U.S. Army Europe and Africa's home page

Feature: FREEDOM 250

Feature: EFDI

Latest News

Freedom 250: U.S. Tri-Mission Hosts America’s Semiquincentennial in Brussels

July 8, 2026 | 0:59

The U.S. Tri-Mission in Belgium hosted "Freedom 250" at Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels on June 28, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. More than 8,000 guests, including U.S. service members, allied military personnel, and senior European Union, NATO, and Belgian leadership, gathered to honor the historic milestone and reinforce transatlantic unity. The event kicked off with an outdoor festival featuring a wide array of activities, local food vendors and live music from several bands, such as the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus. The celebration culminated in headlining performances by the Zac Brown Band and Alexis Wilkins alongside a ceremonial military flyover and a fireworks display.

Pennsylvania National Guard Hosts Côte d’Ivoire Armed Forces at Fort Indiantown Gap to Operationalize State Partnershi

Building upon the historic State Partnership Program (SPP) signing ceremony held in Philadelphia June 25, the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) welcomed a delegation from the Côte d’Ivoire Armed Forces (FACI) to Fort Indiantown Gap today. The visit marks the first major operational engagement between the two forces, transitioning the partnership from formal agreement to active, joint collaboration.

Related:
Read the full story

USAG Poland Celebrates Freedom 250 With the City of Poznan

July 14, 2026 | 1:00

U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Poland celebrates Freedom 250 with the city of Poznan in Poznan, Poland, July 3, 2026. Freedom 250 is USAG Poland's flagship Independence Day event, celebrating America's birth, the Army's new home in Poland, and friendship with the city of Poznan.

Industry, Economics and Innovation: a Focus at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2026

The African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2026 has concluded, but the critical security issues addressed during the summit will remain an enduring focus for U.S. Africa Command in the months and years ahead.

The conference brought together African and U.S. defense professionals to tackle a wide spectrum of regional security challenges. New to this year’s agenda was a focus on the intersection of defense and economics, examining how these forces merge to drive innovation both on and off the battlefield.

Related:
Read the full story

NATO’s support to Ukraine

July 9, 2026 | 6:26

Watch this video from the NATO Channel about the support to Ukraine.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO Allies have provided unprecedented levels of support to Ukraine. From weapons and air defense systems to training, medical assistance and long-term recovery projects, NATO’s support continues to evolve across a broad range of areas. Through initiatives such as PURL, NSATU, CAP and JATEC, NATO and Allied nations are helping coordinate military assistance, train Ukrainian personnel, support rehabilitation projects and apply lessons learned from the battlefield to future operations and strategy. Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression is reshaping modern warfare — from drone operations and innovation to interoperability and adaptation — with cooperation between NATO and Ukraine continuing to evolve in response to future security challenges.

1st Infantry Division Band plays Freedom 250 concert in Estonia

July 9, 2026 | 5:14

Interview with 1st Infantry Division Band member speaking about the performance of rock music for spectators during the South-Estonia Rally in Võru, Estonia, July 4, 2026. The performance brought together community members and visitors, highlighting the enduring partnership between the United States and Estonia through the universal language of music.

Freedom 250 - Independence Day concert in Võru, Estonia

July 7, 2026 | 1:18

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Band perform rock music for spectators during the South-Estonia Rally in Võru, Estonia, July 4, 2026. The performance brought together community members and visitors, highlighting the enduring partnership between the United States and Estonia through the universal language of music.

250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - Freedom 250

U.S. Army Europe and Africa is celebrating this historic milestone by participating in Independence Day events across Europe and Africa.

Related:
Visit the Freedom 250 in Europe feature page

U.S. Army Col. Michael Filanowski awarded the Purple Heart

July 1, 2026 | 2:18

U.S. Army Col. Michael Filanowski, deputy chief of staff for operations for Multinational Division North East, NATO, is awarded the Purple Heart on June 25, 2026, in Boleslawiec, Poland. Filanowski was wounded while conducting a patrol in Afghanistan in 2005, along with his driver, gunner, and assistant gunner, by an improvised explosive device. The Purple Heart was introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washington in 1782 and is awarded to U.S. military service members who are wounded or killed in action as a direct or indirect result of enemy action.

EFDI Hackathon

June 26, 2026 | 0:14

U.S. Army Cpt. Bennett Hellman, a data scientist with USAREUR-AF Operational Data Team, leads a team of NATO engineers in the first Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) Data Backbone Hackathon on Clay Kaserne, Germany, June 17, 2026. They intend to consolidate incompatible computer systems in a convenient collection system that efficiently shares information among us and our allied partners anywhere in the world.

Advanced Manufacturing Forum drives readiness through innovation and collaboration

Leaders from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Army Materiel Command and industry and partner organizations gathered on June 17 for the Advanced Manufacturing Forum to discuss how advanced manufacturing can strengthen readiness, accelerate sustainment solutions and expand production capabilities across the European theater.

Related:
Read the full story

U.S. Army Europe and Africa leader emphasizes production at speed and scale at Eurosatory 2026

Kevin Marcus, U.S. Army Europe and Africa deputy chief of staff, G-5, highlighted the need for faster production, stronger industrial cooperation, and capabilities that can meet operational demand in Europe during a panel at Eurosatory 2026.

Related:
Read the full story

Army secretary highlights counter-UAS cooperation, acquisition reform at Eurosatory 2026

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll called for faster acquisition, stronger interoperability, and closer cooperation with allies and partners during a letter of intent signing ceremony held during the second day of Eurosatory 2026. The agreement is intended to expand the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Marketplace granting allies and partners access to counter-drone capabilities that have been proven on today’s battlefields.

Related:
Read the full story here

U.S. Army air defenders in Europe highlight the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative and innovation at Eurosatory 2026

U.S. Army air defenders from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command highlighted the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative and the need for faster military innovation during a presentation at the Association of the United States Army’s Speakers Corner on the opening day of Eurosatory 2026.

U.S. Army Col. Tom Noble, deputy commanding officer of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and British Army Maj. Ben Johnston, a G-5 plans officer and U.K. exchange officer with the command, spoke to an audience of military leaders, allies, partners, and defense industry representatives about what it takes to adapt at the pace of the modern battlefield.

Related:
Read the full story

Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative

May 8, 2026 | 3:56

The Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative is a NATO-led effort supported by U.S. Army Europe and Africa to strengthen defense and readiness across NATO’s eastern flank. The initiative focuses on improving coordination between Allies, increasing combat readiness, and integrating new technologies to deter aggression and defend the region.

Related:
Visit the EFDI page

Are you ready for the European Entry/Exit System?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders. EES will capture biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial image, and other travel information, gradually replacing the current system of passport stamping.

Related:
Visit our EES page for more info
Visit the travel Europe EES page for more info
EUCOM EES FAQs
EES Passport Card printable

U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command Video 2025

Aug. 15, 2025 | 3:28

U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command video showcasing key operations, missions, or initiatives of U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command and highlighting collaborative efforts across Europe, Africa, and NATO partnerships.

More News, Photos and Videos from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa

More News, Photos and Videos from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa

Related:
Click here for stories, high resolution images and video packages from across our organization

Now Playing