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German general Breuer elected to head top NATO military body
Reuters • • world
Key Points:
- General Carsten Breuer, Germany's chief of defence, was elected as the next head of NATO's military committee, the alliance's top military authority, and will assume the role next summer.
- Breuer succeeds Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and will serve as the main military adviser to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a critical period for Euro-Atlantic security.
- The appointment comes amid increased European defense spending, driven by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and pressure from former US President Donald Trump for Europe to take greater responsibility for its defense.
- Germany aims to double its military expenditure to over €200 billion by 2030, with Breuer known for his leadership during the COVID-19 crisis and extensive military experience, including NATO service in Afghanistan.
- Lieutenant General Christian Freuding is expected to replace Breuer as Germany's chief of defence by the end of the year.
