EU investment in strengthening the State Police's capabilities: a visit to Spain

From February 3 to 6, 2025, representatives of the State Police and the State Police College visited the Special Operations Group (G.E.O.) of the Spanish National Police in Guadalajara, Spain. The purpose of the visit was to identify the latest trends in the Spanish police's professional skills development and training, as well as to gain an understanding of the training infrastructure, equipment, and practical exercises.

During the visit, the Latvian representatives had the opportunity to learn about the structure of Spanish law enforcement agencies, the role of the Spanish National Police units and training centers in strengthening internal security, recruitment, and the training process. They also explored the infrastructure of the tactical training center, including a climbing tower with various practical elements, a canine center, a training range, etc. A significant benefit was the insights provided by G.E.O. officials on observations based on their previous practical training experience in the existing infrastructure and the necessary improvements that could be implemented in the construction of new infrastructure, etc.

Project No. VP/IDF/2024/5 "Strengthening the State Police's Response Mobility and Counter-Terrorism Capabilities by Establishing a Practical Training Center" is being implemented within the framework of the European Union's Internal Security Fund's 2021-2027 planning period, for which the managing institution in Latvia is the Ministry of the Interior. The project is co-financed by the European Union's Internal Security Fund. The implementation period is from 04/01/2024 to 12/31/2029."