Category Archives: US-European Leadership

Austrian OSCE Chairmanship 2017 ‘Objectives’

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From January 2017 to  2018 Austria holds Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in its Permanent Council in Vienna, the Capital of the World’s International Organizations.

The overall objectives of the Austrian OSCE  Chairmanship 2017  has been conceptualized on the three main decisive action plans: 

  • Defusing existing conflicts; 
  • Intensifying the joint fight against radicalization and violet extremism;  
  • Fostering the re-establishment of trust.

“The success of our joint work has a direct impact on security and stability for people in the OSCE area.  Austria sees itself in its traditional role as a bridge builder and a place of dialogue in times when distrust and instability resurge,” Elaborated Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz © MFA of Austria 

Special:  Interview of  OSCE Chairperson-in-Office 2017,  Foreign Affairs Minister Sebastian Kurz.

The United States and European Armed-Forces in Transatlantic Bond

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Defense Secretary Mattis met with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg at the Pentagon on March 21. The Two leaders discussed range of Defense and Security issues including, countering the emerging challenges, fighting with ISIS and strengthening the Transatlantic Relations.      

 

 

 

 

 

Washington DC, March 21, 2017 © US Mission to NATO

“But I just also want to say thanks to you personally for your leadership, for the moral example that you set.  NATO, under you, is evolving to defend against aggression and respond to terrorist threats along the southern flank in the Mediterranean and the Turkish border.  
I look forward to engaging with the coalition members who are here this week on the counter-ISIS fight.  And I’m confident that NATO will, as always, be one of the leaders as we deal with this threat.” Highlighted Defense Secretary Mattis during his meeting with the NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg at the Pentagon. March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Emphasizing the importance of the Transatlantic Relations, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg during his meeting with the Defense Secretary Mattis expressed  : 

“Thank you so much. And thank you for welcoming me and my delegation. It’s great to be here in Washington, and to meet with you. And I also commend you for your strong personal support and leadership when it comes to NATO and the trans-Atlantic bond.”

“I think we all understand that in times of turmoil, in times of uncertainty, the need for strong international institutions as NATO is even greater.  So therefore, we need to adapt.  We need to strengthen NATO in response to the challenges and the — and the unpredictability we see surrounding us today.
Strong NATO is, of course, good for Europe, and we are also grateful for the commitment of the United States to the security guarantees to Europe.  But strong NATO is also good for North America because stability in Europe is good for all of us.  Two world wars and the cold war have taught us all that peace and stability in Europe is important for Europe of course, but also for North America.
So I’m looking forward to go through the whole NATO and U.S. agenda, and discuss how we can continue to adapt NATO to a new and more demanding security” Pentagon,  March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Defense Secretary Mattis, on the same day, met with  Defense Minister Niinisto of Finland at the Pentagon. 

“Minister, you’re very welcome here in the Pentagon.  We appreciate you taking your time to visit Washington and to meet here at the Pentagon — two democracies on opposite sides of an ocean, but we share a love of liberty and especially of independence.”

“Our democratic nations can collaborate in defense of our values.  And in this regard, I look forward to joining you later this week and discussing our coalition effort against ISIS.  And I thank you for your contributions — the contributions of your elite forces to that fight against ISIS, to the NATO missions that you’ve contributed to and continue to, and of course to the U.N. missions which go even beyond just the purely military.”  Stated Defense Secretary Mattis during his meeting with Defense Minister Niinisto and Ambassador Kauppi of Finalnd. Pentagon, March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Excerpts from the remarks by Defense Minister Niinisto during the meeting with Secretary Mattis at Pentagon:

“Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for receiving our delegation.  Finland takes its defense very seriously, and we see ourselves as providers of security, not consumers.”

“And I must emphasize that U.S.-Finnish bilateral defense relationship is on a strong basis.  The signing of the bilateral statement of intent last October in Helsinki was a concrete step to take the relationship even further.
Active bilateral training and exercise program has been an effective way to increase the interoperability of our forces.  And we look forward to continue this cooperation also in the future.  And I also look forward to a good discussion today.” Pentagon,  March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Defense Secretary Mattis also met with Minister of Defense Maria Dolores de Cospedal of Spain on March 23.                                                                                                                                                                                                             And with Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos at the Pentagon on March 24.

Addition: Vice President Pence Re-assured Europe the United States’ Commitment

Sources: U.S DoD Public Affairs/NATO Public Affairs/               Follow us: @USEUWAffairs   

 

By Catherine Stella Schmidt  (Copy righted material)

 

Italian Air Force Re-assumes the NATO Air Mission

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The Italian Air Force has re-assumed for the second time NATO Air Policing Operation, leading the mission from mid March until mid April 2017.

