Observatory on European defence, September 2013

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SEPTEMBER 6
SECRETARY GENERAL OPENS NATO ENERGY SECURITY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN VILNIUS
During its second day visit to Vilnius (Lithuania), NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has officially inaugurated the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence with the Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaité. During the event, Rasmussen stated that “this institution is the right thing, in the right place and at the right moment. It will provide with studies on the development of energetic issues and new training options for Allies. Furthermore, it will allow NATO to improve its energy management and make our forces “greener” and more efficient.” One of the major goals of the new NATO Centre is to form and bring a common interest in relation to energy, as well as proposing research projects, workshops, conferences and training activities.

SEPTEMBER 2
NEW DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF NATO’S MILITARY COMMITTEE
U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Mark O. Schissler is the new Deputy Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee. The NATO Deputy Chairman is in charge of assisting the President of the Military Committee and has a direct responsibility for CBRN’s threats. During the ceremony of his assignment, Lieutenant Schissler declared “to be honored to be part of the alliance and to work with all Member States to deal with challenges threatening international security.”

SEPTEMBER 13
NEW HEAD OF THE EU MISSION IN GEORGIA
Toivo Klaar has been appointed new head of mission for EU operation in Georgia (EUMM Georgia), taking over the post of ambassador Andrzej Tyszkiewicz. The EU monitoring mission in Georgia was extended until the 14^th of December 2014 with a budget of €26.65 millions. The mission started in 2008 following Russia-Georgia conflict to verify Russia’s withdrawal from the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Currently, 260 members from 26 Member States take part to the mission.

SEPTEMBER 23
EU MISSIONS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO EXTENDED
The Council of the European Union has extended the two EU missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, EUPOL and EUSEC, until the 30^th of September 2014. EUPOL RD Congo sustains Congo efforts in the implementation of the security sector reform and its interactions with the judiciary system. The mission has an annual budget of 6.3€ millions and comprises of 40 staff members. On the other hand, EUSEC Congo assists the Congolese authorities to promote policies in respect to human rights and legal institutions, as well as a good governance and accountability. This is composed of 40 members and has an annual budget of 8.5€ millions.

SEPTEMBER 24
NEW COMMANDER FOR THE EU MISSION IN SOMALIA
On the 24^th of September, Colonel Lorenzo Cucciniello is the new Commander of the Mentoring, Advisory and Training Element (MATE) of the EU Mission in Somalia. He replaces Italian Colonel Gerolamo Demasi, in a ceremony that took place in Mogadishu, where MATE is located. EUTM Somalia is non-executive mission, whose mandate foresees to help Somali forces at the tactical, operational and strategic planning. Its main headquarters is in Kampala, Uganda.

SEPTEMBER 24
UKRAINE JOINS NATO’s “OCEAN SHIELD” IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
After the North Atlantic Council approval, Ukraine frigate “Hetman Sahaydachnyy” has joined NATO’s counter piracy operation in the Horn of Africa, Ocean Shield. The Ukraine frigate will reach NATO’s operation in a month and will join two other frigates, HNOMS Fridtjof Nansen e la USS De Wert, to fight piracy in the region.

SEPTEMBER 26
BULGARIA JOINS THE BUILDING INTEGRITY TRUST FUND
NATO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Alexander Vershbow has initiated the ceremony that led Bulgaria to join the “Building Integrity Trust Fund,” which already sees the participation of five other nations, including Belgium, Norway, Poland, Switzerland and UK. Funds’ resources are allocated to improve transparency and accountability in the defense and security sectors. NATO Deputy Secretary General welcomed Bulgaria’s decision to join the fund, underscoring its relevant role in the promotion of cooperation between Defense Ministers of the East Europe Allies.