The NATO Counter Intelligence Center of Excellence (CI COE) was established in 2016. The Slovak Republic and Poland are the framework nations and leading countries of the Center. Nine other countries also participate in its activities as sponsoring nations—Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia and the USA. The Center focuses on the preparation and training of the experts in reducing the destructive influence of hostile intelligence services. Since its establishment, it has been among an important NATO institutions and a solid pillar in the field of counterintelligence.

Colonel Michal Forgách joined the Slovak Armed Forces in 1995 and during his service, he has held several command and staff positions at home and abroad. His name is listed in the Hall of Fame of the Slovak Ministry of Defense and he is the holder of the Presidential Medal for Bravery. As the director of the NATO CI COE, Col. Forgách aims to build on the Centre's past successes and further strengthen its position. He took over the position from his Polish colleague, Colonel Mariusz Nogaj.