"NATO is us." With these words, Major General Bernard Phaleg emphasised the significance of European countries’ role within the North Atlantic military alliance.
Speaking during a Defence Committee meeting in the Chamber on Wednesday, the strategic chief of staff was questioned by MPs about future relations with the United States as well as Belgium’s role in NATO, particularly in light of the upcoming US elections.
"The Americans are now focusing on the Pacific," he noted. However, he stressed that this does not mean European countries lack influence in the alliance. "NATO is us" (not just the United States), he reiterated.
He believes that regardless of the outcome of the US elections on 5 November, NATO and the role of the United States will remain intact. It will only represent a "shift in approach."
The Major General highlighted the necessity of bolstering defence capabilities within a European framework to strengthen the Atlantic alliance.
Top Ministry of Defence officials presented an overview to MPs during a morning Defence Committee hearing on Wednesday.
