NATO's Call to Action: Businesses in US and Europe Advised to Prepare for Wartime Scenario

A top NATO official has issued a warning to businesses in the United States and Europe, urging them to prepare for a potential wartime scenario. In an address at the European Policy Centre, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, head of the organization's military committee, emphasized that countries must be vigilant against the threats posed by Russia and China.

Bauer has been traveling extensively across Europe and the US, meeting with business leaders, finance officials, and philanthropic organizations to spark a thought-provoking conversation about two crucial questions: "Is my company or organization ready for war?" and "What can my company do to prevent war?"

The admiral stressed that deterring war is not merely about military strength, but also about becoming less dependent on countries that could cut off supplies after starting a conflict. This warning comes on the heels of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, where a critical agreement allowing Russian gas to flow through pipelines in Ukraine will expire at the end of the year without a new deal.

Bauer also highlighted China's dominant position in producing and processing essential materials such as rare earth metals and chemicals used in medication production. The current global supply chain is still recovering from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Bauer urged companies to bolster their production and distribution lines to ensure continued operational capabilities during a potential war.

"For businesses, winning wars is not about winning battles; it's about winning economies," Bauer warned, underscoring the strategic importance of being prepared for conflict in maintaining economic resilience.