Why are we here?

How civil-military cooperation through the Common Effort conference contributes to collective defence at a multinational NATO headquarters with one shared mission.

Most people do not have a clear picture of what a multinational NATO military headquarters looks like. Beyond the uniforms, senior ranks and formal structures, it is people from different nations working side by side, each bringing their own experience, perspective and language. Despite these differences, they share a common purpose: to build mutual understanding and work together towards a shared objective.

1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) started in 1995 as a binational headquarters and has since grown into a multinational formation where 16 nations now work side by side. Throughout its history, the corps has commanded several crisis management and peace support operations. It deployed in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan in 2003, 2009 and 2013. Between 2005 and 2024, it served seven one-year standby periods as part of the NATO Response Force.

Today, 1GNC is one of NATO's High Readiness Forces Headquarters, capable of commanding and coordinating multinational operations involving up to 60,000 troops at short notice. The corps commands land units while coordinating and integrating the air, sea, space and virtual domains. Its staff consists of more than 400 military and civilian personnel. Most positions are divided between the framework nations, Germany and the Netherlands, with about 70 positions reserved for personnel from other NATO and EU member states. Its motto is Communitate Valemus: together strong.

The corps' work contributes directly to a stronger European role within NATO, in line with the agreements reached at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague.

NATO formalised 1GNC's new role in the summer of 2026. Following this, 1GNC assumed command and control of NATO and national land forces stationed in Estonia and Latvia. This gives 1GNC an important responsibility for directing exercises and other preparatory activities and, if necessary, for the defence of NATO's eastern flank.

NATO called for a second tactical headquarters responsible for its eastern flank, alongside Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE). Germany and the Netherlands, in coordination with NATO, agreed that 1GNC would take on that role, demonstrating their willingness and ability to contribute to the deterrence and defence of NATO's eastern flank.

Military force cannot manage a crisis alone. That is why 1GNC applies a Comprehensive Approach, working closely with civilian organisations, governments, universities and other partners to align efforts, share expertise and strengthen a coordinated response to complex crises.

Common Effort

Common Effort began in 2010 as a joint initiative between 1 German-Netherlands Corps and the Dutch and German foreign ministries, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between military and civilian partners.

Over the years, Common Effort has evolved into both an annual conversation led by 1GNC and a wider community of civilian and military organisations. In 2015, 24 organisations, including NGOs, think tanks, ministries and 1GNC, signed a declaration committing to sharing knowledge and building lasting networks for collective defence.

This marked the formal beginning of the Common Effort Community, laying the foundation for long-term partnerships between military and civilian organisations. These connections have continued to grow, with contributions from partners such as PwC, TNO and Deloitte, alongside the involvement of stakeholders in critical civilian infrastructure, including port authorities and the governments of the Baltic states.

Their continued participation reflects the value of building lasting relationships across sectors and bringing together the expertise, perspectives and capabilities essential to strengthening resilience and preparing for complex crises.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 1GNC has shifted the focus of Common Effort from crisis response to collective defence, with more attention to protecting civilians and strengthening resilience. Its regional focus has moved from the Sahel towards the Baltic states and the rest of NATO's eastern flank. Since 1 July 2026, 1GNC has had tactical command responsibility for NATO land forces in Estonia and Latvia.

That makes Common Effort more relevant than ever. The defence of a region relies on more than military capability alone. It also depends on resilient infrastructure, reliable energy supplies, transport, communication and the people who keep society running. When a crisis hits, no single organisation can respond effectively on its own. Common Effort builds relationships and mutual understanding before a crisis, ensuring that partners know each other, understand their respective roles and know whom to turn to when it matters most.

During this three-day event, we bring together civilian and military partners from across the region to exchange knowledge, strengthen relationships and explore how we can work together before and during crises. Through shared scenarios, open dialogue and practical collaboration, we aim to identify challenges, build mutual understanding and strengthen the connections essential to our collective resilience and defence.

Have you signed up yet? Join the conversation from 23 to 25 November in Tallinn, Estonia.