By Jason Tudor
GCMC Public Affairs
Dr. Julian Lindley-French speaks to members
of EUCOM 2020 in Munich April 26.
(Photo by Karlheinz Wedhorn)
MUNICH, Germany -- Bold discussions about security policy in Europe and what direction European countries might take better than a decade from today took center stage during a conference here April 26 and 27.
Ambassadors, retired military flag officers and others from 29 countries as well as representatives of U.S. European Command participated in the "Envisioning the European Strategic Security Policy Environment of 2020" conference. The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies organized the event with nearly 70 participants, all former graduates of Marshall Center programs, attending.
Brig. Gen. Jeff Marshall, director of mobilization and reserve affairs for EUCOM, served as the co-chairman. He stressed the importance of what needed to be accomplished in the two-day event.
"This is an absolutely critical time for EUCOM," the general said. "The opportunities in front of us are just as important as the threats. It's important that we bring all of you together and listen to what you have to say," the general told the participants. "It's a big jigsaw puzzle. You have some of the pieces and we have some of the pieces."
Meanwhile, General Marshall also pointed out EUCOM's top issue today and stressed what it meant for everyone in the room planning for 2020.
"The number one issue is Afghanistan," the general added. "How we do in Afghanistan with relationship to NATO will have a big affect for all of us going forward."
The two-day event included a panel discussion as well as seminar breakouts. Candid talk about energy security, missile defense, environmental issues and more took center stage. Alvaro Ballesteros, a senior political officer for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said this conference is exactly what's needed now.
"This precisely touches upon all the issues," Mr. Ballesteros said. "Looking at the threat won't make them disappear. We have to plan for the best but always expect the worst. And some are not doing a very good job of that right now."
Discussion centered around several key factors including geopolitical, multilateralism and globalization, principles and beliefs, style of government and more. Dr. Ann Phillips, a professor at the Marshall Center, highlighted these factors and more during the discussion.
"We tend to view problems as technical problems to be solved with technical means, but our biggest problems are nontechnical and they will needed nontechnical solutions," she said. "
Dr. Julian Lindley-French, a guest speaker and professor at Leiden University, underscored General Williams' point. "If we get it wrong in Iraq and Afghanistan, our credibility will be gravely damaged," the professor said.
Dr. Lindley-French stressed a number of areas where Europe will evolve and offered advice for those planning.
"Doing better that which you have always done will not be enough," the professor said. "Some ages forgive mediocrity. This is no such age."
Dr. John Rose, director of the Marshall Center and the conference co-chairman, challenged members to perform "mental gymnastics" as he outlined potential scenarios in looking at Europe 11 years from now at the start of the conference. He also said ground gained during the conference will go a long way to setting the stage for 2020 planning.
"This was a critical and important look at these views and how they affect the future. We are excited by the responsiveness and input given by everyone who participated, and we're excited the Marshall Center played a role in helping plan an important piece of how we look at Europe going forward," Dr. Rose said.
The conference findings will be sent to Gen. Bantz J. "John" Craddock, EUCOM commander, for further use.
