NATO and Romanian Ministry of Defense representatives activated the Multinational Division Southeast headquarters in Bucharest, Romania today (1 December 2015), marking its official integration into the NATO command structure. The new, high-readiness headquarters will be able to command forces deployed within NATO’s southeast region, supporting the defence of the Alliance. It will also be a hub for regional cooperation among Allies. The headquarters is designated to have 280 personnel.

“The Multinational Divisional Headquarters Southeast is an important contribution to NATO’s collective defence. Today’s inauguration demonstrates that the implementation of the Readiness Action Plan is on track and on time”, said Major General Josef Blotz, Director of Operations and Planning Division in the International Military Staff at NATO Headquarters. The Readiness Action Plan, which was approved at the 2014 Wales Summit, provides a comprehensive package of measures to respond to the changed security environment on NATO’s borders and beyond.

“This new headquarters, led by Romanian armed forces members, will assure NATO allies of an increased readiness and capability, not only for the Southeast region, but for all NATO territories,” said Allied Joint Force Command Naples Deputy Commander, Canadian Air Force Lieutenant General Alain Parent. Joint Force Command Naples will serve as the operational control of the Multinational Divisional Headquarters Southeast, which will help ensure that NATO is ready to meet potential threats to the Alliance now and in the future.