NATO in Transatlantic Security and Defense
March 2021
Special Edition Interview with NATO Deputy Spokesperson
Interview with NATO Deputy Spokesperson, Mr. Piers Cazalet
Sir, it is a great Honor to have you in this interview. Thank you very much indeed for accepting it.
Q 1: With respect to NATO 2030, can you discuss the key elements identified and expounded in the meetings of the Defense Ministers at NATO Headquarters, 17-18 February 2021?
NATO Deputy Spokesperson, Mr. Piers Cazalet: Thank you for this opportunity to speak to U.S Europe World Affairs. The meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in February was the first with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. It represented an important milestone in our preparations for our summit later this year.
As for the NATO 2030 initiative launched by Secretary General Stoltenberg, it is informed by two fundamental premises. First: in the current historical juncture we have a unique opportunity to open a new chapter in relations between Europe and North America. Second: the number and scope of global challenges are such that no country and no continent can tackle them alone. Ultimately, the goal of the NATO 2030 initiative is to make NATO fit for the future.
Under the NATO 2030 initiative, Secretary General Stoltenberg has put forward a number of ambitious proposals. They cover key areas.
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April 2017
President Trump Reaffirmed the U.S Commitment to the NATO Alliance
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg traveled to U.S, and met with President Donald Trump on April 12. During this meeting President Trump reassured NATO of the United States’ unwavering commitment and the continuation of supports
Press conference by President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. April 12 2017 © NATO Press Office
The two leaders also discussed a wide scope of subjects covering: Syria, Iraq, defeating ISIS, other International security issues, and the up coming NATO summit in its headquarters Brussels in May.
Excerpts from President Trump’s remarks in the joint press conference:
“Sixty-eight years ago this month, not far from where we are gathered today, President Harry Truman spoke at the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty. In the nearly seven decades since Harry Truman spoke those words, the NATO alliance has been the bulwark of international peace and security.”
“NATO allies defeated communism and liberated the captive nations of the Cold War. They secured the longest period of unbroken peace that Europe has ever known. This enduring partnership is rooted out of so many different things, but our common security is always number one, and our common devotion to Human dignity and Freedom.”
Secretary general, I’m honored to have you here today and to reaffirm our commitment to this alliance and to the enduring values that we proudly — and I mean very proudly — share.” April 12, 2017 ©NATO Press Office
Excerpts from NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg’s remarks in the joint press conference:
“Thank you so much, Mr. President. We just had an excellent and very productive meeting. And it’s really an honor to meet you for the first time, here in the White House.
We agree that NATO is a bedrock of security both for Europe and for the United States. Two World Wars and a Cold War have taught us all that peace in Europe is not only important for Europeans, but is also important for the prosperity and the security of North America.
So a strong NATO is good for Europe, but a strong NATO is also good for the United States. And therefore I welcome the very strong commitment of the United States to the security of Europe. We see this commitment not only in words but also in deeds.
So Mr. President, thank you once again. I look forward to working with you to keeping the Alliance strong.” April 12, 2017 © NATO Press Office
Addition: NATO Secretary General Stoltenbergin a town hall meeting at George Washington University’s Elliott School.
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March 2017
The United States and European Armed-Forces in Transatlantic Bond
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.”
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Vice President Pence Re-assured Europe the United States’ Commitment
Vice President Mike Pence and NATO Secretary General 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 from 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 from 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
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By Catherine Stella Schmidt
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March 2017
Italian Air Force Re-assumes the NATO Air Mission
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.
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December 2016
“The United States is absolutely committed to the defense of NATO, and that means having full-spectrum capabilities not only within U.S. forces, but with NATO and partner nations as well.” highlighted the U.S Department of Defense in the news-article on December 13,2016.
While Military capabilities are known by the number of the troops and Military personnel –Power and Defense assurance are projected by advanced equipment, technology, the best training that could execute the required strategies, command and tactics in the theater fields.
The U.S Amy Europe and its 7th Army Training Command in Germany, has been the main center to build the NATO members’ Armed-Forces by regular training that to maximize the interoperability; the multinational exercise, joint maneuvers, the exchange of ideas and commands — aimed all to fortify the U.S-European Armed-Forces and bolster the NATO members’ Military to the higher capabilities of Physical and Cyber Defense.
In early 2016 the United States has announced also the increase of the budget for NATO in the European Reassurance Initiative plan, as a further demonstrations of U.S commitment to safeguard European Freedom, Peace and Security.
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NATO Foreign Ministers meetings, December 6-7 in Brussels, were concluded with the strategic focus on strengthening Transatlantic cooperation and projecting Stability Beyond Borders.
Described by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, EU and NATO start new era of cooperation in 7 areas with the agreement on 42 proposals.
The areas of focus for more closer cooperation will be on the crucial strategic Defense and Security fields including: Operational Cooperation, Cyber Defense, Maritime Security, Defense Capabilities, Defense Industry/Research, Military Training and Exercise.
