On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) began a series of meetings in Brussels to discuss the military alliance’s strategy for the next decade in the face of a “more dangerous and unpredictable security environment”. Following the first day of the summit, the leaders, in a joint statement, reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence, and said that they would continue to do more to ensure fairer transatlantic burden sharing, that contributes to the alliance’s “indivisible security.”
The leaders also vowed to adapt to constantly evolving threats and challenges posed by climate change, pandemics, rising terrorism, and authoritarianism, and acknowledged Russia’s assertiveness as a threat to Euro-Atlantic security. To tackle these issues, the ministers said that they would “further reinforce NATO’s resilience, military strength, and global outlook” and connect “more closely with other nations and international organisations that share our goals.” The leaders further pledged to strengthen NATO’s role as a political platform for consultation when there are disagreements between allies. “We will continue to stand together and to work together, to guarantee our security, prosperity, democracy, and freedoms,” they added.
This was the first NATO ministerial attended by the Biden administration, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought to reassure allies of the US’ “steadfast commitment” to the alliance after four years of strained ties under the previous government. Ahead of the meetings, Blinken met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, to underscore Washington’s determination to revitalise relations with its European partners, and acknowledged NATO’s “essential role as the premier and indispensable vehicle for ensuring Transatlantic peace and freedom.” According to the US State Department, the leaders discussed “the importance of continued consultation on Afghanistan, concern over Russia and China’s malign activity and disinformation efforts as well as arms control and regional security matters.” Furthermore, they shared views on the NATO 2030 report, which highlights the need for the alliance to “significantly broaden” its scope to adapt to new strategic realities.
Blinken also held a meeting with his counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK), wherein the officials expressed support to strengthen US-EU cooperation and discussed challenges posed by Russia and China, as well as the unfolding situations in Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen. The secretary separately spoke with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas as well, wherein the two sides pledged to work in closer cooperation to address shared challenges. Apart from these discussions, the secretary additionally met with foreign ministers of the Visegrád Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), as well as his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio.
The future of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan is expected to be at the forefront of discussions during the ministerial meetings, as the May 1 deadline for complete US troop withdrawal approaches near. Blinken stressed on Tuesday that the situation was under review and that the US will take its actions based on consultations with other nations that are part of the mission. “We went in together, we have adjusted together, and when the time is right, we’ll leave together,” he added. EU leaders have called for a conditions-based pull-out, arguing that any actions taken in haste would undercut security gains. Stoltenberg said he welcomed the US’ efforts but echoed EU’s concerns, arguing that achieving sustainable peace was only possible if all parties negotiated in good faith, there was a significant reduction in levels of violence, and the Taliban stopped supporting extremist groups like al-Qaeda.
You can read the full transcript of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s press conference following the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs here.