Copenhagen to elect chair of NATO Military Committee — Politico Europe
On September 19, the chiefs of defence of 32 NATO member states are to elect a new chair of the Alliance’s Military Committee in Copenhagen. Germany’s chief of defence, General Carsten Breuer, and Canada’s top military officer, General Jennie Carignan, are vying for the post.
As Politico Europe reports, the vote will be secret. The count will stop as soon as one candidate secures a majority — at least 17 votes. The final distribution of votes will not be announced.
The role of the Military Committee
The Military Committee is NATO’s highest military body. Its chair provides the allies with military advice, including on the feasibility of operations, funding and required capabilities. The chair also oversees the work of dozens of NATO military personnel working groups and helps build consensus on military recommendations.
The election takes place before the start of talks on NATO’s next four-year military planning cycle, which are due to begin in October. According to the publication, the post requires the trust of both the military and political leadership of Alliance member states.
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Candidates and procedure
A NATO diplomat and two European national security officials who spoke to Politico Europe on condition of anonymity consider Breuer the favorite. He has served as Germany’s chief of defence since 2023 and, in his campaign, emphasized Germany’s role in the NATO 3.0 concept and his ties with colleagues.
Carignan has led the Canadian Armed Forces since 2024. According to the publication, she focused her campaign on strengthening the role of the Military Committee and preserving transatlantic unity within the Alliance. Canada’s Department of National Defence said her candidacy reflects the country’s longstanding commitment to NATO, collective defence and transatlantic security.
The new chair of the Military Committee is expected to begin work in July next year, replacing Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
