NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the critical role of the transatlantic Alliance in ensuring European security during a meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) hosted by the UK government on 18 July 2024, according to a press release.
“The transatlantic Alliance is the cornerstone for European security,” Stoltenberg stated.
He impressed upon the urgency of supporting Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and democracy, announcing that NATO’s new command for coordinating security assistance and training for Ukraine will become operational in September this year.
The Secretary General condemned Russia’s ongoing hostile actions against NATO Allies, including cyber-attacks, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns. “The purpose of Russia’s attacks is to coerce us from providing support to Ukraine, but we will not be coerced,” Stoltenberg asserted, underscoring NATO’s resilience and commitment.
Allies are intensifying intelligence sharing, enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure, and pursuing national legal processes in response to these threats.
The event, held at Blenheim Palace, saw Stoltenberg welcomed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He also held discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy.
The EPC, comprising around 50 European leaders, mostly NATO Allies and partners, convenes to address significant issues impacting European security. This includes defending democracy, energy and cyber security, instrumentalised migration, and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
True. It is also the cornerstone of security in North America. Complacency needs to be addressed.