Secretary General at NATO-Industry Forum: without industry there is no defence

Source: NATO

Addressing the NATO-Industry Forum in Stockholm on Wednesday (25 October 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the vital link between NATO, Allies and industry when it comes to ensuring support to Ukraine, strengthening deterrence and defence, and maintaining the Alliance’s technological edge.

Mr Stoltenberg stressed that while some investors “have the misguided idea that the defence industry is somehow ‘unethical’” – there is nothing unethical about defending Allies or helping Ukrainian soldiers to defend their country. “Indeed, without industry, there is no defence, no deterrence and no security,” he said. 

NATO’s relationship with industry has become more important than ever since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. Many Allies have significantly depleted their stocks in order to support Ukraine, which will continue to need large quantities of high-quality capabilities to defend itself. The Secretary General said: “Now we need to ramp up production to meet Ukraine’s needs, but also to strengthen our own deterrence and defence”.

Mr Stoltenberg underlined that Allies have implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence since the Cold War and increased defence spending. At the Vilnius Summit, Allies stepped up even more, including with a new Defence Production Action Plan to aggregate demand, boost capacity, strengthen engagement with industry and increase interoperability.

The Secretary General also stressed the importance of cooperating with the private sector on innovation, saying “NATO needs industry as we navigate a world shaped by disruptive new technologies. Technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, biotech and quantum are changing the character of conflict as much as the Industrial Revolution.” This means that “we must constantly sharpen our technological edge by developing and adopting new technologies; cooperating with the private sector; shaping global standards; and embedding principles of responsible use that our democratic values enshrine.”

This year marks the first time a NATO invitee nation has hosted the NATO-Industry Forum. The Secretary General said that this demonstrates how close Sweden already is to the Alliance, adding that he looks forward to welcoming Sweden as a full-fledged NATO Ally soon. 

NATO Secretary General meets the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy

Source: NATO

On Thursday, 26th October 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, will receive the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, Mr Antonio Tajani, at NATO Headquarters.

There will be no media opportunity.
Photographs will be available on the NATO website after the event.

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) (@NATO@jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress)

NATO Secretary General meets the Prime Minister of Moldova

Source: NATO

On Thursday 26 October 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will receive the Prime Minister of Moldova, Mr. Dorin Recean, at NATO Headquarters. Afterwards, Mr. Recean will engage with Allies at the North Atlantic Council chaired by NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Mircea Geoană.

Media advisory

08:30 (CEST)      Short statements by the Secretary General and the Prime Minister (Agora podium – visual media only)

Media coverage

Media representatives who have annual accreditation to NATO for 2023 can cover the statements in person, on first come-first serve basis. Media wishing to do so are requested to inform NATOMediaOperations@hq.nato.int by midday on 25 October. Media representatives are requested to report in front of the Press shop (ground floor) at 08:00 (CEST).

The event will be streamed live on the NATO website and X @NATOPress.

A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as pictures taken by a NATO photographer, 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 (formerly Twitter) (@NATO@jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress)

Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs

Source: NATO

GENERAL

A meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs will take place on 28-29 November 2023 at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The meeting will be chaired by the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.

Journalists with annual NATO accreditation do not need to apply for separate ad-hoc accreditation for this event. All other journalists who plan to attend in person need to seek ad-hoc accreditation by Sunday 12 November at 23:59 (CEST).

The Secretary General will preview the Ministerial meeting with a press conference in the days before the event. Ministerial accreditation, as well as annual accreditation, will give access to that press conference.

The Secretary General will brief the media on both days of the Ministerial meeting.

PROGRAMME

A detailed media programme of the Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers will be available on the NATO website closer to the event.

For information about individual Ministers’ media programmes, please contact the national delegations. A list of delegation press officers is available from the NATO Press Office (contact here).

MEDIA ACCESS

Media representatives who wish to cover the Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers need to seek accreditation, except if they have annual accreditation at NATO.

Accredited media representatives can work in the press area of NATO Headquarters on 27, 28 and 29 November and access all public areas. The opening hours of the press area will be communicated in the media programme. Accredited journalists can attend Ministers’ doorsteps and the press conferences of the NATO Secretary General.

