Discussion Covers NATO Reform

The chapter discussed the plans and developments of the NATO reform with NATO leaders, German federal representatives and business leaders at a parliamentary event in Berlin in March. Attendees agree that many challenges still exist, and success is not yet certain. Parts of the NATO reform are changes to the civil and military command structures, as well as an agency reform. From 14 agencies today, only three will remain. Martin Erdmann, ambassador of Germany at NATO, stated that it is also a highly complex and political reform. Also, it is not very popular, said Gen. Manfred Lange, GEAF, chief of staff at the NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). In the new structure, five headquarters are planned as well as a reduction of staff from 13,000 to 8,000 people. This could impact education and responsiveness, said Gen. Lange. Georges D'hollander, general manager, NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency, outlined the positive effects on the NATO information technology services. Information technology will become more efficient, because it will be more customer-oriented with a perspective on the complete life cycle. Nearly 70 industry leaders, members of the German parliament, think tanks and academia joined the discussion.

Event Photographs: