The 23 July 2013 was another important day in COE history as the Republic of France became a new member of the JCBRN Defence COE. The number of Sponsoring Nations, which have decided to support NATO’s transformation process in the CBRN area, has now increased from eleven to twelve.
The Signing Ceremony took place in Brussels, under umbrella of Framework Nation the Czech Republic MILREP MG Jiri Baloun, where all Sponsoring Nations Military Representatives together with the Allied Command Transformation representative and French Military Representative signed the respective Notes of Joining to participate in the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Establishment, Administration and Operation of the JCBRN Defence COE (Operation MOU) as well as in the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Functional Relationship regarding the JCBRN Defence COE (Functional Relationship MOU).
The MG Jiri Baloun in his opening speech said “He is honored that France decided to join the JCBRN Defence COE as a Sponsoring Nation. Adding French nation’s presence and technical expertise to the JCBRN Defence COE team would represent a significant milestone for the organization and I am confident that your contributions to the COE and NATO will be significant. This is as good example and message for other COEs in enlarging and increasing their capabilities. I would like to wish to all Sponsoring Nations and COE Director and his staff great success in their mission in supporting new NATO challenges in the field of CBRN defence”.
After signing respective Notes of Joining the JCBRN Defence COE became fourth largest COE with 12 Sponsoring Nations from 18 existing accredited COEs in NATO.
The Centre is now expecting and preparing for the arrival of its latest addition from the France, who will be posted and appointed as the Operation Support Department Director of the JCBRN Defence COE.
Author: CPT Ilona Chylikova