National briefings will also take place at NATO Headquarters. Those may be by invitation only. Please contact national delegations at NATO for details about their plans.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Media representatives who have annual accreditation to NATO for 2023 do not need to apply for separate accreditation for this event.

All other media representatives wishing to cover the meeting need to apply for accreditation. They need to register via NATO’s media accreditation platform: https://my.hq.nato.int. Please find instructions on how to log in or create a new profile in Annex 1.

The deadline to register and apply for media accreditation is Sunday 12 November at 23:59 (CEST).

Please apply as early as possible to allow for sufficient time for processing accreditation requests.

NATO will confirm accreditation explicitly by email. Please bring a printout of the confirmation email when collecting your badge.

Media passes must be collected in person upon presentation of an ID card or passport at the Main Entrance, NATO Headquarters, Boulevard Leopold III 1110 Brussels. You must bring the same ID document that you used to apply for accreditation online.

Passes must be visible at all times. Please arrive early to clear security checks. Security personnel will examine and may test equipment and personal effects.

MEDIA ACCESS

Accredited media representatives can work in the press area of NATO Headquarters on the day of the pre-ministerial press conference and the days of the Ministerial meeting, and access all public areas. The opening hours of the press area will be communicated in the media programme. Accredited journalists can attend Ministers’ doorsteps and the press conferences of the NATO Secretary General.

These events will also be streamed live on the NATO website.

National briefings will also take place at NATO Headquarters. Those may be by invitation only. Please contact national delegations at NATO for details about their plans.

POOLS

A few elements of the Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers will be accessible only to a pool of visual journalists. Details on pooled events and distribution of pool cards will be available in the media programme, a few days before the event.

If you accept a NATO pool position, you must share immediately all information and material collected while in the pool with any accredited media that request it, at no charge and with no restriction on the use of the material for news purposes.

Media organisations that want pooled images should first contact the wire service / photo agency of which they are a client. Media representatives and news organisations must identify that it is pooled material every time it is used. Pooled material can only be used for legitimate news purposes and cannot be sold.

BROADCAST

NATO will provide broadcast-quality video in real time on EBU World feed or to EBU News Exchange.

NATO photographers and videographers will provide video clips and photos of all public events during the ministerial meeting. Photos can be downloaded from the NATO website. The video files will be available for free download from the NATO Multimedia Portal.

The Secretary General’s press conferences will be streamed live on the NATO website.

MEDIA FACILITIES

A press working area will be set up on the first floor of the Public Square at NATO HQ. Working spaces cannot be booked in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Television and radio editing spaces will be available upon request by email to the NATO TV & Radio Unit (see contact details below).

PARKING

Media representatives can park in the Visitors’ car park of the NATO HQ. Uplink vans can park in a special section of the car park upon request to the NATO TV & Radio Unit.

For general queries: Contact the NATO Press Office

Accreditation
NatoAccreditations[at]hq.nato.int

TV & Radio arrangements on site and via satellite
broadcastoperations@HQ.NATO.INT

NATO Video on demand
content[at]natomultimedia.tv

Annex 1 – Eligibility to apply for media accreditation at NATO

Media accreditation to NATO is reserved for journalists (written press, online, radio and TV journalists, film crews and press photographers). To apply, they must meet the following criteria:

  • Journalism must be their main source of income

AND

  • Be employed by a bona fide media organisation

OR

  • Cover NATO affairs for a bona fide media organisation on freelance basis

Media organisations must meet the following criteria to have their representatives be accredited at NATO:

  • Editorial independence
  • Be a commercial organisation with no distribution restrictions
  • Must be open about how and by whom they are financed, and have a specific, verifiable address and telephone number.
  • For online media, they must demonstrate that the majority of their website content covers original news, commentary or analysis, and be updated at least once a week.

Publications that focus on communications outreach, advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organisations, think tanks or interest groups do not qualify for media accreditation.

Annex 2 – Instructions for using the NATO Accreditation portal

Portal link: https://my.hq.nato.int/

Creating a new profile:

  • Select New user on the portal homepage
  • Use a unique email address per registration. It is not possible to register groups or more than one person with the same email address
  • In case our site is blocked by your provider (most likely because of a firewall), use a device connected to a different Internet source (4G or connection at home)
  • For media not in possession of a national press card number, please enter N/A in the National Press Card Number field
  • Safari browser is not supported. Please use another browser (also see below the paragraph on Attachments re Mac OS X).

