On April 15, 2013, the Atlantic Council hosted General Philip M. Breedlove, President Barack Obama’s nominee for Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and commander, US European Command (EUCOM), for a strategy session to discuss the challenges he would encounter in his new role.

If confirmed, General Breedlove’s major priorities will include the Afghan security transition, the Arab Spring, and the way ahead for the US-Russia relationship. The discussion featured transatlantic security experts and touched upon how NATO should reposition itself to tackle emerging security challenges, what should NATO’s role be in the Middle East and North Africa, and the Alliance’s relevance in today’s ever-changing world.

For over three decades, General Breedlove has served with distinction in assignments at all levels of the US Air Force and around the globe, from Washington to Germany, Italy, Spain, and South Korea. He is currently serving as commander, United States Air Force Europe; commander, United States Air Force Africa; commander, Headquarters, Allied Air Command, Ramstein; and director, Joint Air Power Competence Center.

The event was part of a series of strategy sessions hosted by the Atlantic Council for prominent officials transitioning to important new positions. The Atlantic Council has previously hosted similar sessions for NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Derek Chollet, outgoing Supreme Allied Commander Europe Admiral Jim Stavridis, and former Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Stéphane Abrial, among others.