NATO Headquarters and European Commission

NATO Headquarters

Yesterday we spent most of the day at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Since cameras were forbidden inside, I am only posting a quick shot from the front gate for your viewing pleasure.

The current status of NATO is the subject of much debate in Europe and the United States, and our briefings and discussions highlighted some of the most contentious areas. Our first briefing was on the development of NATO's new Strategic Concept - a document that provides an overarching strategic direction (i.e. role) for the entire alliance. The current Strategic Concept has not been updated since 1999, and is being revised to reflect the post-Balkan conflict and post-9/11 strategic environment. In light of NATO's recent expansion from 16 to 28 member states (including recent additions from Eastern Europe), achieving consensus will be a difficult task. Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright is heading up a team of experts to make initial recommendations to NATO on the new Strategic Concept.

We also received briefings on NATO-Russian relations and NATO operations in Afghanistan. Mr. Rolf Welberts, Head of Russia & Ukraine Relations, gave a fascinating talk on the current state of the relationship and shared some perspective and lessons learned from the Georgian conflict. Clearly, rebuilding trust between Russia and the west remains a challenge on a number of fronts. Our briefing on Afghanistan highlighted current NATO operations (approximately 40,000 NATO troops on the ground) and the long-term challenges ahead.

Secretary Gates' recent comments regarding the "pacification of Europe" provided some timely material to fuel good discussion during our NATO visit (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/23/pacification-europe-security-threat-us-nato).

After a pleasant lunch with NATO officials, we returned to the Hotel to prepare for our individual meetings. These meetings are specifically tailored based on the interests/specialties of each Fellow.

I met with a member of European Vice-President Reding's cabinet (Mr. Telmo Baltazar) to discuss transatlantic security equities. Telmo's depth of knowledge and familiarity with the United States was impressive - he actually worked in Washington for four years as a diplomat for the European Union, and worked extensively with DHS. We discussed a broad range of topics including civil rights, information sharing, fallout from the Christmas Day bombing attempt, and budget challenges.

European Commission Headquarters in Brussels

That evening, myself and two other Fellows (Blaine - Cleveland, Colleen - CA) were treated to dinner at GMF Deputy Director Corinna Hoerst's home. Other guests included Erick (prior MMF from Poland and now EU External Relations staff), Katrine (MMF selectee who will be travelling to the US this summer), and Marcela (MMF host). It was a great evening of discussion and companionship.

Dinner at Corrina's House with Blaine, Katrine, Marcella, Colleen, Corrina and Erick

The locals say this is the place to get good waffles in Brussels

Today (Tuesday) was a full day of briefings and discussions on the European Commission and European Parliament. We started the morning with the European Commission's Head of Relations with Canada and the U.S., Mr. Elis Matthews. We had a very frank discussion regarding the state of US-Euro relations, and opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.

Next we further explored US-Euro relations with Dr. Christiane Hoehn who overseas Weapons of Mass Destruction non-proliferation for the Council of the European Union. Later we had lunch in the European Parliament with four members, three of which were MMF Fellows.




European Parliament

Lunch with Parliament members

We finished the day with a discussion of lobbying and parliamentary practices with Jason Anderson, Head of European Climate and Energy Policy for the WWF.

After the final briefing, we said farewell to Christina Elvers, our superb city host, and had a final dinner in Brussels. Tomorrow we will separate into three groups as we travel to different cities over the next two weeks, ultimately rendezvousing together again in Bucharest, Romania.

Two sections of the Berlin Wall in front of the Parliament building

Thanks for a great visit, Christina!