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SZCZECIN, Poland – On 1-2 August, Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE), visited Hungary and Slovakia to meet with the personnel of NATO Force Integration Units (NFIUs). Additionally, von Sandrart discussed a variety of defence topics with military leaders in the region. 

While in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, on 1 August, LTG von Sandrart held bilateral talks with LTG Zsolt Sándor, the Deputy Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF). The office call served as an opportunity to discuss matters of common interest. Both leaders agreed that the NATO member states have to continue the close partnership in order to adapt to the constantly changing security environment. In addition, the areas of discussion included cooperation between NATO's units and headquarters, as well as planning and training, according to the rule: "Train to plan and train the plan".

LTGs von Sandrart and Sándor exchange crests during the MNC NE Commander's visit to Hungary / Photo by MAJ Harnócz

LTG von Sandrart arrives at NFIU Hungary, and is welcomed by the unit's Deputy Commander, LTC Franzin / Photo by MAJ Harnócz

During his visit to Hungary, LTG von Sandrart met with the personnel of Headquarters Multinational Division Centre and NATO Force Integration Unit Hungary. The NFIU Commander, COL Topor, introduced von Sandrart to the unit's current activities. "If there were no NFIUs, one would have to invent them. They are the spider in the web," the MNC NE Commander stated, emphasizing the crucial role which these units play in NATO's efforts to enhance the collective security of the Alliance. On the occasion, LTG von Sandrart received briefings by the HDF military experts about the aims, status and results of the HDF modernization programme, and was updated on the NATO battlegroup in Hungary.

At NFIU Hungary, the Corps Commander awarded his commendations to the selected personnel, and addressed the NFIU service members: "NFIU Hungary accomplishes its mission to strengthen NATO's security—now and in the future—with great determination and success."

LTG von Sandrart and COL Topor at NATO Force Integration Unit Hungary in Székesfehérvár / Photo by MAJ Harnócz

LTG von Sandrart hands over the NFIU Slovakia colours to the unit's new commander—COL Kurilla / Photo by NFIU SVK

Slovak and Allied troops attend the NFIU Slovakia Change of Command ceremony in Bratislava / Photo by NFIU Slovakia

On 2 August in Bratislava, von Sandrart preceded over the Change of Command ceremony at NATO Force Integration Unit Slovakia. COL Marian Kurilla relieved COL Peter Brauner as Commander NFIU Slovakia.

Alongside the NFIUs located in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, the units in Hungary and Slovakia are the main link between their host nations' defence forces and all Allied troops, facilitating deployments and providing planning and exercise coordination.