Category: North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg accepted the resignation, thanking Mr Geoană for his service. 
 
“Mircea has served NATO for nearly five years. His focus on technology and emerging security challenges has been critical to driving innovation in the Alliance. He is a true transatlanticist and his work with partners has greatly benefitted NATO. I wish him all the best for the future,” said Mr Stoltenberg.
 
Mr Geoană is the first Romanian to fill this position and the first Deputy Secretary General from a country that joined the Alliance after the end of the Cold War. 
 
Mr Boris Ruge, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP), will serve as Acting Deputy Secretary General until a successor is appointed.

The teams prepared for months for this challenge, in which they would adapt technology to address a crisis situation. Using a mock-up of a building hit by disaster, they would have to map the disaster site, identify individuals in need of help, and deliver aid. 

The teams used commercially available drones and sensors, and used artificial intelligence that they developed for guidance, navigation, and control. They were faced with increasingly complex tasks, such as navigating without GPS, avoiding obstacles, and mapping and landing safely in poorly-lit areas.

At the closing ceremony, Claudio Palestini, the Head of the NATO SPS Programme underlined how “this activity perfectly captures the spirit of the SPS Programme, bringing together teams of young researchers from NATO and Partner countries to advance technological solutions to tackle modern challenges, such as autonomy, artificial intelligence, human-machine teaming, and more.”

The SAPIENCE project shows how autonomous drones that cooperate with each other may be used in crisis management scenarios. The lessons learned in London will feed into the two other competitions planned as part of the project, which will take place in 2025 in the United States and in 2026 in the Netherlands. 

The SAPIENCE project is valuable for NATO as it shows how technical challenges in autonomy and the navigation of drones can be overcome. Through activities like SAPIENCE, the NATO SPS Programme works with research and academic communities as well as governments to address shared security challenges.

Since September 2022, the NATO Communications and Information Academy has supported the expansion of the UN Academy for Peace Operations course curriculum on Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4), as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. The NCIA Academy also contributed to upgrades to UN classroom equipment including the delivery of a Virtual Instructor-Led Training facility. 

“At UN request, NATO and UN staffs will continue to explore ways to expand our practical cooperation; our discussions have rightly emphasized a key guiding principle – developing UN sustainability; we are shaping a future where our cooperation and partnership will continue to flourish, benefiting all those who seek peace and security in the world,” said Defence and Security Cooperation Director of NATO’s Operations Division, Piers Cazalet. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Partnerships Directorate at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Rear Admiral Gunnstein Bruåsdal, added: “The UN-NATO partnership has brought improvements, efficiency and productivity to the training and performance of UN peacekeeping personnel.” 

NATO’s Defence Capacity Building package for UN Peacekeeping Training includes four lines of cooperation, aimed at helping the UN strengthen its ability to provide training for peacekeepers and improve their performance. These include efforts related to Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices, Military Performance Evaluation, Military Medicine, Signals/Information and Communications Technology. Through the NATO-UN partnership, NATO also aims to foster greater security and stability in its Southern Neighbourhood, which is vital for international peace and security.  

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who chaired the meeting, said: “Ukraine continues to intercept Russian missiles on a daily basis, saving countless lives. But Ukraine’s ability to maintain their defences requires increased supply and more support. In the wake of the latest Russian assault, Allies today reaffirmed they are stepping up their military aid to Ukraine. We must continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment and munitions it needs to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. This is vital for Ukraine’s ability to stay in the fight.”

Since the start of Russia’s full-fledged invasion, Allies have made unprecedented contributions to Ukraine’s defences. At the NATO Summit in July, numerous Allies announced they will send Ukraine additional strategic air defence systems, including more Patriot batteries, and Allies agreed that together they would provide a minimum of 40 billion euros of security assistance in the next year. Allies also agreed to coordinate security assistance and training for Ukraine, with a new NATO command taking on these tasks that will become operational in September. 

Wednesday’s meeting was held at ambassadorial level and was convened at Ukraine’s request. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov briefed Allies via video-link on the current security situation and priority capability needs. The NATO-Ukraine Council was created at the NATO Summit in July 2023 and serves as a forum for joint consultations, decision-making and activities between NATO and Ukraine. Ambassadors from NATO’s member countries and Ukrainian officials normally attend meetings of the council.

“Since 2018, at the request of the Iraqi authorities, our non-combat advisory and capacity building mission, NATO Mission Iraq, has advised Iraqi security institutions helping them to shore up their nation’s security, fight terrorism and prevent the return of Daesh; we work hand-in-hand every day to enable Iraq to build more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective armed forces and security institutions that can restore long-term stability to its people, and we undertake these efforts with full respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Tom Goffus, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations.

“Today, we held important meetings with the North Atlantic Council, as well as with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations and the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood,” Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, pointed out. “We reaffirmed to NATO the true, long term partnership between Iraq and NATO to assist in achieving security and stability for Iraq, through the provision of advice and capacity building to the Iraqi Security Forces. NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat advisory mission and Iraq has agreed with NATO to continue our positive dialogue; our partnership is not against any one; rather it is for the sake of a safe and stable Iraq,” he added.

“Today we further build on this successful practical cooperation by launching a political dialogue; both NATO and Iraq have an interest in a stable and secure Middle East, and so it is only natural that we discuss how we can work on this together,” said Javier Colomina, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General for the southern neighbourhood.

NATO’s Special Representative for the southern neighbourhood will serve as NATO’s focal point for the region. He will be responsible for coordinating and enhancing the visibility of NATO’s efforts in the south and will strengthen engagement with partners. 

At the Washington Summit, Allies agreed on an action plan that will increase NATO’s engagement in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel regions. The appointment of the Special Representative is part of this plan.

During their visit, the Iraqi officials met with NATO Permanent Representatives and members of NATO’s International Staff. They exchanged views on the NATO-Iraq partnership, the prospects for long-term cooperation, as well as on topics of mutual interest, including regional security.

Why did the Baltic States and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe choose to join NATO after the end of the Cold War? 
Why was the 2004 enlargement of NATO known as the “Big Bang” enlargement?  
How do NATO’s smaller member countries contribute to the Alliance? 

In this episode, former President of Latvia Dr Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga shares her extraordinary life story – from fleeing Latvia as a child at the end of the Second World War, to building a life in Canada for 50 years, to becoming President of Latvia after the country re-established its independence in 1991. Dr Vīķe-Freiberga reflects on her personal experiences, her country’s journey to becoming a NATO member in 2004 (alongside Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia), and on the future of NATO.

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

During meetings with the Presidency and other senior officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konakovic and the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt, Ruge affirmed that: “NATO has been engaged in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 3 decades; we remain strongly committed to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and we will not allow any type of security vacuum to emerge.”

In Pristina, Ruge met with Ms. Vjosa Osmani and senior officials from the EU, OSCE, QUINT group (represented by France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States), and the NATO-led KFOR mission. Concerning the re-opening of the Austerlitz bridge over the Ibar river in Mitrovica, the Assistant Secretary General underlined NATO’s position that “decisions must be taken through dialogue and in a coordinated manner.” He also emphasised NATO’s full support to the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as the framework for resolving pending political issues.

In Belgrade, Ruge met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, and representatives of the international community. “We had good exchanges on the various aspects of NATO-Serbia partnership, which we hope to deepen, and on the Alliance’s efforts across the region,” he said. “We look to Serbia to help ensure full accountability for the violent acts perpetrated in Kosovo in May and September 2023 and to play a positive role, based on good neighbourly relations, with all states in the region,” he said. 

The ships HMCS Charlottetown and TCG Gaziantep from the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), along with ROS Vice Admiral Constantin Balescu from Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2), conducted the exercises with JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Training Squadron. 

A passing exercise allows Allied and Partner navies to develop and maintain mariner skills and strengthen interoperability. During the operation, the ships conducted a wide range of activities from manoeuvring exercises to communications drills. 

Sailors from HMCS Charlottetown, ROS Balescu and JS Kashima visited each other’s ships in a cross-deck exercise. 

“The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has a longstanding relationship with NATO when it comes to Maritime Security. We are seeing more and more that the Indo-Pacific is important for NATO, given that developments in that region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security,” said Royal Canadian Navy Commodore Matthew Coates, Commander of SNMG2. 