The Operation is formulated to ensure the security and integrity of NATO member’s Airspace, to increase the interoperability and integration of Iceland’s Air Force with the NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.

“This joined Aerial defense in the Iceland  is a clear example of rational management and sharing of the available resources among NATO member States.”  Elaborated General Claudio Graziano, Chief of Italian Defense March 7, 2017 © Italian MoD 

Described by the Italian Ministry of Defense:                                                                                                                                 The Air Force has deployed six Eurofighter to the operation and its task will be to ensure the security surveillance of Iceland Airspace until mid-April, while conducting joint Training activities with the local Coast Guard.

Sources: Italian MoD, Italian Air Fore, NATO Air Command Public Affairs Office

The United States Chairmanship of the Arctic Council ‘Objectives’

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The United States, as an Arctic Nation and an influential member of the Arctic Council, is holding the two-year Chairmanship of the Council from April 2015-May 2017. 

                                        With the vision  that projects One Arctic

                         Shared Opportunities, Challenges and Responsibilities

For this term of the Council’s Chairmanship, the United States has prioritized its objectives on the following areas that to trigger progress and development in the most aspects of the Arctic region:

  • Improving economic and living conditions;
  • Arctic Ocean safety, security and stewardship;
  • Addressing the impacts of climate change. 

Additional: Achievements under Canadian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council 2013-2015

      News from U.S. Arctic                                                            

News from US Mission to the UN

Sources: Department of State and U.S Arctic Council                       Follow us @USEUWAffairs    

A View to U.S Army Reserve in Europe and its Vital Role and Contributions

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For 60 years……..without stop….. Army’s Reserve Units in Europe, Army’s  7th Mission Support Command,  established initially in 1956 as ‘the 7th Civil Support Command’  has been the front Force to defend Europe and strengthen the European Armed-Forces.                                                                                                                                

February 12, 2017 © 7th MSC 

The 7th MSC facilitates Strong Europe through integration into Army operations in Europe and joint, combined, multinational operations in Europe and Africa. It is capable of rapidly interfacing with NATO allies and other partners in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Described by the Army’s 7th Mission Support Command

By Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief (Copyrighted material)

 

Denmark Placed its Financial Support for Prosecuting War Crimes in Syria

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With this news measure, the Danish government will allocate the mount of DKK 7.65 million to the UN-led  initiative which was adopted  by the UN Resolution in December 2016.

“Denmark’s position is clear: the gross Human Rights violations we see and have seen in Syria are unacceptable and it is important that the world community documents them. With the UN’s new initiative, we are sending a clear signal – not least to the Syrian regime – that there is no impunity for such crimes. 
These efforts are a supplement to the stabilisation initiative, which Denmark announced last year,” highlighted Minister for Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen. March 7, 2017  © MFA of Denmark 

Special:             Denmark for the UN Human Rights Council 2019-2021

  1. Additional: Denmark launches a new stabilisation support package to Iraq and Syria
  2. Danish Special Forces assigned with new tasks in the Coalition’s fight against Da’esh

News from Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
News from Minister Anders Samuelsen
News from Danish Mission to NATO                                    Follow us : @USEUWAffairs

America will stand with those who stand in Defense of Freedom

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president-trump-and-gen-votel-commander-of-u-s-central-command-at-macdill-air-force-base-feb-2017

President Trump and Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, at MacDill Air Force Base. Feb. 6, 2017 © U.S. Central Command/Marine Corps Sgt. Alan Belser 

During an official visit and speech at MacDill Air Force Base Florida, President Trump placed a special emphasis on the vital role that the United States Armed-Forces hold in maintaining the global security, peace and freedom.

Excerpts from President Trump’s speech at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. February 6, 2017 

“We strongly support NATO. We only ask that all the NATO members make their full and proper financial contributions to the NATO alliance, which many of them have not been doing.”

“We are going to be making a really historic investment in the Armed Forces of the United States and show the entire World that America stands with those who stand in defense of Freedom,”

“We will ensure that the men and women of our military have the tools, equipment, resources, training, and supplies you need to get the job done.  You’ve seen me say we’ve been depleted.  Our navy is at a point almost as low as World War I.  That’s a long time ago.  That’s a long time ago.  It’s not going to happen anymore, folks.  It’s not going to happen anymore — not with me.”  

