A new deputy commander for the Multinational Division South East
Romania is an important strategic point on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance
România Internațional, 15.10.2025, 12:00
Romania remains an important strategic point on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance. The Multinational Division South East, headquartered in Bucharest, is one of the Alliance’s key structures on the eastern flank, an essential element of the defence and deterrence posture in the region. Since September 1, 2025, the division has a new deputy commander, French Brigadier General Cyril Mathias. Although he has only been here for a short time, the general says he was impressed by the way he was welcomed by the Romanians and the warm atmosphere he encountered upon his arrival: “I was impressed by the warm welcome of the Romanians and the friendship they showed me from the first days of my stay here. My boss, General Toma, commander of the Multinational Division South East in Bucharest, gave me an equally warm and welcoming reception. He was a great help and made it much easier for us to settle in Romania.”
The French officer says he did not feel like a stranger in Bucharest at all. The cultural proximity between the two peoples made the adaptation process a natural one: “I was struck by the similarity between some of our customs. You don’t feel lost in Bucharest when you’re French, because you understand how the city works, its centre, its terraces, its small merchants. This Latin closeness plays an important role in our easy integration into Romanian life.”
Beyond this human connection, France’s mission in Romania has an important strategic component. Brigadier General Mathias talks about the division’s structure and future important missions: “I came here to an extremely solid structure. The division is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and is fully operational and efficient. I believe we have very important meetings ahead of us, which are essential to continue to assert the credibility, solidity, and determination of the Alliance. The major Dacian Fall 25 exercise will mobilise all the division’s resources, including, of course, the international detachments, among which, of course, the French detachment. Then, next year, the division will have to face a very important stage, as it will re-enter a NATO certification cycle, which will require an equally important planning effort.”
At the heart of all these activities is a united allied team, with each contingent contributing its own resources and expertise. Brigadier General Mathias talks about his priorities in this mission and the importance of interoperability within NATO: “My immediate priority as deputy is to help Major General Toma complete the Dacian Fall exercise and continue his mission as division commander. Here, each contingent, and of course the Romanian nation, is integrated into a team that uses the common language provided by the Alliance, a working language, procedures, and tactics. Obviously, we French are trying to bring our best. And in Cincu (central Romania), the French army deployed a unit with its most modern and high-performance equipment. I don’t think there can be any talk of a Romanian-French difference. In fact, this is the stake of interoperability that we are working on every day.”
The eastern flank of the Alliance is not just a strategic line of defence but a clear demonstration of unity, solidarity, and joint strength. Romania plays an essential role in this setup, and the allied presence strengthens not only the security of the region but also trust between nations. Missions, exercises, but above all people who work day by day shoulder to shoulder, for a common goal: a strong Alliance ready to respond to any challenge. (MI)
