Viterbo, Italy (22–23 May 2026) – Delegates from the 13 member nations of the Gaminger Initiative Europe (GIE) gathered in Viterbo for their spring session. As global security challenges multiply, military leaders and experts focused on strategic realignment, interoperability and the future readiness of Europe’s reserve forces. The central theme of the event was “European Defence: A New Frontier for the Reserves.”
The Italian National Union of Reserve Officers (UNUCI) hosted the congress while marking the 100th anniversary of its founding. The event was organised under the leadership of Commander Giuseppe “Pino” Imbalzano. The proceedings were conducted in close cooperation with the Italian Army Aviation Training Centre, a unit currently celebrating its 75th year of service.
Slovakia was represented by the SAR Vice-President for Foreign Affairs, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ing. Ladislav Balázs, who was elected First Vice-President of the GIE, taking office in October, and — as an observer for the National Defence Forces (NOS) — by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the NOS, Col. Mgr. Katarína Gargalíková. For the first time in the long history of both the GIE and our organisation, the GIE Presidency now includes a representative for the Slovak Republic.
Strategic Integration with NATO and CIOR
For the first time, the incoming leaders of the two other foremost international reserve organisations attended the GIE congress together. Major General Fulvio Poli, incoming Chairman of NATO’s National Reserve Forces Committee (NRFC) for the 2026 to 2028 term, and Lt. Col. (R) Lars Bak, the future President of the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR), joined the delegates in Viterbo.
The reserve is no longer merely a reserve. It is an absolute cornerstone of our strategic depth and resilience. The Gaminger Initiative Europe plays an irreplaceable role in fostering the interoperability and shared understanding that we need across our entire continent.
In his address to the assembly, Major General Poli thus underscored the shift in modern defence thinking. As the incoming Chairman of the NRFC, he declared his support for the GIE’s mission and his commitment to ensuring that the voice and capabilities of this vital network are integrated into NATO’s broader strategies.
Lt. Col. (R) Lars Bak reinforced this message of unity. He pointed to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CIOR and the Gaminger Initiative, stressing that translating this agreement into practical, day-to-day cooperation is essential to a strong European defence posture.
Our security environment demands ready, interoperable forces and a reserve that complements them. Each of us has extensive experience in defence and security. It is our responsibility to pass this knowledge on to the younger generations, so that our society can build on what we have achieved.
The official visit to the Italian Army Aviation Training Centre offered a practical insight into modern military integration, fleet modernisation and future concepts such as manned-unmanned teaming.
The delegation then visited the Army Aviation Museum, operated by military reserves; its exhibits ranged from early light observation aircraft to a historic military helicopter that landed on Mount Everest.
After the tour, the international delegates held a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of fallen airmen and soldiers.
Key Focus Areas of the GIE 2026 Conference
- Building strategic depth – the working sessions emphasised that modern warfare requires a rethinking of the role of the reserves. This means moving beyond the traditional limits of age and physical fitness to harness specialised capabilities in cyber defence, artificial intelligence and drone technology.
- Technological integration – delegates drew on the expertise of the Aviation Training Centre to study how cutting-edge technologies are being integrated into modern combat and training scenarios.
- Generational transition and knowledge transfer – the group worked on concrete guidelines to ensure that young European citizens are actively engaged in their social and security responsibilities.
The Viterbo congress confirms the Gaminger Initiative Europe as a key driving force of regional security cooperation. The discussions held this week laid the foundations for an adaptable European security architecture in which the reserve forces represent a central pillar.
During the working sessions, delegates from across Europe delivered national presentations focused on the congress’s main theme – European defence. The agenda also included formal discussions on the procedures and criteria for admitting future member nations to the Initiative, ensuring that the GIE remains a growing and unified voice of the military reserves across the continent.
GIE President Dr. Sebastian Söllner delivered an important reminder to the delegates, addressing the core purpose of the reserve forces in today’s security climate. He noted that it is not only about technology, but above all about people. We must be prepared for war so that we never have to fight one. He drew a powerful parallel, emphasising that, just as the 2006 congress defined a generation of partnership, this year’s Gaminger meeting is shaping the strategic plans for the era to come.
Although tightly focused, this meeting carries immense strategic weight. Bolstered by the unprecedented joint participation of the incoming Presidents of NATO’s NRFC and CIOR, the event serves as a critical incubator for the future of European defence policy.
Historic Civic Reception at the Palazzo dei Priori
Following the strategic meetings, the international delegation was formally received in the magnificent 16th-century council chamber (Sala del Consiglio) of the historic Palazzo dei Priori by Mayor Dr. Chiara Frontini and city councillor Giancarlo Martinengo.
Recepcia bola zároveň významným osobným a organizačným výročím. Veliteľ Imbalzano vystúpil pred zhromaždením, aby pripomenul historický kongres Medzispojeneckej konfederácie rezervných dôstojníkov (CIOR), ktorý sa konal vo Viterbe presne pred 20 rokmi.
Adding a remarkable touch of historical symmetry, he noted a unique coincidence. Exactly 20 years ago, a monumental CIOR congress was held in Viterbo under the leadership of German President Dr. Hans Joachim Schraut. Today, history repeats itself beautifully, as the current Gaminger Initiative meeting in Viterbo is likewise led by a German President, Dr. Sebastian Söllner.
The day’s events underscored the commitment of the GIE and UNUCI not only to military readiness and international defence policy, but also to fostering the vital civil-military relations that form the foundation of a resilient society.
By Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ing. Ladislav Balázs