The Diplomat
On May 4, the agreement between Spain and Denmark on reciprocal protection of classified information in the field of defense entered into force.
The purpose of this agreement, published yesterday in the Official State Gazette, is to guarantee the protection of classified information generated or exchanged between the parties in the field of defense. The agreement will not affect the obligations of both countries under other bilateral or multilateral treaties, including agreements on reciprocal exchange and protection of classified information.
As reported by the Government after ratifying the text last September, this agreement will contribute to the preservation of Spain’s interests in its international relations, which sometimes require the exchange of information which, because it affects security or national interests, must have a degree of classification and be subject to special processes of use and handling in order to preserve its integrity.
In particular, manufacturing, assembly or supply contracts, in the field of the defense and armaments industry, often involve the sharing of confidential devices or procedures. It is therefore necessary to establish rules to enable States to share such classified information without risk. This agreement is therefore an essential legal instrument that will promote the development of the Spanish defense industry and bilateral trade in this sector.
The agreement was signed in Madrid on March 22, 2022, following authorization by the Council of Ministers on February 11, 2020. Last September, the Council of Ministers sent the text to the Spanish Parliament and authorized Spain’s consent to be bound by the agreement. Finally, the agreement was approved by both Chambers, a necessary requirement for any agreement affecting defense and official secrets legislation.
