The Military Requirements of European Security – Burden-Sharing in Principle and Practice

Dear Colleagues,

 at the American Circle we would like to take stock of where we stand in terms of Europe’s security. What threats does the continent face and how prepared are we in NATO? And what does it cost us?

 NATO member states have pledged to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense per year by 2024. So far 23 have reached that target, Germany included. But is it enough, and if not, how do we balance the demands of increased defense expenditures with already stretched national budgets?

 Some 80 years ago, it was the United States and Great Britain who defended democracy and brought peace and stability to Europe. Today 32 nations share this responsibility. How does that burden-sharing play out on both sides of the Atlantic and what are the expectations?

 To discuss the topic in more depth, we’ve invited Lieutnant General Andrew M. Rohling, Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, the highest military authority in the alliance.

The general will give a 15- to 20-minute talk titled “The Military Requirements of European Security – Burden-Sharing in Principle and Practice”, after which there will be time to explore the issues in a question-and-answer session. 

The event is scheduled for 12:30 on March 6, 2025, in La Redoute in Bad Godesberg.

This is your personal invitation. Lunch is followed by the general’s talk and time for questions and discussion. The costs (30,00 EUR) for the lunch are collected in cash upon arrival at La Redoute.

We ask for a binding commitment by February 30. Please understand that if you cancel after March 3, you will have to pay for the food provided.

Kindly inform us of any special dietary requirements (intolerances, vegetarians) when you register.

We look forward to your attendance.

  Best regards

  Kristin Zeier