Category: NATO

Commissioner Breton also briefed a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, chaired by Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană. Mr Geoană underlined that NATO is implementing the Defence Production Action Plan, which leaders agreed in Vilnius, to accelerate joint procurement, boost production capacity and enhance interoperability. “Two years after the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it is absolutely imperative, both for Ukraine and for Euro-Atlantic security that we increase our defence production and revitalise our defence industries,” Mr Geoană said. He also added that since last July, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has agreed contracts for around 10 billion dollars, including for Patriot missiles and 155-milimetre ammunition. “Allies have a single set of forces. So we need to ensure a complementary approach on defence industrial issues, that respects NATO’s competencies, for example in standard setting, and does not create barriers between Allies”.

In January 2023, NATO and the EU signed a third joint declaration to further strengthen the partnership and address a broader range of issues, including growing geostrategic competition, resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Lieutenant General Rohling was commissioned in 1989, after graduating in engineering from the University of South Florida. Throughout his career, Lieutenant General Rohling has been deployed numerous times to operations abroad, starting with “Just Cause” in Panama, operations “Iraqi Freedom” and “Enduring Freedom”, respectively in Iraq and Afghanistan, and most recently, in “Operation Freedom’s Sentinel”, in Afghanistan. 

Lieutenant General Rohling has held various assignments, including in the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, Georgia; 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions in Germany; 6th Ranger Training Battalion in Florida; and as a Vietnam MIA/POW team commander for Joint Task Force-Full Accounting in Hawaii. He also served with the Southern European Task Force (Airborne), in Vicenza, Italy; as the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps deputy chief of staff – operations, in the United Kingdom; and the Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Africa prior to assuming the duties of Deputy Commanding General Africa, and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force- Africa, Commanding General in October 2020.

When asked about his appointment, Lieutenant General Rohling said: “It is an honour to have been appointed Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee. NATO is the most successful military alliance in modern history. Today, our Alliance faces the most challenging and complex security environment since the end of the Cold War, however through continued adaptation and transformation, NATO stands stronger, readier and more able than ever before, to deter and defend from any threat and continue to protect our 1 billion people. The world needs NATO and I look forward to contributing to its legacy”.  

The Deputy Chair of the Military Committee (DCMC) is a United States Officer and his responsibilities are to assist the Chair of the Military Committee (CMC) in the execution of his duties and to take over the CMC’s duties in his absence. He is also specifically responsible for the coordination of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) matters within the International Military Staff (IMS).

February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Mandated by the United Nations, this day draws attention to the fact that – despite some progress – women are still underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) all over the world.

Outstanding researchers from NATO members and partner countries receive support from the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme to investigate and find solutions to emerging security challenges. In celebration of this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, two award-winning scientists who find their inspiration in nature share their stories.

Dr Gozde Durmus

Driven by a curiosity about the natural world and a desire to solve complex problems, Dr Gozde Durmus is dedicating her career to scientific research. With a background in bioengineering, she has been recognised as one of the “Top Innovators Under 35” by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review. What she likes the most about science is “the freedom to explore and answer questions that I am curious about, and discover new knowledge, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and technology.”

Gozde’s expertise lies at the intersection of magnetics, nanotechnology and biomedicine. Her work focuses on developing advanced biomedical tools by creating innovative platforms that merge

engineering, biology, and microfluidics. In simpler terms, her work helps to find and understand rare cells or molecules by using magnets and tiny particles – a task as complicated as finding a needle in a haystack.

“I find immense satisfaction in the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of scientific research, as well as its potential to make meaningful impacts on society and serve patients,” says Gozde.

With support from NATO’s SPS Programme, Gozde is leading a new research project aimed at developing a smart device that combines advanced nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to detect harmful microorganisms in water and air. Such a tool could be used to tackle bacterial contamination and improve the detection of pathogens in water and air on an everyday basis. It could also play a crucial security role in rapidly responding to attacks using biological agents, and help save many lives. Her project brings together her team at Stanford University in the United States along with research groups at Ozyegin University in Türkiye, and at the University of Aberdeen campus in Qatar.

Dr Danica Pavlović

Love for nature also motivates Dr Danica Pavlović, one of the recipients of the 2020 L’Oréal-UNESCO national award ‘For Women in Science’. For Danica, being a scientist is a dream job that allows her to express her creativity and innovation.

“The charm of science is that it is dynamic, you are constantly faced with new challenges, and always learn something new.”

