Discussion focused on NATO's strategic direction in southern Europe. To help shape attendee input General FARINA provided the audience with Joint Force Command Brunssum’s experience in the North-East region. He particularly emphasized that, in the North-East, JFC Brunssum's Regional Focus initiative has successfully established a family of operational headquarters, resulting in a powerful network. This strong bond helps sustain a high level of regional understanding of security challenges amongst member and partner nations and, importantly, assists in the identification and prevention of security-related risks, provides a platform for consultation amongst the various stakeholders and generates a 360 degree synergy of effort.