On his statement Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted: “One way of strengthening the bond between North America and Europe is by strengthening the cooperation between NATO and EU. And we have a momentum now when it comes to NATO-EU cooperation. In July, I signed a Joint Declaration with Presidents Tusk and Juncker and at the meeting today we will decide how we turn that declaration into concrete action.” Dec 6, 2016 ©NATO
- Additional: Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the press conference, Dec 6
- Remarks by the High Representative Federica Mogherini at the joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Dec 6 2016
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Sources: U.S Mission NATO/NATO Public Affairs
By Catherine Stella Schmidt
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November 2016
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg’s visit to UK
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited UK on November 23 and met with Prime Minister May and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon. Among other important subjects, the leaders of UK and NATO discussed on the importance of all NATO members to increase their Defence spending, NATO’s cyber capabilities, and how to adapt to the new security environment and counter the emerging threats. The Secretary General praised UK for its enduring commitments both financially and by contributing troops by stating: “UK is a strong ally at the heart of NATO”
Prime Minister May and Secretary General Stoltenberg during their meeting. London November 23, 2016 © NATO Public Affairs
The spokesperson of PM Office highlighted:
“The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for NATO and said we will remain a cornerstone of the Alliance.”
“The two leaders also discussed the recent US election and the importance of the transatlantic bond to security. Secretary General Stoltenberg relayed his recent conversation with President-elect Donald Trump, in which they had agreed on the enduring importance of NATO. ” Nov 23, 2016 © PM May’s Office
- Additional: NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg statements during his visit to UK
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s speech at the Oxford Union
News from PM Theresa May News from Secretary General Stoltenberg
News from UK Foreign Office News from UK Armed Forces
News from PM Tony Blair International organisation
Sources: PM May’s office/NATO Public Affairs
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November 2016
NATO’s new Force Integration Unit in Hungary
With the Military and official representatives from both sides, the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) in Székesfehérvár- Hungary has been inaugurated on November 18th. NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) is part of Allied collective defence to facilitate the rapid deployment of NATO Forces, currently with 6 headquarters based in: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. Hungary and Slovakia jointed NFIU in 2016.
November 21, 2016 © US Mission to NATO
Attending the inauguration ceremony the Representative of NATO Secretary General Mr. Herold expressed his gratitude to Hungary for the vital role and contributions that has been providing to Alliance Security.
News from PM Viktor Orbán News from Hungarians Mission to NATO News from MFA of Hungary
Follow us on Twitter: @USEUWAffairs News from NATO Sources: NATO Public Affairs Office
November 2016
Finland and NATO are Fortifying the Partnership
President Sauli Niinistö visit to NATO headquarters on November 9th– was a new step forward to strengthen NATO-Finland relations.
Described by Secretary General Stoltenberg the new measures will be the expansion in the fields of:
- Information exchanges on hybrid warfare,
- Coordinating exercises,
- Developing joint situational awareness.
President Sauli Niinistö of the Republic of Finland during his meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. NATO headquarters, Brussels, November 9, 2016 © NATO
On the importance of Finland in NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg stated:
“This is of great importance both for Finland and for NATO because we share the same values and we face the same security challenges. NATO and Finnish troops have worked side by side as I said in many different operations and missions. And we have been able to develop a very close partnership on a range of different issues including planning for civil emergencies, and security in the Baltic Sea region. We are now expanding our cooperation when it comes to information exchanges on hybrid warfare, coordinating exercises, and developing joint situational awareness. All of this will allow Finland and NATO to address common threats more effectively.” November 9, 2016 © NATO
- Additional: Joint press point of NATO Secretary General with Presidnet Sauli Niinistö of the Republic of Finland
- Finland and the United States advancing Partnership in Crisis Management and Defence
News from Secretary General Stoltenberg News form Finland Mission to NATO
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November 2016
President Obama’s visit to Germany and his Assurance on U.S President Trump’s commitment to Europe
In his official visit to Berlin yesterday, President Obama reassured Germany and Europe that the change of administration will not change the United States’ enduring relation with Europe and will have no affect on the U.S commitment to NATO.
The World in the uncharted realm…. conflicts …..and mayhem, yet it will be necessary to maintain a strong Transatlantic Relations at Defense and Security, Political, Economic -Trade and all other aspects.
Nov 16, 2016 © US Mission to NATO
Despite false doom and gloom propaganda in some European and most German media– our research in U.S and in Europe proves that the Republican Administration have always had an extreme close relations with Europe. So will the next U.S President Mr. Donald Trump. The President-elect Mr. Trump has already assured Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg by telephone conversation that his administration will continue the support for Europe and NATO.
References: Good talk with US President-elect by NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg By Catherine Stella Schmidt
November 2016
President Obama’s visit to Europe, in his final official trip as the President and Commander-in-Chief, is an audible symbolic indication of assurance…… a major defining step that places, one more time the deeply interconnectedness of the United States and Europe, in the spotlight.
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October 2016
Exercise Silver Arrow is a two-week Latvian-led exercise starting from October 17. The participant Armed-Forces are from: Albania, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, UK and the United States.
