Category: NATO

Opening the NATO Military Committee Conference, alongside the Norwegian Minister of Defence, Mr Bjørn Arild Gram and Norwegian Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, Admiral Bauer thanked the hosts for their warm welcome and hostility. He then proceeded to provide an overview of the day’s agenda, which focussed mainly on the executability of the DDA family of plans: “The plans that Allies agreed in Vilnius will impact the development of all our armed forces for decades to come. We are taking bold steps to further strengthen our deterrence and defence posture. Never before have NATO and national defence plans been so closely interlinked”, he noted. When addressing the Regional Plans, he added, “they are underpinned by objective, threat-based Force Structure Requirements, which detail precisely which assets or capabilities are required in a crisis or conflict scenario. Needless to say, these plans and requirements are living documents. They will be updated as the threats that face us develop”.

The Chiefs of Defence discussed how these plans would feed into existing processes. “To turn these plans into action, we will need more troops at higher readiness; capability building and development; adapt the NATO’s command and control structures; more enablement, which includes logistics, host nation support, maintenance, military mobility, and replenishment and prepositioning of stocks; and crucially, it involves more collective defence exercise and training”, underscored the Chair in his opening remarks. This is part of NATO’s evolution from an Alliance optimised for out-of-area contingency operations to an Alliance fit for the purpose of large-scale operations to defend every inch of allied territory.

The military leaders paid tribute to their brothers and sisters in uniform: those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and to those still suffering from the mental or physical effects of their deployment. 

“Once Sweden joins, we will have a band of 3.5 million brothers and sisters in uniform who protect our great Alliance. They see together what they cannot see alone. They do together what they cannot do alone. The military profession brings immense opportunities. But it also requires immense sacrifices”, emphasised Admiral Bauer, before inviting all Chiefs of Defence to stand for a moment of silence.

The Chiefs of Defence also focused their attention on the future and NATO’s longer-term posture. The Chiefs of Defence expressed concerns about the shortages in production capacity that cause delivery times and prices for equipment and ammunition to go up. “Right now, we are paying more and more for exactly the same… and that means that we cannot make sure that the increased defence spending actually leads to more security. Our liberal economies are not apt at creating the prioritisation that is so desperately needed right now. Long term stability needs to prevail over short term profits”, stressed Admiral Bauer in his press remarks.

During the conference, the NATO Chiefs of Defence decided to extend Admiral Bauer as Chair of the NATO Military Committee for an additional 6 months and elected the Italian Chief of Defence, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone to be his successor for 2,5 years.   

This decision was taken during the Military Committee Conference in Oslo. The NATO Chiefs of Defence cited the need for continuity of leadership in a volatile security climate and amidst the largest reinforcement of the Alliance’s collective defence since the Cold War. The decision will also allow Admiral Dragone to serve out his term as Italian Chief of Defence until November 2024.

Reacting to the election result, Admiral Bauer stated: “I am honoured and humbled by the continued trust that the Allied Chiefs of Defence have placed in me. I will do my utmost to keep unifying north, south, east, west, large and small within our Alliance. And to actively reach out to NATO’s Partners around the world. Always building on the fundamental belief that there is so much more that unites us, than what divides us. And that we are truly stronger together.”

Admiral Dragone stated: “Also on behalf of Italy, I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious assignment which I will carry out with an unreserved commitment to the success of the Atlantic Alliance and the affirmation of its founding values, freedom and democracy. NATO will be able to offer its full support to Ukraine and the challenges that are looming on an international scale. I take this opportunity to thank Admiral Bauer for the extraordinary work he has been doing and which will inspire me.“

The Chair of the NATO Military Committee represents the consensus-based views of all NATO Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) as the principal military adviser to the Secretary General, the North Atlantic Council and other senior NATO bodies. In his capacity, he guides the Military Committee’s agenda and deliberations, listening to views and working to reconcile divergent national positions or policy differences to fashion advice that all can agree to.

On Tuesday 19 September, the Secretary General will participate in the opening of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He will also have meetings with world leaders and high-level officials

On Thursday 21 September, the Secretary General will participate in a discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations. He will also attend the Transatlantic Dinner hosted by the Secretary of State of the United States, Mr. Antony J. Blinken.

Media coverage

• A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as photographs, will be available on the NATO website.

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Organised to coincide with the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade exhibition, COMEDS’ delegates toured the exhibition and met with leading medical industry representatives on disruptive and digital technologies. Throughout the three-day plenary, delegates from Australia, Austria, Israel, Switzerland, New Zealand, Serbia, Ukraine and Invitee Sweden attended different sessions in person or via Video Teleconference.

The COMEDS Chair, Major General Tim Hodgetts, the United Kingdom’s Surgeon General, opened the official plenary session by welcoming participants from Allied Nations, partner organisations and countries as well as NATO representatives. In his opening remarks, the Chair stressed the committee’s mission to ensure that NATO’s Deterrence and Defence is underpinned by effective medical support and enablement. Major General Hodgetts then highlighted the four domains of particular interest to COMEDs following NATO’s Vilnius Summit: 

1. medical capabilities support to the Regional Plans and warfighting at scale, 
2. technological investment specifically digital transformation,
3. Global Partnerships and interoperability,
4. and Strengthened societal resilience. 

“As NATO moves forward translating these commitments into actions and activities, COMEDs needs to increase its support to both civilian and military entities across the organisation,” said Major General Hodgetts.

Delivering his keynote speech, Mr. Angus Lapsley, ASG DPP explained the role of the Defence Policy and Planning Division, NATO’s Defence Planning Process, and the significant impact of the Regional Plans for the military medical domain. Commending the COMEDS work, the Assistant Secretary General said: “You are playing an important role in positioning your community to strengthen medical planning and policy at the NATO level, raising awareness and providing advice on critical capability shortfalls, working hard to strengthen civil-military medical cooperation”. 

Admiral Sir Keith Blount, DSACEUR focused his keynote remarks on the medical challenges facing Allied forces in the event of Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the challenging global security environment. DSACEUR further stressed the importance of the COMEDS Surgeon Generals engaging at the national level as the Regional Plans and tactical plans are further refined and developed. 

The extraction of medical lessons from the Ukraine war is underpinning COMEDS ongoing work regarding medical capabilities and requirements for warfighting at scale. Briefing the Committee, Major General Tetiana Ostashchenko, Ukraine’s Surgeon General, explained the current situation in Ukraine and stressed the importance of continued support from Allies and partners. The Ukrainian Surgeon General went on to highlight the importance of NATO –Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package for the development of Ukrainian rehabilitation services, especially regarding a substantive project that will be decisive in returning injured Service Personnel back to active duty. 

The COMEDS plenary saw sessions focused on medical support for Ukraine, the implementation of the Concept for the Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA), Patient Flow Management guidance, Global Partnership, and Strengthened Resilience through civil-military collaboration. In addition, progress reports from selected COMEDS Working Groups and Panels were briefed to the plenary. The Chair remarked that many current work strands from the Blood Panel to the Military Mental Health panel were now at a level that required cooperation and support from external stakeholders such as the Joint Health Group, the European Union Military Staff, and the NATO Command Structure. 

Concluding the plenary, COMEDS delegates took advantage of the DSEI trade exhibition, to engage with Industry Partners and to participate in a planned DISruptive TECHnology discovery trail with subject matter experts and medical industry partners. “Interoperability and multi-nationality in medical provision assures common and best standards as well as buys out mutual risks of capability shortfalls”, stressed Major General Hodgetts. 
 

After being welcomed to Ørland by the Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen and the Chief of the Air Force, Major General Rolf Folland, Admiral Bauer received a tour of the air base, which houses Norway’s F-35A and the Air Defence Battalion, as well search and rescue helicopters that operate all along the Norwegian coast and beyond.  Ørland is also the only air base in Scandinavia equipped to host NATO’s AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, who use it when patrolling in the area. During his visit, the Chair was briefed on Norway’s approach to Nordic air defence, which entails an even closer cooperation with Finland, Sweden and Denmark and by reinforcing its air capabilities and plans. 

Arriving at the Akershus Fortress, the Chair joined General Kristoffersen for the traditional honour guard, led by His Majesty The King’s Guard, who have been protecting the Norwegian Royal Family since 1856. Admiral Bauer subsequently met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Anniken Huitfeldt. The exchanges focused on the outcomes of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, the implications for Nations and the military, as well as the agenda for the impending NATO Military Committee Conference.

In his meeting with the Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, Admiral Bauer spoke about the Regional Plans and their importance to NATO’s collective defence. “The plans agreed in Vilnius Plans will impact the development of all our armed forces for decades to come. Never before have NATO and national defence plans been so closely interlinked. We are taking bold steps to further strengthen our deterrence and defence posture but a strong collective defence must be underpinned by even stronger national defence”, underscored the Chair.

The official programme concluded with an audience with the HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, at the Royal Palace in Oslo. Discussions centered on the importance of fostering leadership in younger generations, the role defence industry has to play, not only in helping the Armed Forces become greener, but ensuring that production demands can be fulfilled in a timely manner, with minimal impact on national security and defence. 

During his visit, the Deputy Secretary General met the Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and President of the Parliament Igor Grosu. Mr Geoană also met with senior military officials and will engage with students and civil society representatives.

In his meeting with President Sandu, Mr Geoană reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to continue strengthening political and practical support to Moldova. Moldova’s cooperation with NATO enhances its resilience and security, and will help Moldova on its path to EU membership, Mr Geoană said.

In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Recean, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted the long-standing cooperation between NATO and Moldova, in full respect for its constitutional neutrality. He thanked Moldova for its continued support to regional stability through its contribution to NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and for the assistance it has provided to the Ukrainian people since the beginning of Russia’s illegal war. Mr Geoană also praised Moldova for its efforts towards European Union integration.

Mr Geoană welcomed Prime Minister Recean’s goal to enhance the interoperability of the Moldovan armed forces with NATO. He reiterated NATO’s full support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on Russia to withdraw its forces stationed in the Transnistrian region without Moldova’s consent.

At the Vilnius Summit, NATO Allies reconfirmed their commitment to stepping up political and practical support to Moldova. This includes a substantial package of support to help strengthen Moldova’s cyber defences, strategic communications, and training and logistics.

The mission was the first time a NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force (NAGSF) RQ-4D drone flew over Finland. This mission came as NATO Air Forces continue to step up their reconnaissance missions on the Alliance’s eastern borders in the wake of Russia’s full-fledged war against Ukraine. Since 2022, NATO’s fleet of Alliance Ground Surveillance drones has conducted multiple missions on the Alliance’s eastern flank, predominantly in the Black Sea region. The flight on September 13 also helped NAGSF operators to familiarise themselves with the new terrain.

Nicknamed “Phoenix”, the RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft are among the world’s most advanced drones, providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance over a wide area. The NATO-owned and operated aircraft are based in Sigonella, Italy and can stay in the air for more than 30 hours at a time. Surveillance and reconnaissance data collected by the aircraft and analysed by NAGSF experts are made available to all Allies to inform Alliance decision-making processes.

There will be no media opportunities.

Photographs of the meeting will be available on the NATO website after the event.

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office

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

He will also meet with the Chief of the National Army General Staff, Commander of the National Army, Brigadier General, Eduard Ohladciuc and State Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence Mr Valeriu Mija and Mr Sergiu Plop.  

Mr Geoană will also engage with students and representatives of civil society.
 

