Alliance chiefs choose Breuer in Copenhagen
Military leaders from NATO's 32 member countries gathered in Copenhagen and selected German General Carsten Breuer as the next chair of the alliance's military committee, the advisory body that serves its political leadership. He is due to take up the post next summer, inheriting it from Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. Dragone endorsed the choice, crediting Breuer with strong operational judgment and leadership and describing the confidence the alliance has placed in him at a pivotal moment for Euro-Atlantic security.[S1]
A changing alliance and a bigger German budget
Breuer steps into the role as NATO undergoes substantial change. Washington has been urging European governments to assume greater responsibility for their own defense, and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, together with earlier pressure from former President Trump, prompted many European states to raise their defense budgets. Germany intends to double its military spending to more than €200 billion by 2030, a commitment that will shape the resources available to the alliance.[S1]
Breuer, 61, is widely referred to as the chancellor's general. He joined the Bundeswehr in 1984 and has held a series of senior posts, including service in Afghanistan. Before the year is out, Germany's current army chief, Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, is expected to succeed him in his present position.[S1]
