Discussing challenges facing NATO in the Netherlands

Commander of Hungarian Defence Forces attends Northern Commanders’ Conference

Text: Hungarian Defence Forces Command | 14:36 December 9, 2021

The Northern Commanders’ Conference was held at NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum, the Netherlands between 6–8 December. Prior to the event, chiefs of defence of NATO member countries discussed current issues in security policy and epidemiology during a videoconference. At the meeting, Hungary was represented by Lieutenant General Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, Commander, Hungarian Defence Forces.

In view of the pandemic situation, the meeting of NATO chiefs of defence took place in videoconference format to review current issues in security policy, epidemiology and illegal migration. The participants agreed that the challenges facing NATO can be effectively tackled through enhancing joint situational awareness, sharing information among allied nations and coordinating their activities.

Following the videoconference, starting from 6 December, the participants of the Northern Commanders’ Conference were holding a discussion in person about the challenges facing NATO. Speaking at the conference, Lieutenant General Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi emphasized that Hungary maintains its intention of assuming an outstanding role in peace support operations of the Alliance. The commander added that Hungary is open to expanding the scope of existing bilateral relations with NATO member countries in fields related to defence policy and the development of defence industry.

The commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces also pointed out that Hungary has been making significant troop contributions to peacekeeping operations in the Western Balkans for decades. Our country views the stability of the Western Balkans as essential, therefore we are contributing significant forces to KFOR-led operations. Our contribution of more than 600 troops to KFOR and the EUFOR Operation Althea makes up more than two-thirds of the Hungarian Defence Forces’ international engagement.

During the meeting, the Hungarian commander also talked about the activities of the Székesfehérvár-based Headquarters Multinational Division – Centre (HQ MND-C) and the also Székesfehérvár-based NATO Force Integration Unit Hungary (NFIU HUN). According to the lieutenant general, countries of the Central European region must continuously face new challenges in a changing security environment, therefore these organizations offer an efficient means for tackling challenges to regional security.