The fifth stop on the Summer Field Study was Budapest, Hungary, 18 – 21 June. The Hungarians had done an impressive planning, and the overall conduct of the visit was impeccable both academically and culturally. Also the weather was on the side of the hosts so after almost two weeks of travelling the Course members and Staff appreciated the outstanding hospitality. Normally NDC stays two nights in every Capital, except when the visit is connected to a weekend were the stay will be three nights, as on this occasion.
Our academic day at the Museum and Institution of Military History, so ably organized by BG Katona and his staff, provided a valuable overview of Hungarian Security Policy, set within its unique geopolitical context. It was such a positive mix of views and opinions for Senior Course (SC) 114 to appreciate. It was particularly good to welcome Secretary Bali, himself a graduate of NDC, Chief of Defence Staff (CHOD), Gen Tombol, and Amb Gyarmati, a member of the NDC Academic Advisory Board.
SC 114 was given a broad and extensive review, by Mr Bali, MoD State Secretary for Defence Policy, offering challenging and frank views on a range of issues: NATO HQ reform, NATO-EU Harmonization, ISAF, Common Funding, Transformation and the need to pursue a Comprehensive Approach to security; his discussion was pitched at the level of conceptual thought, which is precisely what NDC seeks for its Course Members.
Amb Mayer, Amb at large for the Nabucco Gas Pipeline Project, presented the intention of Hungary to improve its energy security by diversifying both sources and routes, and increasing storage capacity. The political tensions and difficulties inherent within this policy, and the inevitable challenge to Russian energy monopoly were also explained. Russia was described as an essential, but complicated partner. Similar to other nations visited, Hungary acknowledged the challenge, and the necessity, of having to find a workable, partnering relationship with Russia.
We were given a broad and extensive review of the factors which Hungary considers essential in forming its Security and Defence policy. The clear point, and one the SC very much enjoyed hearing, was that NATO, at both the Military and Political levels, must set achievable levels of ambition to reinforce credibility. The CMs were impressed by Hungary’s determination to offer frank and honest views, with the courage to ‘break silence’ if necessary. Overall it was a masterly summary of Hungarian Security policy.
Gen Tombol, CHOD, highlighted the missions in which Hungarian Armed Forces are participating in. It became obvious that the level of ambition for a relatively small army undergoing reform is very high, and all CMs were impressed by the Hungarian efforts to meet these challenges.
Mr Gyarmati, Amb, treated SC 114 to a full and frank discussion concerning, in his view, the lack of proper strategic debate within NATO. He offered the thought that a strategy which fails to address the essential issues of any situation, will itself fail, and floated some very challenging ideas concerning the need to reject ambiguous and dissembling language and pursue clear articulation. He was equally candid concerning NATO’s ability to perform Collective Defence, not as an intention, but as a capability. His talk integrated marvellously with Secretary Bali and General Tombol, to provide a masterly summary of Hungarian Security policy. NDC is sure it will be a catalyst for further discussion and debate for our Course Members, especially as focus intensifies on the New Strategic Concept for NATO.
The superb reception at the Stefania Palace, so warmly hosted by MoD State Secretary Vadai, and the cultural program with boat trip on the Danube, visit to the ethnic museum of Skanzen and the programme in Visegrad was very much appreciated by the Course Members and gave us all a good insight in Hungarian history.
Overall, our time in Budapest was a great success and gave us exactly what we needed. Hungary is such a strong supporter of the NDC with Course Members, Faculty Advisors, and of course, our current NDC Director of Management.
Prepared by Captain Harald Hakonsen, NOR N
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN