While tensions remained high between France and the US this week over an Indo-Pacific defence deal that led to the collapse of a multi-billion-dollar contract for French submarines, a French general passed the baton of running a key NATO command centre to his fellow French Air Force officer
In a ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, General Philippe Lavigne took over command of the transformation of Allied Command, where NATO handles strategic thinking, from General André Lanat, who led the centre for three years.
The transfer of authority cemented France’s place at the helm of one of the military alliance’s two strategic command centres and the only NATO headquarters in North America. French officers have held the post since 2009, when Paris reversed its decision in 1966 to withdraw from the NATO command structure.
Lavigne’s appointment was announced in May. He was not affected by the disgraceful withdrawal from Afghanistan, which undermined the US credibility, nor by the rift in the submarine supply contract, which led to the recall of French ambassadors and rumours that Paris might again leave the integrated NATO military structure.
In fact, the transfer of command shows that even amid the squabbles over the defence pact between the US, Britain and Australia and renewed calls for Europe to end its military dependence on the US, France remains a firm pillar of the alliance.
“I fully understand France’s frustration. At the same time, NATO allies agree on the big picture, on the most important issues, and that is that we have to stand together” to face global challenges, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told The Associated Press this week.
U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron entered the conversation to reduce tensions. A statement issued after their phone call acknowledged that Europe can ensure its own security. The US, the statement said, “recognises the importance of a stronger and more capable European defence that contributes positively to transatlantic and global security and complements NATO”.
MSN