EU, NATO Military Chiefs Discuss Enhancing Cooperation

On Friday, Michel van der Laan, Director General of the EU Military Staff, met with Janusz Adamczak, Director General of NATO’s International Military Staff, to explore avenues for strengthening collaboration between the European Union and NATO.

The discussions took place during the 22nd EU-NATO Military Staff Directors-General Conference, held biennially to exchange views, review progress on the joint action plan, and discuss ongoing cooperation between the two organizations, according to a NATO statement.

Both parties highlighted the conference as a prime example of productive cooperation, emphasizing its role in advancing EU-NATO relations. They underlined the importance of close and deep collaboration in addressing global security challenges, including conflicts, instability, and violence not only in Europe but also worldwide.

Specific topics discussed included the current security situation on the EU’s eastern borders, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as their impact on EU-NATO relations. The participants stressed the need for enhanced coordination to achieve shared objectives.

The agenda also covered the development of joint education, training, exercises, defense capabilities, logistical cooperation, cyber defense, and civilian protection. Furthermore, the two sides explored emerging areas of collaboration, including EU military assistance to Ukraine and NATO's security and training support for Ukraine, along with potential cooperation in space operations.

This meeting underscored the critical need for stronger ties between the EU and NATO, ensuring they are well-prepared to address contemporary security challenges effectively.