Category: NATO

This recognition highlights NDC’s pivotal role in the transformative journey of the Spanish Armed Forces, and for its mission in preparing Spanish officers for senior positions within the Alliance’s military structure. The award underscores the unique contributions of the College in consolidating creative thinking, cultivating a unified culture, and instilling shared values among all NATO Allies.

The Spanish Ministry of Defence recognised the NDC’s dedication to nurturing innovative thinking, promoting integration, and fostering strategic thinking on matters of collective defence. This commitment mirrors the dedication to training and the principles of international solidarity in advancing security and peace, echoing the values of General Gutiérrez Mellado, to whom this award is dedicated.

In his remarks, the NDC Commandant, Lieutenant General Max Nielsen thanked Minister Robles Fernández for the prestigious award and underscored that “the recognition by the Spanish Ministry of Defence is a true testament to the fact that the NATO Defense College is indeed adding value. Not only to the Alliance, but also to Allies themselves.  For all this – and again on behalf of the entire NDC, past and present – I am truly grateful.”

The NDC courses are aimed at preparing participants to serve in positions within NATO, in NATO-related posts in their respective nations and capitals or in other multinational organizations, by ensuring that graduates have a firm grasp of the challenges that affect current and future global security and understand the relationship between NATO and the international security environment.

The “General Gutiérrez Mellado” Extraordinary Defence Spanish Award, comprised of a certificate and a bronze figure of Miguel de Cervantes, is conferred every year by the Spanish Ministry of Defence to natural or legal persons who have distinguished themselves either by their work or collaborations in the literary, artistic for scientific field or in their professional career, and helped advance the profile of the Armed Forces in the areas of defence, culture and peace.

Mr Geoană highlighted the central role that Spain plays in protecting NATO Allies from all threats from all directions. He also underlined Spain’s important military and humanitarian support to Ukraine as they face Russia’s brutal war of aggression. Mr Geoană emphasised that NATO is embracing the full ‘innovation ecosystem’ – the triple helix of government, private sector and academia – and that combining efforts is the best way to accelerate progress and develop the most effective technologies for our security and defence. He also emphasised the importance of encouraging the next generation to drive innovation, because the challenges we face demand new thinking and creativity.  
 
During his trip to Madrid, Mr Geoană met with the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares Bueno. He also met with Spanish technology and defence industry representatives.

Opening the meeting, the Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Lieutenant General Andrew M. Rohling, underlined that NATO is committed to furthering and improving military cooperation with Partners. “Many of you have contributed for many years to the Alliance’s operations and missions; side by side with Allied forces, as brothers and sisters in arms,” Lieutenant General Rohling said. He also extended his appreciation to representatives of Ukraine participating in the meeting, reaffirming that “NATO and individual Allies and Partners have resolved to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to repel the Russian invasion.”

Taking the floor next, the Director of the IMS Cooperative Security division, Major General T. Serban highlighted the importance of NATO Partners. “For me the core task of this meeting, but also for the work of my team is that we make NATO better and stronger,” Major General Serban said, adding that “the Alliance and Partners work together to establish cooperative security with NATO programmes helping Partner countries to develop their own defence.”  He noted that his hometown in Romania is only a ten hour drive from Kyiv and his thoughts were constantly with Ukrainians “fighting for our security by successfully withstanding the Russian aggression.”

Partner Military Representatives and specialists were then briefed by NATO experts on how the 2022 Strategic Concept impacts NATO’s political ambitions relating to Partnerships, NATO’s evolving strategy in the South and the concept of Out-Partnering.
The following portion was dedicated to the implementation of NATO Partnerships, including Defence Capacity Building, Building Integrity and the Defence Educational Enhancement Programme. Partners also received an update on NATO and Partners Cooperative Counter-Terrorism activities. 

The last session commenced with briefings on NATO’s efforts in protecting critical undersea infrastructure and NATO’s Digital Ocean, a pioneering initiative to enhance maritime situational awareness from seabed to space. Finally, an open forum discussion with NATO civilian and military experts sought Partners input and recommendations to enhance NATO’s Partnership strategy, policy, programmes and activities. 

At the initiative of the IMS, and under the auspices of its Cooperative Security Division, this Partners meeting is held bi-annually. It provides an informal setting for a constructive dialogue on Partnerships, military cooperation and other topics of common interest at the military-political level.
 

After being welcomed at the McKee Barracks, in Dublin, by an Honour Guard, Admiral Bauer joined Lieutenant General Seán Clancy for a wreath laying ceremony, to commemorate all military personnel killed or wounded in action. “NATO and Ireland have been Partners for 25 years now. Throughout that time, Irish troops have served in NATO’s missions in Bosnia and Afghanistan, and today, they still stand shoulder to shoulder with Allied forces in our KFOR mission in Kosovo. By working together, we help project stability and security beyond our borders”, Admiral Bauer noted. 

Sitting down with Lieutenant General Clancy, Admiral Bauer thanked Ireland for its commitment to its partnership with NATO and for its leading role in the Partner Interoperability Advocacy Group. “Alongside other members – Austria, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Switzerland –, Ireland has been developing its interoperability with Allied forces as well as fostering and maintaining strong dialogue and cooperation with NATO and fellow members. Beign a PIAG member comes with certain privileges, such as an individual security agreement that allows for the exchange of classified information or regular participation in NATO training and exercises”, he underscored.

In his meetings with the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, Admiral Bauer provided an overview of the situation in Ukraine and NATO’s ongoing support to its close Partner. “Both NATO and Ireland have a vested interest in upholding the Rules Based International Order that underpins global security. The ability for Nations, including Ireland, to maintain their neutral status is directly linked to this order. As an Alliance based on shared values, such as democracy, sovereignty and freedom – NATO fully respects Ireland’s choice to maintain its neutrality and that respect is the foundation of our entire partnership”, highlighted the Chair.   

In his lecture to the members of the Irish Joint Command and Staff Course, and the Senior Enlisted Leaders Standing Advisory Group (SELSAG), Admiral Bauer addressed the changed security environment and NATO’s response, including crucial decisions taken at the Vilnius Summit last July. “We have entered a new era of collective defence. As such, NATO is actively reinforcing its collective deterrence and defence. Allies agreed the most comprehensive defence plans since the Cold War and now they are working to ensure that all of the requirements are fulfilled to execute them, when the time comes”, he emphasised. 

At the Institute for International and European Affairs, Admiral Bauer stated that deterrence requires a whole of government and even a whole of society approach. “We are facing the most dangerous world in decades, with a record amount of violence and conflict. We must ensure that we are all better prepared and resources for a conflict scenario, while continuing to help Ukraine in its existential fight”, he concluded.

As NATO’s Contact Point Embassy for Ireland, the Belgian Embassy in Dublin and its Ambassador, H.E. Karen Van Vlierberge organised a roundtable discussion with other Allied Ambassadors assigned to the capital. Discussions focused on the current security environment and the Alliance’s response as well as the requirement for all Allies to live up to their commitments and pledges.

“I am grateful to Czechia for hosting this informal meeting as we prepare for our Summit in Washington in July,” the Secretary General said. “This year marks 25 years since Czechia joined NATO and 22 years since the Prague Summit where we invited seven more central and eastern European countries to join our Alliance. So this is a fitting place to discuss how we can continue to strengthen and adapt NATO in this important anniversary year,” he added.

At their 2021 Summit in Brussels, NATO leaders pledged to strengthen and broaden political consultations, including through informal meetings of Foreign Affairs Ministers. Such meetings were hosted by Germany in Berlin in May 2022, and Norway in Oslo in May 2023. Czechia joined NATO on 12 March 1999 alongside Hungary and Poland.
 

Mr Stoltenberg said: “I look forward to welcoming Farah Dakhlallah as the next NATO Spokesperson. In a more dangerous world, clear and timely communication, and engagement with the media, are more important than ever.”

Ms Dakhlallah joins NATO with wide-ranging experience from both the public and private sectors, including the United Nations, the UK government, and AstraZeneca, as well as several media organisations. She succeeds Oana Lungescu, who served as Spokesperson from 2010 to 2023.

Today we solemnly mark two years of Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and ten years since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and initial military intervention in the Donbas.  The men and women of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the people of Ukraine continue to inspire the world with their resolve and bravery in the heroic defence of their nation, their land, and our shared values.  We pay tribute to the lives lost and we deplore the tragic human suffering and destruction caused by Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war.  Russia has failed in its efforts to undermine Ukraine’s statehood and break the resolve of the Ukrainian people.  Ukraine has prevailed as a sovereign and democratic nation, liberating significant territory and pushing back Russia’s Black Sea fleet.

Russia bears full responsibility for this war, a blatant violation of international law including the UN Charter, for which it must be held fully accountable.  There can be no impunity for Russian war crimes and violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the forced deportation of children and conflict-related sexual violence.  We condemn Russia’s appalling attacks against Ukraine’s cities and its civilian, energy, and port infrastructure, some of which have also impacted Allied territory.  We also condemn all those who are facilitating Russia’s war and amplifying Russia’s disinformation.  Russia must immediately stop this war and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine in line with UN General Assembly resolutions.  We do not and will never recognise Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexations, including Crimea.  Russia has not shown any genuine openness to a just and lasting peace.  Allies welcome and support President Zelenskyy’s commitment in setting out the principles for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace through his Peace Formula. 

Allies remain as resolute as ever in supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to prevail.  We welcome efforts of all Allies and partners agreeing bilateral long-term security commitments and arrangements with Ukraine.  As Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, Allies and partners are providing ongoing military, financial, and humanitarian assistance.  NATO continues to support Ukraine with urgently needed non-lethal equipment and supplies to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defence.  NATO is committed to help strengthen and rebuild the Ukrainian security and defence sector, support Ukraine’s deterrence and defence in the long term, and transition Ukraine to full interoperability with NATO.  Work is ongoing on long-term recovery and reform including on air and missile defence, humanitarian demining, medical rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian soldiers, support to veterans, post-war reconstruction, defence procurement, and strengthening Ukraine’s defence industrial capacity.  We have also agreed to establish a NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre in Poland to identify and apply lessons learned from Russia’s war against Ukraine.

A strong, independent, and democratic Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area.  Ukraine’s fight for its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders directly contributes to Euro-Atlantic security.  In the NATO-Ukraine Council, Allies and Ukraine are working closely and taking decisions together, as equals, to support Ukraine’s further integration with NATO, in line with Vilnius Summit decisions.  Ukraine’s future is in NATO.  Allies and Ukraine stand together.

The situation on the battlefield remains extremely serious.
President Putin’s aim to dominate Ukraine has not changed.
And there are no indications that he is preparing for peace.

But we must not lose heart.
Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable skill and fierce determination again and again.

Ukraine did not collapse in weeks, as many feared it would.
You have recaptured half of the territory seized by Russia.
Pushed Russia back from large parts of the Black Sea.
And inflicted heavy losses on the Russian forces.

Above all, Ukraine retains its freedom and independence.
This has been made possible by your courage and resolve.
Enabled by major military and economic support from NATO Allies.
Just in the past days and weeks, NATO Allies have announced new packages of aid worth billions of dollars.
These cover key capabilities like artillery ammunition, air defence, and combat boats.
As well as F-16 equipment and spare parts, drones, and demining equipment.
More support is on the way. 

President Putin started this war because he wanted to close NATO’s door, and deny Ukraine the right to choose its own path.
But he has achieved the exact opposite:
Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before.

We are helping to make your forces more and more interoperable with Allies.
We will open a new Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre in Poland together.
And we are deepening our political ties through the NATO-Ukraine Council, where we consult and make decisions together.

Ukraine will join NATO.
It is not a question of if, but of when.

As we prepare you for that day, NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine.
For your security, and for ours.

Alongside Natalia Galibarenko, the Ukrainian ambassador to NATO, Mr Geoană said: “Ukraine fights on, determined to prevail… NATO is determined to support you.”

Mr Geoană recalled the different kinds of support provided by Allies since the beginning of the war, and stressed that all Allies have agreed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO. “I believe in Ukraine. I believe in NATO. And I believe that together we can ensure a more secure future for us all,” he said.

The address was followed by a moment of silence and a performance of the Ukrainian National Anthem by Volodymyr Kapshuk, a Ukrainian baritone currently with the Opera National de Paris. After the performance, NATO Ambassadors pinned sunflowers to a map of Ukraine.

The Secretary General emphasised that Georgia is a close partner and reiterated NATO’s full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “NATO continues to call on Russia to reverse the recognition of Georgian territories as independent states”, Mr Stoltenberg said. “Any threats by Russia to annex Georgia’s occupied regions are unacceptable.”

Ahead of a meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission which discussed NATO’s partnership with Georgia and regional security, the Secretary General commended Georgia for hosting thousands of Ukrainian refugees and providing crucial humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine. 

NATO is stepping up its cooperation with Georgia in areas such as crisis management, cyber security, military engineering and secure communications. Mr Stoltenberg urged Georgia to continue and step up domestic reforms and uphold democratic values on its path toward full membership in the Euro-Atlantic family. “NATO will continue to stand by your side as you work toward fulfilling those aspirations”, the Secretary General said.