On September 9 and 10, Loisach Group members met in person at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, after 18 months of virtual meetings  due to the Coronavirus pandemic. A group of German and American experts gathered for a discussion on the German-American strategic relationship in a time of geopolitical competition and increasingly complex threats.

In his opening remarks, Maj Gen (ret) Barry Sequin, the Director of the Marshall Center, noted that:

The Loisach Group is the quintessential program solely focused on strengthening the partnership between the United States and Germany by bringing together a group of leading security policy experts to discuss pressing transatlantic security issues and facilitate open and frank discussions on some of the most pressing security challenges facing the U.S. and Germany.

He further emphasized that “the German-American relationship is vital, as it sustains a stable and united Europe, drives transatlantic prosperity, and safeguards the international rules-based order.”

During the meeting, topics of discussion included: NATO’s new Strategic Concept, American and German relations towards the Western Balkans, and transatlantic relations in a time of geostrategic competition.  Other key points included  the need to: revitalize our transatlantic cooperation, strengthen our democracies at home, and work with our strategic competitors - confronting where we must, and cooperating where we can. It was also agreed that it is imperative to restore our leadership in international institutions so they can continue to represent our interests and values globally. A joint transatlantic vision and strategy is needed towards a rising China in ideological, economic, diplomatic, military, and informational domains and in the Balkans, we should focus on state functionality under international supervision and encourage civil society and citizen-led reform. The transatlantic bond should be prioritized and the Alliance reset to achieve consensus and convergence on the complex security environment in NATO’s next Strategic Concept. In addition, it was recognized that democracy within societies should be strengthened, as weak democracies are more susceptible to outward interference. Lastly, it was agreed that technological innovation is key for the future functioning of the Alliance, as is increasing our defense and deterrence capabilities.  

The Commanding General of the United States Army Europe and Africa U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli also addressed the Loisach Group members and noted the enhanced U.S. commitment to Europe, the improved alignment of U.S. operations in Africa with NATO allies, and the geostrategic importance of the Western Balkans for European and transatlantic security.

Mr. Tim Liston, the U.S. Consul General in Munich also addressed the meeting. He focused on the Transatlantic Alliance under the Biden Administration and emphasized that the German-American partnership is the backbone of the transatlantic alliance.

A special session of the meeting was devoted to the Euro-Atlantic future of the Western Balkans. Mr. Christian Schmidt, the High Representative for Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Ambassador Eric Nelson, the U.S. Ambassador the Bosnia and Hercegovina, joined this session virtually.

In future meetings, the Loisach Group will continue to address these challenges and work towards a joint vision and strategy, both regionally in the Western Balkans, as well as more internationally. The Loisach Group looks forward to continued collaboration with the Munich Security Conference and furthering the German – American partnership in this forum.