Updating an existing profile:

Registering for an event:

Once your profile has been created:

  • Select Registered user on the portal homepage and log in
  • Click on  Event Attendance: select the event
  • Attach files as required
  • Tick and accept fields
  • Submit your request before the deadline

To verify if you have duly submitted your application with attachments, please log in to your profile and click on the Event Attendance tab. The event tick box should appear as checked https://my.hq.nato.int/ → Login → Homepage → Event Attendance

Including attachments:

To complete your registration, you will be required to upload two types of attachments:

  • Identity: a copy of your ID card/passport
  • Professional:
    • Candidates in possession of a valid press card (provided by a recognised national professional body of a NATO country – i.e. government, professional association or union) are required to upload a scanned copy of it onto their profile (PDF)
    • Candidates not in possession of a valid press card are required, regardless of nationality, to upload a signed letter from their editorial staff onto their profile (in PDF)

For users of Mac OS X: Please upload files only in PDF.

Group registrations:

  • It is not possible to register groups or more than one person under the same email address. 
  • A unique email address must be used to create a profile and register.
  • Editorial staff can prepare and sign a letter (in letterhead) containing all the names of the crew members that the media outlet/company wishes to send to cover the event. The letter must contain:

            SURNAME, Name, date of birth, ID/Passport number

Each crew member can upload the same group letter onto their individual registration.

It is the company/media outlet responsibility to ensure that all their crew members are registered for the event.

To verify if you have duly submitted your application with attachments, please log in to your profile and click on the Event Attendance tab. The event tick box should appear as checked https://my.hq.nato.int/ → Login → Homepage → Event Attendance

“Arctic remains essential to NATO’s Deterrence and Defence Posture”, says Chair of the NATO Military Committee

Source: NATO

On 20 and 21 October 2023, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Bauer attended the 10th edition of the Arctic Circle Assembly. While in Iceland, he also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bjarni Benediktsson, the Chief of Defence, Mr Jonas Allansson and former President of Iceland Mr Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, current Chairman of the Arctic Circle Assembly.

In his keynote speech for the Arctic Circle Assembly, Admiral Bauer started by sharing NATO’s view on the current security environment in the Arctic. “The increased competition and militarisation in the Arctic region, especially by Russia and China, is concerning. The melting ice in the Arctic is creating new sea routes that would facilitate the movement of large vessels and shorten navigation times.  We cannot be naïve and ignore the potentially nefarious intentions of some actors in the region. We must remain vigilant and prepare for the unexpected”, he noted.

He then proceeded to explain the implications of the new Regional Plan North, highlighting that “this plan specifically sees to the Atlantic and European Arctic, and falls under the command of our newest Allied Joint Force Command in Norfolk”. “JFC Norfolk sees to it that NATO’s force posture supports Arctic operations and provides greater Arctic defence coherence. This ensures that forces and equipment can flow between the continents in conflict and peace and protects our freedom of navigation”, the Chair also noted in his remarks.

In his meeting with the Icelandic Chief of Defence, Mr Jonas Allansson, Admiral Bauer commended Iceland for its support and contributions to NATO. “Iceland is a smaller nation with a smaller population, but you still contribute meaningfully to our Alliance. Amongst other things, you host strategic NATO and Allied assets, you have personnel deployed on our Eastern Flank and you increase our situational awareness in the North Atlantic. In addition, you show true leadership on the Women, Peace and Security agenda. And you support key partners, including Ukraine”, he highlighted. 

Sitting down with Mr Bjarni Benediktsson, the Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs, Admiral Bauer reiterated the key role Iceland plays in the region, as a NATO Ally but also as a member of the Arctic Council. “When Sweden joins, following in the footsteps of Finland, seven of the eight members of the Arctic Council will be NATO Allies. We are grateful to our Nordic Allies for their enhanced cooperation, investment and vigilance in the region. The Arctic has always had a strategic importance to NATO, and we must ensure it remains free and navigable”, he added. Admiral Bauer and Minister Benediktsson also exchanged views on security issues outside of the Arctic region, especially those related to the war in Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Middle East. 

