Foreign relations of Belgium (WEU). Both NATO (since 1966) and the EU have their headquarters in Brussels; SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) is in the south of the country, near Mons. Since January 1993, the WEU has been headquartered in Brussels. Belgium has been one of the strongest supporters of NATO since the inception of the alliance in 1949. Having suffered through two invasions in two world wars, Belgium was aware of its security needs and the limitations of its means for self-defense. As a result, the leaders of that nation began calling for the formation of a defensive alliance shortly after the
Roberto Cesaretti Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in October 2002. From 2005 to 2008 he commanded Allied Maritime Command Naples. After his retirement he was appointed Managing Director of Marconi spa. Roberto Cesaretti Vice Admiral Roberto Cesaretti is a retired Italian naval officer who served as Deputy Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. He commanded the minesweepers "Mango" and "Sandalo' and in 1984 commanded Italian frigate Zeffiro before attending the US Naval War College. In 1990-91 he commanded Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. He was promoted to Flag rank on 31 December 1994. From October 1999 to October 2000 he