U.S. European Command hosted U.S. chiefs of mission and senior policymakers March 16-17 for an annual conference to discuss the command’s support to U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic efforts in Europe.
“What happens with the Russia-Ukraine conflict will shape the European security environment for the next 20 years, with enormous implications for our nation and the Alliance,” said U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM). “Given this critical moment in our collective history, it was imperative that we bring together America’s diplomatic and military leaders in the region to discuss issues paramount to America and its roles in helping ensure its collective defense.”
The annual Chiefs of Mission conference gathered senior leaders from the command's headquarters, component commands, Department of State and more than 50 U.S. ambassadors and charge d’ affaires from across Europe to discuss whole-of-government support to America’s Allies and partners in the face of increasing threats and challenges across the region.
USEUCOM subject matter experts joined U.S. ambassadors and diplomats in panel discussions to engage on critical security topics including Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, crisis response, military mobility strategy and defense and deterrence along NATO’s eastern flank.
“America’s diplomatic corps is actively engaged in advancing the peace and security of Europe in partnership with our military colleagues,” said Amb. Dereck Hogan, principal deputy assistant secretary in the bureau of European and Eurasian affairs. “Sharing our unique perspectives on current and emerging security challenges facing Europe will facilitate our cooperation with NATO Allies and partners as we face these challenges together.”
The conference allows U.S. Defense and State Department leaders to come together in one location to discuss ways to merge strategic initiatives and work across the interagency to counter threats and strengthen partnerships in the region.
About USEUCOM
U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 military and civilian personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. For more information about USEUCOM, visit https://www.eucom.mil.