On 31st October 2013, the NATO Defense College was honoured to receive the visit of General Patrick de Rousiers (FRA F), Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC), who delivered the traditional Eisenhower Lecture.
Upon arrival at the College, and after being welcomed by LtGen Arne Bård Dalhaug (NOR A), Commandant of the NDC, Gen de Rousiers signed the NDC guest book. He then met the Dean of the College, Dr Daria Daniels Skodnik (SVN C) and the Director of the NDC Academic Operations Division BGen Patrick Desjardins (FRA F). After this LtGen Dalhaug escorted Gen de Rousiers to the main auditorium to
introduce him to the audience.
The Eisenhower Lecture, which is given by a high-level guest speaker twice a year in the framework of the Senior Course, commemorates the founder of the NDC, General Dwight D. Eisenhower. As the most important lecture of the Course, it provides expert insights into current NATO and global affairs. On this occasion, Gen de Rousiers briefed the audience on “European Perspectives on Defence and Security Challenges”.
The issue discussed by Gen de Rousiers was truly inspiring in view of his in-depth knowledge of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). In his address, he gave an exhaustive analysis of contemporary security challenges and the priorities for Europe’s security and defence engagement. The lecture was much appreciated by all those present, including the Commandant, the Dean and senior NDC leaders, Members of Senior Course 123 and the NDC Faculty and Staff.
The lecture was followed by an interesting Q&A session, where listeners had the opportunity to exchange views with Gen de Rousiers on issues linked to the CSDP.
General Patrick de Rousiers joined the French Air Force Academy in September 1975, was awarded his fighter pilot wings in Tours on 30th January 1979 and was then posted to Cazaux AFB where he attended the operational fighter course, flying Mystere IV A. Since 1979, General Patrick de Rousiers has logged a total of 3,094 flying hours, of which 2,600 were on jet-engined fighter aircraft. He participated in 76 war missions around the world. In September 2002, he was promoted to Brigadier General. He joined MOD/General Staff in Paris as Assistant to the Vice-Chief of Defence Staff and Head, Studies and General Military Strategy office. In September 2004, he was Head, Euro-Atlantic Division in the Defence Staff in Paris, in charge of EU, NATO and UN relations, as well as bilateral relations with countries in the Northern hemisphere. He was promoted to the rank of Major General on 1st September 2005. From 2006 to 2008 he was appointed Air Defence and Air Operations Commander in Chief, at Taverny, Paris and Lyon. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on 1st August 2006. In September 2008, he was posted to Brussels as the French Military Representative to the European Union Military Committee, at the time of the French Presidency of the EU. In 2009, he was “dual-hatted” as French military representative to both the European Union and NATO Military Committees in Brussels. Since 1st September 2010, he has been working for the Minister of Defence, as Inspector General of the Armed Forces with the rank of General. Amongst his various remits, he was recently appointed as head of an interagency “defence and security threats and challenges” working group, for the updating of the French White Paper. Gen Patrick de Rousiers was appointed Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) on 6 November 2012.
The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the highest military body set up within the Council. It directs all EU military activities and provides the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advice and recommendations on military matters. The EUMC is composed of the Chiefs of Defence (CHOD) of the Member States, who are regularly represented by their permanent Military Representatives (MilReps). The EUMC has a permanent Chairman, selected by the Chiefs of Defence of the Member States and appointed by the Council.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Monica Fornari, ITA C)
NATO Defense College 
