday and will continue until the summit concludes, with all operational units at their highest level of readiness. The CECOR includes representatives from the Secretary of State for Security, the National Police, the Civil Guard, the Royal Household's Security Department, the Government Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, and the Diplomatic Security Area of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Other participants include the Government Delegation in Madrid, Municipal Police, regional emergency services, the municipal fire service, and the Health Operating System of the Government Presidency.
