Final statement of cooperation signed almost five years ago between the Atlantic Alliance and the European Union marked a turning point. It helped ensure that even a conflict comparable to Russia’s war in Ukraine could not easily destabilize the European continent. After Vladimir Putin launched the all-out war, both organizations pledged to sustain support for Kiev in the face of Moscow’s aggression and to intensify strategic cooperation. NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defense and a critical element for euro-Atlantic security among allied nations.
“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,” warned NATO headquarters, represented by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, together with European leadership from the Council and the European Commission. The agreements signed in 2016 and 2018 are seen as a guide for relations in the coming years, highlighting a pivotal moment for Euro-Atlantic security and the need to preserve cooperation between the two entities. The core message centers on facing shared challenges and preserving unity between the alliance and the EU.”
“The regime in Moscow seeks a different Europe. It aims to control its neighbors and views democracy and freedom as a threat. This stance has lasting implications for regional security, underscoring the necessity to strengthen NATO’s vital transatlantic link. The leadership emphasized that NATO and the European Union must continue to fortify their relationship and maintain support for Ukraine,” Stoltenberg stated. He pointed to increased strategic competition and the challenge posed by authoritarian actors to democratic values, noting that Russia’s attempt to fracture the alliance failed and that unity among allies remains essential.
most serious threat
The reality on the ground is that allies and Europeans today face what is described as the most serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades, driven by Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine. The joint statement underscores concerns about the UN Charter being undermined and the broader impact on European and global security, including food and energy crises affecting billions. The leaders call on Moscow to halt the war immediately and withdraw from Ukraine, reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Kiev’s right to defend itself and determine its future. They also commit to continuing military assistance and other forms of support to deter Moscow’s advances, while extending new sanctions to countries that aid Moscow, including Belarus and Iran.
The statement does not narrow its focus to Moscow alone. It also acknowledges growing concerns about Beijing and the broader global landscape. It is described as a period of intensified strategic competition, with China’s actions presenting challenges that require a coordinated response. This moment underscores the enduring importance of the transatlantic link and calls for closer EU-NATO cooperation. The alliance remains foundational to collective defense and to Euro-Atlantic security, while the EU’s strategic compass aims to bolster autonomy in a multipolar world. The text highlights the value of a stronger, more capable European defense that remains interoperable with NATO and contributes to global and transatlantic security.
European strategic autonomy
Does stronger alignment with NATO spell the end of European strategic autonomy? Not at all. Leaders emphasize that strategic autonomy is more important than ever and remains a central pillar for the future of the European project. Strong allies help forge strong alliances. Efforts launched in 2016 and 2018 have yielded results across several domains including countering hybrid and cyber threats, maritime cooperation, military mobility, defense capabilities, defense industry and research, exercises, counter-terrorism and joint development.
With new security threats on the horizon, NATO and the EU are elevating their cooperation further. The focus now includes addressing heightened geostrategic competition, resilience, critical infrastructure protection, emerging technologies, space, climate security implications, and foreign information manipulation. The overarching aim remains to bolster unity, coordination and readiness to safeguard peace and stability in Europe and beyond. Marked efforts emphasize a collaborative approach that blends European autonomy with the security framework provided by NATO, ensuring a robust and cohesive transatlantic posture.