NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is committed to engaging with Turkey, a crucial ally, to help speed the inclusion of Finland and Sweden into the Atlantic Alliance. He champions closer cooperation with the European Union and calls for increased defense spending, arguing that without additional resources there can be no broad and robust defense. He expects the next allied leaders’ summit, scheduled to take place in Madrid on June 29 and 30, to be productive. He spoke in an interview with El Periódico de Catalunya, a publication of the Prensa Ibérica group, ahead of his trip to Madrid to mark Spain’s 40th anniversary of joining NATO.
The new strategic concept is set to be adopted at NATO’s Madrid summit, the organization’s major gathering of leaders at the end of June. How has the war in Ukraine shaped this document?
The strategic concept is the most important document after the Washington Treaty. The last update was in 2010, and the world since then has changed profoundly. In the current version, Russia is no longer viewed as a partner, particularly after its invasion of Ukraine. The Euro-Atlantic region is not at peace in this era. The war in Europe is on a scale unseen since the Second World War. China is not a focus, and the document emphasizes broader security challenges. To keep NATO strong and relevant, the alliance must adapt to a changing world. The concept will signal a stronger military posture to deter a more aggressive Russia and will address threats from all directions, including the south, terrorism, cyber security, and the security implications of climate change and new technologies.
Will troops remain in a permanent position under the new strategic concept?
Troop numbers have increased since the invasion, and at Madrid leaders are expected to endorse further strengthening. This means a broader presence, especially in the eastern part of the alliance, plus enhanced air defense, artillery, repositioning, equipment, reserves, and the ability to reinforce quickly. Important decisions are anticipated at the summit.
Finland and Sweden promised rapid accession, but Turkey has raised concerns. How serious is the situation?
The aim remains a swift process, yet agreement from 30 allies is required. Work continues in Brussels, Ankara, Helsinki, and Stockholm to address differences and reach common ground. Turkey is an important ally, and concerns raised by any ally must be addressed. Turkey has faced more terrorist attacks than any other NATO member and contributes to the training mission in Iraq, helping prevent a resurgence of ISIS. Its strategic position in the Black Sea underscores its importance. (Attribution: NATO)
Do Finland and Sweden need to concede on Kurdish issues and the arms embargo to win Turkish support?
Generalizations about Kurdish groups should be avoided. Finland and Sweden, like the European Union, have publicly labeled the PKK a terrorist organization. Turkey has expressed its concerns, and while details are not disclosed here, it is clear that different approaches and attitudes exist. The process is similar to North Macedonia’s accession, which faced delays over a naming issue. The secretary general’s duty is to acknowledge concerns and seek workable solutions so a 30-member, transatlantic alliance with varied histories and geographies can operate effectively together. (Attribution: NATO)
How should governments apply lessons from Russian aggression to their dealings with China?
The secretary general has long supported free trade and globalization for prosperity. Yet every economic choice carries security implications, especially when engaging with authoritarian regimes. Dependence on Russian gas highlighted vulnerabilities, a lesson echoed across European partners. Technological leadership remains NATO’s strength, but sharing critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and autonomous systems could empower potential adversaries. New weapons and surveillance technologies, including AI-enabled drones and facial recognition, require caution. Infrastructure matters too, as China seeks influence over critical networks like 5G. Free trade remains valuable, but security considerations and core values must take precedence over profits when necessary. (Attribution: NATO)
How is the Ukraine situation evolving after three months of fighting?
President Vladimir Putin made a strategic miscalculation. The conflict has stretched into its thirteenth week, with Russian forces driven back from Kyiv and northern areas, while Ukrainian forces press the defense in Donbas. Wars are unpredictable, and outcomes remain uncertain. The courage of Ukrainian troops, leadership, and people, combined with substantial Western military support, has sustained resistance and influenced broader global dynamics.
What is NATO’s role in the Ukraine crisis?
NATO has two core missions: to support Ukraine and to prevent escalation. Alliance members continue to provide NATO-standard equipment and assist with logistics, ammunition, fuel, and reinforcements. Leaders are urged to maintain commitments for the long term, recognizing that this is a protracted war that requires ongoing resources and sustained readiness. The alliance focuses on ensuring resilience and continuing to support Ukraine while avoiding escalation that could widen the conflict. If an ally is attacked, the entire alliance stands united in defense. (Attribution: NATO)