In an interview to BNS, the head of the center said joint projects with NATO centers of excellence based in other countries were already planned, military staff were being trained and special scenarios for the Alliance's exercises were being drafted.
According to Petkevičius, 27 people, including 15 specialists, will work at the center.
"I already know that I will have a French deputy after France signs the agreement. Turkey will send one person to the exercise and training department. Italy will send one person to the concept and doctrine department. Estonia and Latvia will send people to the strategic analysis department," the head of the center said, adding that the UK is also interested in joining the center.
Lithuania , Latvia, Italy, and Turkey singed memoranda for the establishment of the center earlier this summer.
Petkevičius expressed hope that Estonia and France would follow by 1 September.
Approval of the NATO Military Committee and the North Atlantic Council for granting the center NATO status is expected as early as this year.
"Our main goal is to seek transformation of NATO forces and more effective use of energy resources in the armies of NATO member countries," Petkevičius said.
In his words, the center will organize military training and contribute to the preparation for military exercises.
