Brunssum, The Netherlands - In an era of shifting global security dynamics, regional cooperation, an united Europe and strong transatlantic relations have never been more crucial. This principle was at the heart of discussions when the mayor of Eijsden-Margraten, Alain Krijnen, and his delegation of aldermen visited NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (HQ JFCBS) on March 14, 2025.
NATO’s presence in Brunssum is not just about military strategy—it’s about ensuring peace and stability for all European nations
HQ JFCBS, one of NATO’s two military units stationed at the Hendrik van Nassau-Ouwerkerk camp in Brunssum, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding not only the immediate region but the entire eastern flank of NATO—from Finland to Hungary. As a cornerstone of NATO’s defence architecture, this headquarters remains the only operational-level NATO command led by a European four-star general, underlining its strategic importance in European security and transatlantic defence cooperation.
During their visit, the delegation was warmly received by the Commander of JFCBS, Italian General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta. They attended a historical briefing on the site’s transformation from the former Hendrik state mine to a critical NATO command center, followed by an in-depth discussion on defence planning. General Miglietta hosted a working lunch for the delegation, reinforcing the importance of local cooperation in the face of emerging security challenges.
In his address, General Miglietta emphasized NATO’s commitment to deterrence and defence. "A strong, united Europe is key to our security. NATO’s presence in Brunssum is not just about military strategy—it’s about ensuring peace and stability for all European nations. A well-prepared alliance, supported by strong transatlantic ties, is our best safeguard against conflict," he stated.
The delegation received detailed insights into HQ JFCBS’s mission, which has grown even more critical since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. As one of NATO’s three operational-level headquarters, Brunssum is instrumental in protecting NATO territory, planning large-scale operations, and maintaining stability in central and northeastern Europe.
For the Euregio region—where national borders are a matter of minutes rather than miles—this alliance is more than a strategic necessity; it is a daily reality. The interconnected nature of this region underscores the importance of European unity, transatlantic cooperation, and defence collaboration in ensuring peace and stability.