NATO’s New Force Model: Operationalising Collective Defence

On 7 March 2023, the Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations and CSDS organised an event on NATO’s new force model and collective defence. Over 50 people joined for this invitation-only event, as participants listened to a keynote address by Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer. The admiral provided an overview of NATO’s military efforts since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and audience members learned about the challenges associated with developing credible defence and deterrence. Following Admiral Bauer’s speech, Prof Dr Alexander Mattelaer moderated a panel discussion between Admiral Bauer, Major General Vincent Descheemaeker from the Belgian army and Dr Daniel Fiott, Head of the Defence and Statecraft programme at CSDS. The organisers were also honoured to welcome a number of dignitaries to the event, with high-ranking officials from the Belgian Parliament, Belgian military, European institutions and students engaging in the debate.