MONS, Belgium - Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and U.S. European Command leaders met on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 for staff talks, reinforcing the strong collaboration and synchronisation between the two organisations.
The discussions focused on the Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area of Operations (DDA). The forum assists various staff members from SHAPE and EUCOM to enhance their coordination, understanding and mutual approach to issues in the region.
Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic area are paramount, and our overall readiness is strengthened by the alignment of our staffs through routine dialogue
“Working closely with the EUCOM Staff enables us to have a synchronised and comprehensive approach to existing security challenges across the Euro-Atlantic Area of Operations. Our primary responsibility is to continue delivering credible collective defence plans and effective deterrence and defence. That is exactly what we are doing,” said Admiral Joachim Rühle, SHAPE Chief of Staff.
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and U.S. European Command leaders met on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 in Mons, Belgium for staff talks, reinforcing the strong collaboration and synchronisation between the two organisations. - NATO photo by US NAVY MC2 Wesley Richardson
Discussions focused heavily on exercises, training, logistics and mobility, cyber capabilities and strategic communications. The meetings also covered ongoing operations and opportunities for future collaboration between the two headquarters.
“These talks are great opportunities to build upon well-established relationships, increase theater awareness, and improve collective understanding between our organisations. Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic area are paramount, and our overall readiness is strengthened by the alignment of our staffs through routine dialogue,” said U.S. Air Force Major General Adrian Spain, EUCOM Chief of Staff.
General Christopher G. Cavoli serves as both Supreme Allied Commander Europe and EUCOM commander. These talks create cohesion between the two distinct Headquarters staff members. The first official staff talks were hosted back in 2018 and now take place semi-annually, allowing for regular information sharing and increased transparency between the respective NATO and U.S. organisations.