“Exercising with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Eastern Mediterranean is a fantastic representation of the interconnectedness between NATO and Japan. These exercises allow us to improve interoperability not only with Alliance members but also our international partners,” he added.

Beyond partnerships, routine exercises at sea between Allied and Partner nations enhance readiness and the ability to operate effectively together.

“The successful conduct of the PASSEX (passing exercise) with our esteemed Japanese counterparts and Alliance members epitomises our unwavering commitment to maritime security and operational excellence,” said Romanian Navy Captain Sebastian Barote, Commander of SNMCMG2. 

“This exercise highlights the critical importance of keeping cooperation with our Partners at the highest level. We have to benefit from any training opportunities with our Partners and enhance our ability to operate together effectively and ensure we are always ready to protect global maritime routes. Our commitment to preserving the freedom of navigation and addressing potential threats is vital for maintaining stability and security in our region,” he said.

SNMG2 is a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of vessels from Allied nations to perform various tasks ranging from exercises to the support of operations. 

They also help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support Partner engagement and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing operations.

The other participating group, called SNMCMG2 is a multinational naval force dedicated to mine countermeasures (MCM), comprising state-of-the-art minehunters and minesweepers. These specialized vessels are at the forefront of maritime safety, executing complex operations to detect, identify and neutralize naval mines and explosive ordnance, ensuring the secure passage of naval and commercial vessels.

The first session will see the NATO Chiefs of Defence address the implementation of decisions made by the Allied Heads of State and Government at the Washington Summit in July 2024. As the Alliance celebrates its 75th anniversary, NATO leaders are taking major steps to further strengthen deterrence and defence, bolster long-term support to Ukraine and deepen global partnerships.

In the second session, Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher G. Cavoli, will brief the Chiefs of Defence on the progress of the implementation of the DDA Family of Plans. These plans make the Alliance stronger and more able to deter and, if necessary, defend against any potential adversary. As part of NATO’s support package to Ukraine, this session will also discuss the establishment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), a new command which is designed to plan, coordinate and arrange delivery of security assistance.

In the third session, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Philippe Lavigne, will brief and update on the Alliance’s warfighting transformation in accordance with the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP). Among other topics, the Chiefs of Defence will discuss the launch of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC), an important pillar of practical cooperation, to identify and apply lessons from Russia’s war against Ukraine and increase Ukraine’s interoperability with NATO.

The Military Committee meets in Chiefs of Defence Session twice a year at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, and once a year a Conference is held by an Allied member state. The Military Committee convenes to discuss NATO operations, missions and activities and to provide the North Atlantic Council with unfettered, consensus-based military advice on how the Alliance can best address global security challenges. On a day-to-day basis, its work is carried out by the permanent Military Representatives at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
 

Media opportunities

Saturday 14 Sep 2024

08:15 (CEST)        Opening Remarks (livestreamed) by Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and the Czech Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Karel Řehka.

17:45 (CEST)        Joint Press Conference (media present – livestreamed) with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, and the Czech Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Karel Řehka.

Note: Media interested in physically attending the press conference are advised to submit registration forms before 12:00 hrs 30 August 2024 (download form docx).
 

Imagery

Following each event, photos, video and audio files will be made available on the NATO IMS webpage www.nato.int/ims, as well as on the MC Conference event page 
 

Social media

PASCAD will post the latest information and photos from the Conference on our official X account: @NATO_PASCAD. The Chair of the NATO Military Committee will be using his official account @CMC_NATO.

The Armed Forces of the Czech Republic will also post updates from the conference on their official account: www.army.cz and official X account: @ArmadaCR.

Please use the hashtags #NATOMC, #NATOCHoDs and #NATOPrague when tweeting about the NATO Military Committee Conference.
 
 

Media enquiries

Ms Eleonora Russell, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Advisor to the NATO Military Committee and International Military Staff
Tel: + 32 471 61 09 55
E-Mail: russell.eleonora@hq.nato.int

Col Magdalena Dvořáková, Head of the Public Affairs, Office of the Chief of the General Staff, The Armed Forces of the Czech Republic
Tel: + 420 725 844 517
E-Mail: kangs@army.cz

For more background information about the NATO Military Committee visit https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49633.htm