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SHAPE, EUCOM hold staff talks in Mons

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 synchronization between the two organizations. (NATO photo by U.S. Navy MC2 Wesley Richardson)

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Photo by: U.S. Navy MC2 Wesley Richardson 

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 synchronization between the two organizations.

The discussions focused on the deterrence and defense of the Euro-Atlantic area of operations.  The forum assists various staff members from SHAPE and EUCOM to enhance their coordination, understanding and mutual approach to issues in the region.

“Working closely with the EUCOM Staff enables us to have a synchronized and comprehensive approach to existing security challenges across the Euro-Atlantic area of operations. Our primary responsibility is to continue delivering credible collective defense plans and effective deterrence and defense. That is exactly what we are doing,” said Adm. Joachim Rühle, SHAPE chief of staff. 

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 organizations. Deterrence and defense 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 Maj. Gen. Adrian Spain, EUCOM chief of staff.

Gen. 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. organizations.