For more than 60 years, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) has worked with NATO and other partner nations to address regional issues and keep the peace in Europe and parts of the Middle East and Eurasia. From the Cold War to more recent conflicts in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Libya, EUCOM has prospered in action by being inextricably linked with its diplomatic partners. Forging and maintaining ongoing solid, trusted relationships with countries in EUCOM’s region helps expand everyone’s military capacity.

Partnering, in the same way that is at NATO's very foundation, is about building upon a shared interest. Strong partnerships allow for adaptability and shared security within an ever-changing global environment. Cohesive efforts and a solid understanding of each other’s capacity to react militarily readies the United States and its partners to respond cohesively to today’s global challenges and opportunities.

EUCOM is at the nucleus for NATO and other initiatives that develop stronger partnerships within the European theater. Its directorates of dedicated staff provide support like the Plans and Policy Directorate (J5) planning collaborative, robust military-to-military training with our European partners and Russia. The Logistics and Security Assistance Directorate (J4) provides humanitarian assistance, stepping in to build hospitals or schools or provide other aid as requested and within the parameters of EUCOM’s mission. The Command, Control and Communications Directorate (J6) conducts the largest multi-national telecommunication exercise in the world with Exercise Combined Endeavor; and its EUCOM’s Interagency Partnering Directorate (J9) that collaborates with public and private partners to help EUCOM achieve a “whole of society” approach to a wide cadre of issues.

EUCOM’s value as we move forward in today’s ever-changing world lies in its ability to maintain strong partners while proactively seeking to uncover new partnering opportunities with other countries within NATO enterprises, U.S. government entities, academics and NGOs to promote a peaceful, stable region.