Brussels, Belgium – NATO military leaders have elected German General Carsten Breuer as the next chairman of the alliance’s Military Committee, its highest military authority and a key advisory body to political leaders. He is set to take up his duties next summer, succeeding Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
Brouwer elected during the Copenhagen meeting
Dragone, the current chairman of the military committee comprising representatives of the alliance’s 32 member states, announced Brouwer’s election during a meeting held in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
Breuer currently serves as the German Chief of Staff and is scheduled to move to the chairmanship of NATO’s Military Committee next summer, becoming the chief military advisor to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Dragone congratulated the German general, noting that his operational experience, deep knowledge of the alliance, and leadership of the German armed forces would be in service to NATO.
Military responsibility at a sensitive stage
Brewer’s selection comes at a time when NATO is facing rapidly evolving security and political developments, amid debate within the alliance about the future of defense responsibilities between the United States and European countries.
The Military Committee provides military advice to the Alliance’s political leadership and is a key link in coordinating the military positions of member states.
The position of Chairman of the Committee is of particular importance as he is the highest-ranking military official in the Alliance, amid ongoing discussions about strengthening European defense capabilities.
US demands increased European role
Brewer’s anticipated appointment coincides with US President Donald Trump’s demand that European countries take greater responsibility for the defense of the continent, after decades in which the United States played the leading role in this area.
These developments present the new military leadership with issues related to strengthening cooperation between alliance members and coordinating defense capabilities, at a time when NATO is seeking to deal with the security challenges facing Europe and the North Atlantic region.
Brewer is expected to officially begin his duties after Dragone’s term ends next summer, to take over the leadership of the alliance’s highest military body in the next phase.