NATO Ambassadors visited Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium, on 9 October 2025 for discussions on strengthening deterrence and defence and sustaining Allied support for Ukraine, according to the Alliance.
The meeting, hosted by Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich, focused on NATO’s ongoing adaptation to security challenges and the work of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command based in Wiesbaden, Germany. The command is responsible for coordinating long-term assistance, training, and capability development for Ukrainian forces in cooperation with Allied nations.
The visit took place during a formal meeting of the North Atlantic Council, the Alliance’s principal political decision-making body, and underscored NATO’s emphasis on collective defence and readiness across the European theatre.
SHAPE serves as the headquarters of Allied Command Operations (ACO), which directs all NATO military operations. Established in 1951 under General Dwight D. Eisenhower, SHAPE was originally based in Rocquencourt, France, before relocating to Casteau, Belgium, in 1967 following France’s withdrawal from NATO’s integrated military command structure.
Today, ACO operates alongside Allied Command Transformation (ACT) in Norfolk, Virginia. Together, the two commands form NATO’s strategic-level leadership, balancing operational control with the long-term evolution of Allied forces and capabilities.
General Grynkewich, who assumed command earlier this year, leads SHAPE’s mission to ensure that NATO forces remain capable, ready, and interoperable in support of the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture.