Danica’s research in the field of biophotonics (the study of how light interacts with biological systems) enables her to use various biology and physics methods to analyse and characterise different biological processes, structures, cells and tissues. Her work also explores biomaterials and their potential application in technology.

Recently, with support from NATO’s SPS Programme, she completed a research project that used elements from nature to enhance existing technologies. Specifically, she worked on the development of a low-cost, multispectral surveillance camera using butterfly wing scales as camera pixels. In November 2023, Danica presented a prototype of this device – whose performance has the potential to surpass most commercially available thermal cameras – directly to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to Belgrade. This project was the result of collaboration between her team at the Institute of Physics in Belgrade (Serbia) and researchers at the Institute of Physics in Zagreb (Croatia).

How does the Science for Peace and Security Programme help?

The SPS Programme brings together academics, experts and officials from NATO and partner countries who jointly lead research and knowledge exchange activities. Proposals for new activities are assessed based on technical and scientific merit, paying attention to avoid any gender bias and welcoming women-led research and insights. Opportunities for cooperation are announced as calls for proposals on the SPS website. It is also possible to stay up-to-date with the latest opportunities offered by the SPS Programme by subscribing to the SPS newsletter.

In January 2024, NATO unveiled its public mural, created by street artists in Vilnius, Lithuania to celebrate the summit held in the city in 2023 and symbolise NATO’s collective defence mission. Now, NATO is calling on young artists from across the Alliance to submit artwork featuring their interpretation of peace, security, unity and freedom for the celebration of the Alliance’s 75th anniversary. Top entries will be displayed at an exhibition at the 2024 NATO Summit venue in Washington D.C. and the winner will get to work with a local street artist to feature their mural permanently on a wall in the city. 

The NATO mural competition will give young talents a chance to produce a signature image for NATO’s anniversary as part of its “Protect the Future” campaign.

Eligibility:

If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to the competition using the form below, where you will be able to submit your artwork (JPEG, PNG or PDF format) together with a brief description.

Following the deadline, all submissions will be evaluated by a panel of NATO officials. Top-rated entries will be contacted with further details.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday 1 May 2024, 23:59 CEST. 

Have a question? Send us an email to: campaigns@hq.nato.int

SOFCOM Deputy Commander, Brigadier Neil Grant DSO MC, received the NATO and Invitee Military Representatives: “Today’s visit of the Military Committee highlights the strategic role of SOFCOM to proactively work with and through Allied and Partner SOF in peacetime, crisis and conflict to enable SACEUR and the Joint Force Commanders to defend every inch of the Alliance.” Throughout the morning, the NATO Military Committee received briefings on SOFCOM and the role of Allied and Partner SOF contributions to collective defence as high-end specialized assets with the ability to deliver strategic effects around NATO’s core cause to protect and defend each other. 

SOFCOM serves as NATO’s SOF Theatre Component Command and plays a pivotal role in the deterrence and defence of the NATO Alliance.  SOFCOM coheres NATO Special Operations Forces to deliver SOF effects for a rapidly evolving strategic environment by adapting, coordinating, enabling, and supporting the integration of multinational SOF, ensuring a 360-degree approach to the Alliance’s collective defence.

Admiral Bauer highlighted the role of SOFCOM and the critical expertise Allied SOF bring to the Alliance. “Special Operations Forces are uniquely equipped to expect the unexpected – by default, they are trained to be flexible, fast and independent. They have a small footprint, with high-level of precision. True professionals, who do not only possess exceptional physical and psychological endurance, but who are also complex problem-solvers with an ability for critical thinking, flexibility and strength”, said Admiral Bauer. “With the threats that the Alliance is now facing, such as hybrid conflict situations, counterterrorism operations and operations against irregular forces, Special Operations Forces help keep NATO strong and safe,” he underscored, emphasizing the importance of Special Operations Forces in maintaining NATO’s ability and capacity to address the diverse and evolving security challenges through their unique skills, adaptability, and expertise.

In the afternoon, the NATO Military Committee toured NATO Special Operations University located on Chievres Air Base, which provides training and education to enhance the development of capable, geographically oriented Allied and Partner SOF relationships and structures to achieve NATO objectives in peacetime, crisis, and conflict.

The annual Plenary highlighted NATO’s priorities for the integration of the gender perspective and outlined the work delivered by the NCGP.  The Executive Committee planned the agenda for its annual Conference, set to take place from 6-8 May 2024. Following this, the Chair introduced the Executive Committee to the NCGP’s programme of work highlighting key Lines of Effort to support the NCGP’s output as an advisory body to the Military Committee. Briefings from the wider gender community of interest including ACO GENAD, ACT GENAD and the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations concluded the first day.

