On 20 June 2024, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, attended the first Senior Executive Seminar (SES) at the NATO Defence College in Rome, where he delivered a keynote speech on "NATO at 75 and the Changing Security Landscape." The SES focused on pressing military and security challenges directly influencing political decision-making in NATO. Panel discussions included Russia's war on Ukraine, NATO deterrence and defence strategy and the Euro-Atlantic industrial capacity. The seminar is designed for senior advisors to Heads of State and Government in Allied nations and was opened by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mr Mircea Geoană.
In his keynote speech Admiral Bauer highlighted that we face the most dangerous world in decades where a number of conflicts have global consequences. "The biggest one is Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Our message is clear: Moscow cannot wait us out. Our support to Ukraine is unwavering," Admiral Bauer said, adding that in many ways NATO is now in uncharted waters. "But essentially, this war places NATO firmly back in its roots. We are once again in an era of collective defence," the Chair said. Noting the importance of the NATO Summit in Washington in July he underscored how Allies have created a shield of deterrence "that has been a foundation for peace, stability and prosperity on our soil, for 75 years."
Reflecting on the changing security landscape Admiral Bauer said that China presents a growing challenge by building up its military capabilities without any form of transparency and providing critical components for the Russian defence industry. "China cannot have it both ways: you cannot expect to have a fruitful economic relationship with the West and at the same time fuel a war in Europe." he said.
The Chair underlined the need to strengthen the Euro-Atlantic Defence Industry Capacity. "NATO and national military planning are integrated like never before. In order to be successful, these plans will have to go hand in hand with much higher stocks of ammunition and spare parts, made possible by a steep increase of production capacity in our defence industries. Which is not the case yet," Admiral Bauer said. Following the speech he also answered questions from participants.
The Senior Executive Seminar was hosted by the NATO Defense College in collaboration with the Aspen Institute Italy. The speaker´s expertise in defence and security and active engagement by participants, fostered strategic thinking and collective understanding, contributing to the strength and resilience of NATO.