“The Exercise is to develop relationships and leverage Allied and partner nation capabilities preserving peace through strength. And it is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. lead effort being conducted in Eastern Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.” Highlighted by the DVIDS October 17, 2016
October 18, 2016 © US Mission to NATO
Sources: DoD/ U.S Mission NATO/U.S Army Europe
October 2016
September 2016
Royal Danish Navy in Standing NATO Maritime Group-2
The Royal Danish Naval vessel Absalon has been deployed to Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 on September 12 to fortify the alliance in Maritime Security and counter-terrorism. The mighty ship…….seemingly serene……. is equipped with Lynx helicopter and Special Forces with the high reputation for accuracy and agile act when it enters into Operations.
September 20, 2016 © DK mission to NATO
In its recent deployment to Mediterranean Sea as a part of Standing NATO Maritime Group-2, its tasks among others will include:
- Support for NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour
- Participation in the exercise Joint Warrior of the coast of Scotland as well as continuous co-training with the other ships in SNMG 2 to increase the maritime operational cooperability in the Alliance
- Gathering and providing information/ intelligence to NATO’s maritime situational awareness in the Mediterranean Sea
- To establish NATO-presence and being part of routine Diplomatic visits. Described by the Denmark’s mission to NATO. September 28 2016
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September 2016
Royal Danish Navy in NATO Maritime Security-1
Since August 2010 the Royal Danish Navy has been vital part of NATO Operation Oceans Shield. Its participation has been by troops, military aircraft and vessels including:
- Frigate Iver Huitfeldt with the required crew and helicopter from October to December 2013
- Support Ship Esbern Snare Iver with the crew from June to December 2014
- Surveillance aircraft of the type Challenger from September to November 2014
Earlier this month on September 12, Danish Vessel HDMS Absalon has rejoined the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 in the Mediterranean Sea. This is not the first time that the support Ship Absalon has been deployed for the NATO Operation–the Vessel has been also before part of NATO Oceans Shield in 2010.
The Danish ship HDMS ABSALON in NATO Counter-Piracy Operation Ocean Shield, October 2015 © NATO’s Counter-Piracy Operation Ocean Shield
News from Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
News from Danish Mission to NATO
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August 2016
On July 14, Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen visited Danish Troops stationed in Afghanistan in the NATO Mission. Minister Jensen highlighted the occasion of his visit had been, first of all to say thank you to all Danish Troops serving in the NATO Resolute Support. And also to assess the situation in Afghanistan directly.
Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen with the Danish Troops in NATO Resolute Support in Afghanistan. July 14, 2016 © MFA of Denmark
Denmark is one of the main Troops and Financial contributors to Afghanistan from ISAF Mission to NATO’s Resolute Support. In Mai 2016 Danish Parliament ratified the Government’s plan on strengthening Danish Contingent in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the increase of the Financial aids continuing throughout 2020.
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November 2015
NATO Secretary General was awarded ‘KCMG’ by the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom presented NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael ad St. George (KCMG)
The award was a recognition for the outstanding achievements of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during his term at the office between 2009-2014.
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Rt Hon Philip Hammond with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in the official award ceremony. 17 Nov. 2015 ©UK Foreign Office
The Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Philip Hammond presented the Honorary KCMG award from the UK Foreign office to former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and elaborated:
“The 2014 Wales Summit took place at a time of significant geopolitical challenge. Under Mr Rasmussen’s leadership the Alliance set out an ambitious response, whilst maintaining unity throughout. The achievements of the Wales Summit included a new rapid reaction capability to respond to any threat, as well as an unprecedented agreement by Heads of Government to halt the decline in defence investment. His efforts included the modernisation of NATO to ensure an Alliance fit for purpose to counter 21st century threats, including in Cyber and Hybrid Warfare. Ahead of the Warsaw Summit in July next year, the UK will continue to play a leading role to ensure implementation of Wales Summit commitments, including strengthening collective Defence. With a budget of £34 billion, the UK is the largest European contributor to NATO. Earlier this year, this government announced its commitment to meet the NATO guideline of spending 2% of GDP on Defence for the rest of the decade.” ©UK Foreign Office
The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, on the occasion of the award ceremony, expressed:
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael ad St. George (KCMG). This award will further strengthen my ties to the British people. Let me take this opportunity to thank the UK for its invaluable contribution to the promotion of Freedom and Peace in the World. The United Kingdom is a staunch NATO ally and a bedrock of the Transatlantic Security Cooperation between Europe and the United States. I would like to extend a special thanks to the British service men and women in gratitude for their tireless efforts to make the world a safer and better place to live.” ©UK Foreign Office
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October 2015
The Royal Danish Navy in NATO
On October 1st, the HDMS ABSALON of Royal Danish Navy joined NATO Counter-piracy Operation Ocean Shield. The Operation is to keep the region safe from the threats of piracy and to maintain the Maritime Security at all level.
The Royal Navy Ship will visit the port of the Mediterranean Dialogue Partner Nations and meet with the high level Military Leaders including the Royal Jordanian Naval Force.
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Interview with NATO Deputy Spokesperson, Mr. Piers Cazalet
