Category: Europe

What was it like learning about NATO while growing up in the former Yugoslavia?
Why did NATO launch “out-of-area” operations in the Western Balkans following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s? 
What was the road to NATO membership like for Albania and Croatia, and how did these countries help pave the way for other countries in the region to join the Alliance?  

In this episode, former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović reflects on her country’s journey to independence and its decision to “rejoin the European family” by becoming a member of NATO and the European Union. She also speaks about how Croatia has helped other countries in southeast Europe join the Alliance, and how this experience will support the future membership of further countries, including Ukraine. In addition to serving as President of Croatia (2015-2020), she was also the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (2005-2008), Ambassador to the United States (2008-2011) and NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy (2011-2014), so she played a crucial role in bringing Croatia into NATO and in its early years of membership in the Alliance.   

The podcast is available on YouTube, and on all major podcast platforms, including:

In the afternoon, the Secretary General travelled with General Cavoli to Wiesbaden, Germany to visit NATO’s new Security Assistance and Training Ukraine (NSATU) command at the Clay Barracks, where the Secretary General also met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

In talking with the troops, Mr. Rutte noted how important their work was, preparing the way for 700 personnel who will be stationed in Wiesbaden and at logistical nodes on the Eastern flank of the Alliance. He said that the new command will make a real difference for Ukraine on the battlefield and “for our own security”.

NSATU will coordinate the provision of military training and equipment for Ukraine by NATO Allies and partners – including artillery, ammunition and air defences – and will help Ukrainian forces prepare for the future.

The NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme

Who: The grants are open to nationals from NATO Allies who are working for or affiliated with NATO Allied governments, research institutes, non-governmental organizations or the private sector. Applicants need to be resident in the country where the institution they are working for is located. The programme particularly encourages applications from women in STEM fields.

What: Applicants must submit an application form including a proposal related to one of the listed focus areas. Qualifying projects will need to be completed by end 2025. Proposals should include a forward-looking general problem statement and aim for both scientific excellence and real-world security impact.

Applicants should also address the economic viability of their proposals, and include reference to the Applicant’s experience handling similar projects. The application should include an evaluation of potential risks associated with the proposal, and a risk response plan.

When: Applications are open from now until November 15, 2024. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted in December 2024, and selected candidates will be notified by January 2024. All selected projects will have to be completed by the end of 2025.

This marks a significant opportunity for researchers to contribute to global security and technological advancement, while also promoting diversity and inclusion in defence-related STEM fields. Any inquires may be directed to mbx.sto@hq.nato.int.

Media advisory

13:50 (CEST)  Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the Prime Minister of Sweden.

Media coverage

• Media representatives who have annual accreditation to NATO for 2024 can attend the joint press conference in person.

• Media representatives without annual accreditation, who have successfully accredited for an event at HQ in 2024, and who are interested in covering the event should email NatoAccreditations@hq.nato.int no later than midday on Tuesday, 15 October.

• The pool of visual media covering the official handshake will meet in front of the Press Shop at NATO HQ at 12:30.

• The event will be streamed live on X @NATOPress and on the NATO website. A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as photographs, will be on the NATO website.

For more information:
For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office
Follow us on X: @NATO, @SecGenNATO and @NATOPress

At SHAPE, Mr Rutte will meet Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher Cavoli, and other senior officers. 

In the afternoon, NATO Secretary General will travel to Wiesbaden, where he will meet the German Minister of Defence, Mr Boris Pistorius, and visit the site of NATO’s Security Assistance and Training – Ukraine (NSATU) command.

There will be no media opportunity.

Photographs will be available on the NATO website and video can be downloaded from the NATO Multimedia Portal after the event.

For more information:
For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office
Follow us on X: @NATO, @SecGenNATO and @NATOPress

Media advisory

16:00 (CEST)   Pre-ministerial press conference by the Secretary General

Media coverage

• Media representatives with annual accreditation to NATO can attend the press conference with their badge.

• Media representatives without annual accreditation, who have registered for the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence and who have received confirmation of their successful accreditation, can also cover the pre-ministerial press conference. Media accreditation for the Ministerial meeting is closed.
   
• The press conference will be streamed live on the NATO website, EBU Worldfeed, to EBU news exchange, as well as on NATO News on YouTube.
   
• A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as pictures taken by NATO photographers, will be available on the NATO website.
   
• The video will be available for free download from the NATO Multimedia Portal after the event.

For more information:
Contact the NATO Press Office
Follow us on X: @NATO, @SecGenNATO  and @NATOPress

“Nuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of Allied security,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. “Steadfast Noon is an important test of the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent and sends a clear message to any adversary that NATO will protect and defend all Allies.”

NATO’s nuclear exercise is a routine and recurring training activity that happens every October. Steadfast Noon involves 2,000 military personnel from eight airbases and a variety of aircraft types, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, fighter escorts, refuelling aircraft and planes capable of reconnaissance and electronic warfare. This year’s exercise involves flights mainly over host countries Belgium and the Netherlands and in airspace over Denmark, the United Kingdom and the North Sea. Planning for the exercise began a year ago and thirteen Allies will send aircraft to take part in the drills.

NATO is taking steps to ensure the safety, security, effectiveness and credibility of the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent. For example, this year, the first Allied F-35A fighter aircraft from the Netherlands were declared ready to perform nuclear roles. NATO’s Washington Summit declaration makes clear that “the fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression,” It states that “as long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance.”  

The visit marked Mr Rutte’s first official trip to an Allied nation since taking office as NATO Secretary General.

Discussions focused on the UK’s significant contributions to the deterrence and defence of the Alliance, and support for Ukraine.

The Secretary General praised the UK’s enduring commitment to NATO saying “we are really appreciative of everything the UK is doing,” noting that the UK was one of just three NATO countries that was investing 2% of its GDP in defence when Allies agreed the guideline at the Wales Summit a decade ago.

Mr Rutte also announced the start of NATO’s annual nuclear exercise ‘Steadfast Noon’ on Monday (14 October) and commended the UK’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrent. 

“In an uncertain world, it is vital that we test our defences, and that we strengthen our defence so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready and is able to respond to any threat.”

Mr Rutte also highlighted the UK’s strong commitment to Ukraine describing its provision of training, artillery and aid as “crucial”. 

The UK currently provides 3 billion pounds per year as its share of the 40 billion euro financial pledge for Ukraine that Allies agreed at the Washington Summit.