final statement cooperation signed almost five years ago Atlantic Alliance and European Union It was not even possible for an armed conflict similar to the war initiated by Russia in Ukraine to break out in the European continent. almost a year later Vladimir Putin After launching the all-out war, both organizations joined ranks in a declaration promising to continue supporting Kiev in the face of Russian aggression and to double down on “strategic” cooperation. NATO continues to be the foundationcollective defense” an “essential” piece for allied countries euroatlantic security.
“The ongoing conflict, vulnerability and instability in our European neighbors undermine our security and provide fertile ground for terrorist groups as well as strategic rivals to gain influence, destabilize societies and pose a threat to our security,” it warned. NATO headquarters, by the Secretary General Jens StoltenbergPresident of the Council of Europe, Charles-Micheland the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The third document, signed in 2016 and 2018, that will guide relations in the coming years, warns of the “key” moment of Euro-Atlantic security and stability and the need to preserve cooperation between the two countries. two organizations.
“The regime in Moscow wants a different Europe. It wants to control its neighbors. It sees democracy and freedom as a threat. This will have lasting consequences for our security and therefore we must continue to strengthen NATO’s vital transatlantic link. We,” Stoltenberg said, “NATO and the European Union “We must continue to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and continue to strengthen our support for Ukraine,” he said. increased strategic competition and the challenge posed by authoritarian actors to democratic values, interests and principles, for example Russia“failed” in an attempt to check Ukraine in a few days and by dividing the allied countries.
most serious threat
But the reality is that Allies and Europeans now face “the most serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades” from Russia’s “brutal war” against Ukraine. The joint statement called the United Nations Charter “undermining European and global security and stability” and “exacerbating a food and energy crisis affecting billions of people around the world”.
That is why they call on Moscow once again to stop the war “immediately” and withdraw from Ukraine. They also express their solidarity with Ukraine and reiterate their “unshakable and unwavering support” for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of Kiev to “defend itself and choose its own destiny”. In fact, the three leaders made it clear that they will continue to support Ukraine militarily, by sending all the military supplies and equipment needed by allied and European countries to repel Moscow’s attacks, and by doing everything possible to support Kiev against Russia’s “imperialist war”. they stated. . And not just military supplies. Also with new sanctions against countries that help Moscow “Belarus and Iran‘, Von der Leyen explained.
The statement does not only point to Moscow as a focus of concern. It also appears in landscapes beijing. “We live in an era of increased strategic competition. China’s growing determination and policies are creating challenges that we must address,” they admit. This is a key moment for Euro-Atlantic security and stability, which “shows more than ever the importance of the transatlantic link and calls for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO”. In fact and yet strategic compass Developed by the EU to support its autonomy against third countries, NATO remains the “foundation of the Allies’ collective defense” and a “fundamental” part of Euro-Atlantic security. “We recognize the value of a stronger and more capable European defence, complementary and interoperable with NATO, that contributes positively to global and transatlantic security,” the statement said. roles.” to promote international peace and security.
European strategic autonomy
Does the closing of ranks with NATO mean that strategic autonomy is dead? “There is no doubt that this strategic autonomy is more important than ever. It is a fundamental pillar for the future of the European project. Strong allies make strong alliances.” Charles-Michel. The cooperation launched in 2016 and 2018 has so far resulted in results in the areas of combating hybrid and cyber threats, operational cooperation including maritime issues, military mobility, defense capabilities, defense industry and research, exercises, counter-terrorism and joint capacity. development.
However, given the new threats to security, NATO and the EU go one step further. next level specifically addressing increased geostrategic competition, resilience, critical infrastructure protection, emerging and disruptive technologies, space, the security implications of climate change, as well as foreign information manipulation and interference.