On the 30th of September 2025, after three years, the Director of the NATO Counter Intelligence Centre of Excellence, Col Mariusz Nogaj, handed over his duties to Col Michal Forgach.
A formal Change of Command ceremony took place in Kraków, marking the transfer of leadership at the NATO Counter Intelligence Centre of Excellence (NATO CI COE). Upon completing his three-year term, Colonel Mariusz Nogaj finished his service as Director and was succeeded by Colonel Michal Forgách from Slovakia. The position of Director is held alternately by officers from Poland and Slovakia, reflecting the equal partnership between the Centre’s framework nations and reinforcing the international dimension of its mission. Following the signing of the official protocol, both officers formally reported to their respective national authorities. Colonel Nogaj reported to Brigadier General Jarosław Stróżyk, Chief of the Polish Military Counterintelligence Service, while Colonel Forgách reported to Major General Juraj Stefanka, Head of the Slovak Military Intelligence Service.
During the Change of Command ceremony, Colonel Mariusz Nogaj reflected on the challenges he and the NATO Counter Intelligence Centre of Excellence had faced over the past three years, expressing gratitude to all staff members for their unwavering support and contributions. “Our mission has never been static. In a world shaped by hybrid threats, cyber warfare, and rapid technological change, we have remained agile, forward-looking, and committed to excellence. I am proud of the initiatives we’ve launched, the doctrines we’ve shaped, and the partnerships we’ve forged — all in service of a safer, more resilient NATO,” emphasized the outgoing Director. He also affirmed that he was leaving the Centre in excellent hands and extended his best wishes to the incoming Director for the challenges ahead.
In his inaugural address, Colonel Michal Forgách emphasized the challenges that lie ahead for the NATO Counter Intelligence Centre of Excellence, particularly in light of the shifting security environment in Europe. “I can only promise to do my best — to refine and expand the mission of the Centre at the highest possible level,” he stated. Reflecting on the global context, Colonel Forgách noted: “Our Centre, like all of us, is currently facing numerous challenges in this time of worldwide crisis. New ideas, emerging projects, and the evolving nature of security threats are leading us into a new era. I can only assure you that the Centre will adapt and remain a true Centre of Excellence — just as it is today.”
During the official ceremony, Brigadier General Jarosław Stróżyk, Chief of the Polish Military Counterintelligence Service, emphasized the importance of looking ahead: “Today, we should speak not only of past achievements, but above all of the Centre’s future — because this celebration stands as proof of a true success story. It is a success born of cooperation — the very kind of cooperation that NATO, Europe, and especially the Alliance’s eastern flank need now more than ever.” Reflecting on both the accomplishments of the past three years and the full decade of the NATO Counter-Intelligence Centre of Excellence’s existence, General Stróżyk underscored the enduring relevance of its mission: “Counter-intelligence does not begin with war — it precedes it. It is essential in times of peace and absolutely critical in times of conflict. Our mission is clear: to anticipate and prevent hostile actions, particularly those originating from the East. That is the role of this Centre, and that is our shared responsibility,” he concluded.
The official ceremony was honoured by the presence of representatives from the intelligence and counterintelligence services of the Centre’s sponsoring nations, members of the diplomatic corps, commanders of NATO units, as well as senior officials and representatives of local government and uniformed services. The event was ceremonially supported by the Military Band and the Honour Guard of the Polish Armed Forces, adding dignity and solemnity to the occasion.