The Executive Committee attended the Military Committee working group discussions on the NCGP Terms of Reference update, which will be the first revision of the NCGP’s framework since 2014, and the military advice for NATO’s updated Women, Peace and Security Policy, which was tasked to be updated after the Vilnius Summit.  They then met with the Secretary General’s Special Representative (SGSR) for Women, Peace and Security, Ms Irene Fellin, to hear about her objectives ahead of the Washington Summit.  They also coordinated on how the NCGP and the SGSR’s team can better support each other in the future.

Following recent elections for the NCGP Executive Committee, Lieutenant Colonel Rosa-Linda Lucchesi (ITA-AF) was selected to serve as the next Chair-Elect, while Lieutenant Colonel Melanie Lake (CAN-A), and Lieutenant Commander Nikolai Vibe (NOR-N) will serve as the Deputy Chairs to the current Chair of the Committee, Colonel Jane Male (USA-AF), and Deputy Chair, Major Caroline Berger (NLD-AF).

The NCGP is governed by an Executive Committee and supported by IMS GENAD. The Executive Committee is comprised of the Chair, the Chair-Elect, three Deputy Chairs and the IMS Gender Advisor, and must have at least one member of each gender. Both the Executive Committee and the Military Committee (NATO’s senior military authority) can task the NCGP on specific gender-related issues.

Each NATO member and partner nation is entitled to designate one active duty officer of senior rank (or civilian equivalent) as a delegate to the NCGP. Delegates should be familiar with the latest national developments in gender approaches and tools for gender mainstreaming. They should also have knowledge of NATO and national policies relating to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related Resolutions.

The WGS24 challenge

Who: The challenge is open to individual female university students (studying for their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD) and early career researchers up to 30 years of age from NATO member countries and Sweden.

What: Participants must submit a short research proposal of up to 1,300 words, addressing one of the following NATO Science and Technology (S&T) focus areas:

The research proposal should be guided by the following question: What research idea would you like to see NATO realise over the next five years?

The proposals should aim to solve an existing issue, or prevent the evolution of a new problem for international security.

When: Beginning on 8 February 2024, in celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, the call for proposals will close on 21 April 2024, 23:59 CET.

Where: Shortlisted participants will present their recommendations in person at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 30 May 2024.

Selection: NATO STO experts will select up to 12 applications based on criteria including novelty, relevance, coherence, feasibility and potential positive impact on society. The young women who submitted these applications will be invited to an event at NATO Headquarters on 30 May 2024 for the final phase of the challenge, where they will have 10 minutes to present their idea to an audience of STO experts and other NATO staff, followed by a five-minute Q&A session. A panel of experts will then select three overall winners.

Award: The three winners will get to visit the NATO laboratory at the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) in La Spezia, Italy, in the summer of 2024.

How to apply: To take part in the challenge, fill out the Google application form in English. The submission should explain a visionary idea in 1,300 words or less.

Any inquires may be directed to mbx.sto@HQ.NATO.INT.

The Secretary General highlighted that both Europe and North America are making critical contributions to preserve Ukraine’s freedom, and that support to Ukraine is in the security interest of Allies. “A Russian victory would weaken us and embolden not just Moscow, but also China, Iran, and North Korea,” he said, adding that support to Ukraine “is not charity. It is in our own security interest.”

The Secretary General underlined that in a visit to Washington, D.C. last week, he heard “strong support for Ukraine from Congressional leaders – both Republicans and Democrats”. He added: “The debate continues in Washington on funding for a number of important priorities. It is vital that the United States Congress agrees on continued support for Ukraine in the near future, and I count on all Allies to sustain their commitment.”

Mr Stoltenberg also underlined measures to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence. Since last July, NATO has agreed industry deals worth 10 billion dollars for ammunition, “including 5.5 billion dollars for 1,000 more Patriot air defence missiles just last month. A deal that will build more production capacity in Europe for this vital capability,” said the Secretary General.

On strengthening global partnerships, the Secretary General stressed that “our competitors are increasingly joining forces and Russia’s increasing cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea raises serious concerns. So it is even more important that NATO is working more closely with partners like Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.”

The National Security Advisors also condemned Iran’s destabilising role throughout the Middle East. “Attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria against U.S. forces are unacceptable. Iran must rein in its proxies,” Mr Stoltenberg said.