“For proof that our nation has been blessed by God, look no further than the men and women of the United States military.  They are the greatest fighters and the greatest force of justice on the face of the Earth and that the world has ever known.  The challenges facing our nation nevertheless are very large — very, very large.”

“Freedom, Security and Justice will prevail.  In his first State of the Union message, President George Washington wrote that, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”  Almost 200 years later, as the General was also speaking about Ronald Reagan, he said that wisdom comes in three very, very strong words:  “Peace through strength.”  I’ve said it many times during the campaign, speaking in front of tens of thousands of people at one sitting, and I’d always mention America first — a phrase that you probably never heard, “Make America Great Again.” Anybody ever heard that?   And peace through strength.”

“The men and women of the United States military provide the strength to bring peace to our troubled, troubled times.  We stand behind you.  We support your mission.  We love our country.  We are loyal to our people.  We respect our flag.  We celebrate our traditions.  We honor our heroes.  You are our heroes.  And we are prepared to fight.  And we pray for peace.

Thank you.  God bless you, and God bless America.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.”  February 06, 2017  © The office of White House Press Secretary

The Leadership of the Netherlands and its Armed Forces in the World-2

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October  2015 ©MoD of the kingdom of the Netherlands

  1. Special: The Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Armed-Forces
  2. The Kingdom of the Netherlands World Affairs

See also our archives on the Netherlands EU Presidency 2016 

Vice President Pence Re-assured Europe the United States’ Commitment

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In his official visit to Europe, Vice President Mike Pence met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels and discussed crucial issues on Transatlantic Defense and Security. Vice President Pence reassured NATO and the European leaders of the United States’ wide-range partnerships with Europe …….and the enduring commitments to Transatlantic Relations. 

The Vice President of the United States of America, Michael Pence visits NATO and meets with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Vice President Mike Pence and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg meeting at NATO Headquarters Brussels. February 20, 2017 © NATO

Excerpts from the remarks by Vice President Mike Pence in the press conference with NATO Secretary General:

“It is my privilege here at the NATO Headquarters to express the strong support of President Trump and the United States of America for NATO and our transatlantic alliance. ”

“The United States has been a proud and faithful member of NATO since its founding in 1949.  This alliance plays a crucial role in promoting peace and prosperity in the North Atlantic and, frankly, in the entire world.”   

“The United States’ commitment to NATO is clear. ”  February 20, 2017 © The White House

Excerpts of the remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during press conference with Vice President Pence:

“The bond between the United States and NATO — between the United States and Europe embodied in the NATO alliance is very important today because we live in times of turmoil and instability, and then we need a strong alliance more than ever.  And we are stronger when we stand together.”

“This will be an important point when allied leaders meet here in Brussels in May.  So, Mr. Vice President, thank you for our excellent discussion.  We agree that NATO is the most successful alliance in history because NATO has been able to adapt and change when the world is changing.  And we agree that we must continue to change to keep our people safe.  U.S. leadership remains indispensable.  So I really look forward to working with you and to welcoming President Trump in Brussels in May.”  February 20, 2017 © The White House

 

On the same day Vice President Pence met with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, and with the President of European Council Donald Tusk  

Excerpts of the remarks by President of the European Council Donald Tusk following meeting with Vice President Pence: 

“I asked the Vice President directly if he shared my opinions on three key matters: international order, security, and the attitude of the new American administration towards the European Union.”

“In reply to these three methods, I heard today from Vice President Pence three times, yes. After such a positive declaration, both Europeans and Americans must simply practice what they preach.” 

“Referring to some statements made in Munich just two days ago, I would like to say clearly that the reports of the death of the West have been greatly exaggerated.  Whoever wants to demolish that order, anticipating a post-West order must know that in its defense we remain determined.” Belgium February 20, 2017 © The White House

Excerpts of the remarks by Vice President Mike Pence following meeting with President of EU Council Donald Tusk:

“But the President did ask me to come here to Brussels, to the home of the European Union, and deliver an additional message.  And so today it is my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the European Union.”  

“Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values, and above all, the same purpose:  to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.  And to those objectives we will remain committed.”  Belgium February 20, 2017 © The White House        

Follow us on Twitter: @USEUWAffairs        

By Catherine Stella Schmidt 

      

Belgium for UN Security Council 2019/2020 Acting for Peace

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logo-belgium-un-security- council Protected by Copyright LAW “Fostering  Consensus,  Acting for Peace”

Belgium Funds 26 Projects through direct funding and 2321 Projects through UNDP Regular Resources.   For the period 2007–2008, Belgium had also a seat as a non-permanent member of the  UN Security Council.

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