On 2 June 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris welcomed José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, for a day of exchanges on European politics, international security, and transatlantic relations. The event was structured into two sessions, each led by a distinguished moderator, creating a balance between journalistic inquiry and strategic analysis.

The morning breakfast was moderated by Bryan Carney of The Wall Street Journal and brought together journalists and experts. Aznar reflected on Spain’s challenges in the wake of the global financial crisis, while also offering his views on the European Union’s cohesion and Spain’s place within NATO. His remarks opened the door to a frank discussion on Europe’s ability to respond collectively to political and economic uncertainty.

At the lunch session, moderated by Renaud Girard, politicians, diplomats, and policymakers gathered to examine broader questions of international security and the transatlantic partnership. Aznar emphasised the enduring importance of European-American relations for global stability and addressed the strategic concerns emanating from the Middle East.