The first European stop in NDC Senior Course 115’s Transatlantic Field Study began in Paris. The Course had the opportunity to discuss current political and defence issues in the Desvallières lecture theatre at the French Military Academy (Ecole Militaire), where the French perspective on a variety of international security issues was presented.
The welcome address was delivered by Brigadier General Antoine CREUX, Chief of the EU/NATO/UN Division in the Joint Staff Headquarters, who also gave the introductory briefing. He focused on the current status of NATO-France relations, emphasising that France has been involved in NATO for the last 60 years. The essential principles of the new French defence policy are set out in White Paper 2008, which takes into account the evolution of the geopolitical context and the need to adapt to 21st century challenges. The lecture was followed by a discussion during which Senior Course Members explored other aspects of NATO defence and security issues of specific concern to France.
An overview on “Ongoing military operations” was presented by Brigadier General Patrick LEFEBRE, Coordination and Planning Cell, Joint Operations Command. He explained the international commitments of French forces, who take part in UN, NATO and EU peacekeeping operations and in crisis response operations in Europe, Africa and the rest of the world. This thought-provoking presentation led to a lively Q&A session.
The briefings concluded with a high level academic lecture on “ France’s Strategic Stakes” by Rear Admiral Jean DUFOURCQ, Strategic Research Institute of the Military Academy, who stressed that every nation’s strategic thinking is based on shared interests, values and responsibilities. A discussion took place after the lecture on common security and defence in Europe, NATO enlargement, the future of NATO, the diversity of threats, and other important security and defence policy related issues.
The final event of the visit was an address by Rear Admiral Pierrick BLAIRON, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, who emphasised the value of meetings with the NATO Defense College that enable both sides to share thoughts and reflections on the major issues confronting all members of the Atlantic Alliance. Admiral Blairon touched upon a number of topics, including France’s assumption of full member status in NATO’s command structure, the importance of the most powerful military Alliance, and reform of the NATO structure aimed at improving Alliance effectiveness. In response to the Admiral’s highly engaging speech, Lieutenant General LOESER, Commandant of the NDC, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing interest and support that underpin the already excellent relations between French Defence officials and the NDC. He concluded by thanking our hosts on behalf of all NDC participants.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Col. Daria DANIELS SKODNIK, SVN)
NATO Defense College