Meeting with the Chairman of the Arctic Circle Assembly, Mr Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Admiral Bauer praised the quality and value of the Arctic Circle Assembly, as a platform officials, regional actors and industry to come together and discuss key issues relating to the Arctic. “In the last decade, the growing importance of the Arctic has been undeniable, especially due to its natural resources, maritime potential and strategic location. However, it is also a fragile ecosystem on the planet and has been suffering from the effects of climate change. Bringing experts from a variety of fields together to share ideas, studies and discuss the varying interests in the region, hopefully, helps leaders make better choices and builds understanding”, underscored the Admiral. 

NATO Secretary General to visit Sweden

Source: NATO

On 24 and 25 October 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, will visit Sweden. Mr Stoltenberg will participate in the NATO-Industry Forum, where he will give a speech on the need to address the new security and strategic reality.

He will also meet with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr Ulf Kristersson, the Minister of Defence, Mr Pål Jonson, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tobias Billström, as well as the Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, Mr Andreas Norlén.
 

Media advisory

24 October 2023, 13:20 (CEST)        Joint press conference by the NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Sweden

25 October 2023, 09:20 (CEST)       Speech by the NATO Secretary General at the NATO-Industry Forum
 

Media coverage

The Secretary General’s press conference with the Swedish Prime Minister, as well as his speech at the NATO-Industry Forum, will be streamed live on the NATO website.

Transcripts of the Secretary General’s engagements, as well as photographs, will be available on the NATO website after the events.
 

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on Twitter (@NATO@jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress)

NATO steps up Baltic Sea patrols after subsea infrastructure damage

Source: NATO

NATO and Allies are stepping up patrols in the Baltic Sea following recent damage to undersea infrastructure in the region. The increased measures include additional surveillance and reconnaissance flights, including with maritime patrol aircraft, NATO AWACS planes, and drones. A fleet of four NATO minehunters is also being dispatched to the area.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely, and we remain in close contact with our Allies Estonia and Finland, and our partner Sweden,” said acting NATO spokesperson Dylan White. “NATO will continue to adapt its maritime posture in the Baltic Sea and will take all necessary steps to keep Allies safe.” 

Since the Nord Stream sabotage in September 2022, NATO has enhanced patrols near critical undersea infrastructure and has promoted technological innovation – including with drones – to better detect any suspicious activity.  Earlier this year, NATO created an undersea infrastructure coordination cell to deepen ties between governments, military, industry actors and NATO, and has since established the NATO Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure within NATO’s Maritime Command.
 

Secretary General at the Conference of National Armaments Directors: Ukraine needs our sustained support

Source: NATO

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the importance of continued support to Ukraine in a Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) meeting at NATO Headquarters on Thursday (19 October 2023). Calling for Allies to “go further and go faster” with “a renewed sense of urgency,” he said: “Ukraine is making progress on the ground. But they need our sustained support.”

At the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Allies agreed a Defence Production Action Plan, to aggregate demand, boost capacity, and increase interoperability. The Secretary General stressed that now is the time to turn the plan into results.  Mr Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of armament deliveries to Ukraine, the need to refill stockpiles and to ensure the defence capabilities of the Alliance. He also welcomed Allies’ commitment to making new investments in ammunition.  

Meeting at least biannually, the CNAD’s mission is to enable cooperation in the delivery of interoperable military capabilities. It ensures that NATO forces have state-of-the-art capabilities readily available at all times.

Secretary General welcomes newly appointed experts to address NATO’s southern neighbourhood

Source: NATO

On Thursday (19 October 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with a group of independent Allied experts to discuss NATO’s approach to its southern neighbourhood – particularly the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel regions.

The group met with senior civilian and military officials at NATO Headquarters to discuss the Alliance’s southern neighbourhood, including emerging challenges and opportunities. The group will take stock of evolving developments and identify concrete recommendations to shape the Alliance’s future approach, including by outlining opportunities for further engagement and cooperation with partner nations, international organisations and other relevant actors.

Established in early October, the group is composed of eleven experts, chaired by Professor Ana Santos Pinto from Portugal. They will report back to the Secretary General ahead of the meeting of Foreign Ministers in April 2024. 

NATO Secretary General to participate in the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD)

Source: NATO

On Thrusday, 19 October 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will participate in the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD).

There will be no media opportunity.

Photographs will be availble on the NATO website after the event. 

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATO@jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress).