Lecture and tour of the Schill barracks in Wesel

In view of the global political situation, the topic of defence is increasingly coming into focus for the EU. EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt invites interested citizens to find out more about the Bundeswehr's joint activities with NATO at the Schill barracks on 9 September.

The Schill Barracks were built in 1965 as the location of the Rocket Artillery Battalion 150 and named after the Prussian Major Ferdinand von Schill (1776-1809). In 2010, the "1st NATO Signal Battalion" replaced the Telecommunications Battalion 284. Today, the barracks is home to the multinational "1st NATO Signal Battalion", which currently consists of around 11 nations and performs telecommunications and IT tasks for NATO headquarters worldwide. Under the leadership of the most senior German officer, Lieutenant Colonel Christian Arendt, it also functions regionally as a centre for support, veterans' welfare and reservist affairs. Christian Arendt is commander of the above-mentioned 1st NATO Signal Battalion.

Role of the European Union

The European Commission and the EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, have presented a White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030. Peace and security are a prerequisite for economic stability and continued prosperity in the EU.

"The security architecture we have come to rely on can no longer be taken for granted," according to the European Commission. The aim of the excursion is to take a close-up look at how our defence is structured and the people behind the technical terms.

Programme and registration

11:45 a.m. - Departure from Bocholt railway station with a bus hired for the excursion

Approx. 12:30 to 14:30 - Lecture on current topics by Lieutenant Colonel Christian Arendt followed by a tour of the site

Approx. 15:30 - Arrival in Bocholt

Registrations are possible until 6 August by e-mail to europe-direct(at)bocholt(dot)de with the subject "Schill-Kaserne". Participation in the excursion, including the bus journey, is free of charge.

About the EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt

EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt is part of the mayor's office of the city of Bocholt and is the local contact point for questions relating to the European Union. Its task is to provide local citizens with information, advice, help and answers to questions about Europe. In addition, EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt aims to promote European involvement and provide information on current European political events.