OPEWI/IRSEM conference – Save NATO

Right before the next NATOsummit (June 24-25 of 2025), OPEWI draws many lessons from its “Save NATO” event:

1/ Very strong interest on this “Save NATO” topic, especially from the European Parliament, Central/Eastern Europe and Ukraine; and from the youngest generation (20-30 years old).

2/ All see the value of more European ownership of NATO while believing that NATO’s command should be led by an American still. As it will take at least ten years to replace US capabilities, our panel’s consensus was that NATO’s top military command (SACEUR) should remain American for the time being.

3/ While the EU cannot assume full responsibility for the continent’s defence and deterrence in the medium term, Europeans are already assuming more tasks within NATO. Two forward looking ideas emerged: a) proposing European shadow commanders alongside American top generals serving in Europe; b) giving the EU full control of logistics, sustainment and military mobility matters on its own continent (which NATO takes care of via JSEC nowadays).

This conversation is only beginning. Count on OPEWI for more on this.