With the participation of military attachés from the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Poland, a seminar was held on Monday and Tuesday, February 10 – 11, 2025, at the Center for Security and Military Strategic Studies (CSMSS) as part of the 43rd General Staff Course within the subject of Regional Studies. The seminar focused on the topic „Defence Policy of Selected NATO States,“ emphasizing the challenges of modern warfare and their impact on the current situation in Europe and various regions.

The seminar was attended by the U.S. military and air attaché at the U.S. diplomatic mission, Colonel Thomas J. Graham; the defence attaché at the U.K. diplomatic mission, Colonel Jonathan Kitson; the German military and air attaché, Lieutenant Colonel (GS) Wiland Oerter; and the Polish defence attaché, Colonel Adam Krzyżanowski.

Each of the speakers introduced the General Staff Course participants to the key points of their respective National Security and Defence Strategies. The guests discussed the composition and modernization of their armed forces, including equipment, military aid to Ukraine, and other relevant topics. Particularly engaging discussions revolved around international security relations and collective defence, especially in the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as the close ties between the U.K. and the U.S. and current international threats.

According to the speakers, the European Union and NATO, as the two main pillars of the international security architecture, should remain complementary rather than competitive. They emphasized that collective defence, international law, and cooperation are essential for maintaining security and stability in the region.

During the discussion, which provided many thought-provoking insights for both the attendees and the guests, questions were raised regarding the possible deployment of European army to Ukraine and the use of Battlegroups.

Author: Col. Martin Botík