Media advisory

14 September 2023, 12:35 (local time EEST)        Joint press statements with Prime Minister Dorin Recean

The joint press statements will be streamed live on the Facebook Page of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

Photographs of Mr Geoană’s engagements will be available on the NATO website.

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on Twitter (@NATO, @Mircea_Geoana and @NATOPress)

The hive mentality: Bruno’s story

Bruno began beekeeping in 2013. After years of doing development work in countries close to the equator, coming back to Belgium and experiencing its seasonal changes felt like a new beginning. “I started to consider having beehives, but all the beekeepers lived too far to come over regularly to manage them. Then, one of them asked me, ‘Why don’t you try being a beekeeper yourself?’ and here I am, a decade later and taking care of 60 beehives in total.”

Besides beekeeping, Bruno also dedicates his time to organic farming. He believes that farming and beekeeping both help connect people to the cycles of nature. “I love being in contact with the beehive, as the bees are in symbiosis with the environment. In spring, they labour hard and collect pollen and, in winter, they live off what they’ve foraged.”

NATO’s busy bees: helping to green the Alliance, one beehive at a time

The NATO beekeeping project began in 2020 with two hives. It was initiated as part of the forward-looking ‘NATO 2030’ agenda, which aims to ensure that the Alliance can face future challenges in various domains and areas, including climate change. Over time, NATO’s apiaries have doubled in number. The bee population varies throughout the year, holding an average of 50,000 bees per hive at the height of summer when the potential for nectar harvesting is greatest.

Before the project initiation, the bees experienced a NATO-appropriate entry to the NATO site: screening at the security detectors. “One of the security technicians borrowed the beekeeper’s jacket and carried out the inspection of the beehives and their contents. It felt quite surreal.”

For Bruno, the busiest period of the year is from April to June, when the bee colonies are increasing in numbers and need to be observed more carefully to ensure sufficient honey production and to control swarming. “In spring and summer, the hives require constant attention. I come to NATO headquarters frequently to check if the colonies are healthy and producing enough honey to sustain themselves for the winter period. Meanwhile winter time is more relaxed and calm.”

At NATO headquarters, Bruno harvests honey twice a year, in May and July. “The hives yield on average 50 kg of honey, depending on weather conditions. We harvest 25 kg and leave the rest to make sure the bees have enough food to survive the winter,” explains Bruno.

Honey at the headquarters is more than just a sweet treat. Every year, jars of honey are sold at the NATO Charity Bazaar, and the money is donated to Belgian and international charities. Additionally, having hives on the premises helps to raise awareness about the importance of bees for local ecosystems among NATO staff and their families.

“As part of the beekeeping project, there are sessions for NATO employees and children attending summer camps at the headquarters. In 2023, we organised eight workshops for kids and two for NATO employees, teaching them more about the honeybee lifecycle and beekeeping. When people get to experience this first-hand and see how precious honey is, they are more likely to think sustainably and buy local products.”

According to him, the ultimate reward of a beekeeper is the honey itself: proof that the bees are healthy and thriving in their environment. “It feels special, like a sacred bond, to have the honey as something to share with the bee colony,” Bruno says.  

Wildlife ambassador: protecting the bees in a changing climate

In recent years, climate change has made beekeeping more challenging. “The seasons have not been the same in the last five years. It has been either unseasonably rainy, cold or dry. Some weather elements – drought, for example – affect bees negatively and cause them a lot of distress,” says Bruno. “As beekeepers, we have to adapt ourselves and our technologies to deal with climate change and the unpredictable seasons and challenges that come with it, including Asian hornets, which are predators of bees.”

“We need to understand that everything in nature is interconnected. Bees collect and sample pollen within a three-kilometre range and are therefore the best indicators of the quality of the environment surrounding us.”

Bruno remains optimistic for the future of beekeeping and honey harvesting, and his passion for his job is evident. “Honeybees are the best partner for awareness-raising. By lecturing and raising awareness about them and the need to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity, I also rally support for other bee species. It feels like being an ambassador for wildlife.”