The 23rd Berlin Security Conference, held this week, brought together key political, military, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss pressing security and defence issues. This year’s theme, “NATO, EU and their Allies: Deterring Threats to Freedom and Democracy,” focused on NATO’s future challenges, particularly relations with Russia and the role of emerging technologies in defence.
General Chris Badia, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, participated in a key panel alongside NATO’s top military leadership, including Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, and Admiral Sir Keith E. Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The panel reviewed NATO’s 75-year history and addressed the future of the Alliance’s structure and operations, including lessons learned from past engagements in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
Additionally, General Badia chaired the “High-Level Military Forum: Deterrence and Defence in and for Europe,” which brought together Chiefs of Defence from Germany, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Estonia, and The Netherlands to discuss collective defence and the evolving security landscape in Europe.
During his panels with senior leaders, General Badia outlined a strategy for success following the Washington Summit. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, combining military capabilities with societal resilience and industrial capacity. While NATO’s core mission remains defensive, the Alliance must also possess offensive capabilities to deter potential adversaries. Plans must be actionable, forces must be ready, and interoperability must be strengthened. To achieve these goals, NATO must be willing to take calculated risks and accelerate decision-making.
The participation of General Badia representing NATO Allied Command Transformation at the Berlin Security Conference highlights how critical it is that NATO is prepared future security challenges. Allied Command Transformation’s mission to transform NATO for the future is essential as the Alliance adapts to threats in multiple domains—land, air, maritime, cyber, and space. General Badia’s presence ensures that discussions at events like the Berlin Security Conference remain forward-looking, addressing emerging challenges and the integration of new technologies into NATO’s strategic framework.
Quick Facts:
- The Berlin Security Conference is one of Europe’s largest forums for security and defence policy, featuring over 140 distinguished speakers.
- Key topics in 2024 included NATO’s 75th anniversary, the integration of Sweden and Finland, and the implications of the war in Ukraine.
- Allied Command Transformation plays a pivotal role in driving NATO’s transformation, ensuring the Alliance remains adaptable and capable in an increasingly complex security landscape.
- The Berlin Security Conference remains a vital platform for discussing NATO’s future direction and ensuring the Alliance’s preparedness for future security challenges.