Universidad Pontificia Comillas has inaugurated the first university chair in Europe exclusively dedicated to Strategic Autonomy, consolidating its position as a leading institution in International Relations and Security Studies. The initiative reflects Comillas’ commitment to multidisciplinary research and to advancing Europe’s intellectual and policy capacity in an increasingly complex international environment.
The Chair on Strategic Autonomy Studies will be co-directed by Margaritis Schinas, former Vice-President of the European Commission, and Emilio Sáenz-Francés, Professor of International Relations at Comillas. It aims to deepen academic and policy-oriented reflection on how Europe can strengthen its ability to act independently and coherently in global affairs, while remaining an engaged and responsible international partner.
An Academic Initiative of Strategic Relevance
Strategic autonomy has emerged as one of the central concepts defining Europe’s political, economic, and security agendas. The new Chair will contribute to this ongoing debate through rigorous research, interdisciplinary cooperation, and public dialogue, linking scholarly expertise with institutional and societal priorities.
At its inauguration, distinguished representatives from government, industry, and academia emphasized the urgency of reinforcing Europe’s strategic capabilities. The Prime Minister of Greece described strategic autonomy as “a cornerstone of Europe’s action in the coming years.” Ana Pastor, former President of the Spanish Congress, highlighted the importance of technological sovereignty, while senior executives from Airbus and SENER Group underlined the need for deeper European cooperation in defense, innovation, and industrial strategy.
© Comillas Pontifical University
© Comillas Pontifical UniversityStrengthening European Cooperation Through Knowledge
The creation of this Chair holds significance well beyond Spain. As part of EUPeace – the European University Alliance for Peace, Justice, and Inclusive Societies, the initiative directly supports the alliance’s mission to generate knowledge, foster dialogue, and build capacity for a more resilient and cohesive Europe.
By promoting joint research, academic mobility, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Chair will serve as a catalyst for intellectual exchange across EUPeace member universities. It illustrates how higher education institutions can play a decisive role in shaping Europe’s strategic reflection and in preparing future leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges through informed, ethical, and inclusive approaches.
A Commitment to Europe’s Strategic Future
Through its research, teaching, and outreach activities, the Chair on Strategic Autonomy Studies aspires to become a centre of excellence for policy-relevant scholarship on Europe’s evolving role in the world. Its creation reaffirms Comillas’ and EUPeace’s shared commitment to strengthening the intellectual foundations of peace, justice, and security—and to advancing Europe’s capacity for autonomous, responsible, and forward-looking action on the global stage.
