Category: North Atlantic Treaty Organization

“Iceland is one of NATO’s twelve founding members,” said the Secretary General. “For 76 years now, you have helped protect our peace, our security, and our core values: democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.”

While Iceland does not have armed forces, the Secretary General highlighted the country’s important and growing role in NATO. Iceland operates key air defence and surveillance systems as part of NATO’s integrated Air and Missile Defence, provides host nation support and infrastructure for Allied air policing, and regularly hosts major exercises such as NATO´s premier anti-submarine warfare exercise, Dynamic Mongoose.

“Iceland plays a unique and essential role in the High North,” said Mr Rutte, noting the importance of Iceland’s geostrategic location to better understand the evolving security environment in that area. He welcomed the Icelandic government’s decision to develop a new national security and defence policy, calling it a timely step to “further reinforce our resilience and readiness.”

On the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, the Secretary General indicated it “will be an important moment to drive forward NATO’s efforts to become stronger, fairer, and more lethal”.

Mr Rutte thanked Prime Minister Frostadóttir for Iceland’s continued support to Ukraine, from training military personnel and supporting demining efforts, to humanitarian support and weapons procurement. Iceland recently pledged an additional 14.4 million euros in defence support to Ukraine, alongside contributions to the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative and the donation of a mobile field hospital. Iceland also contributes personnel to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine command in Wiesbaden (NSATU).

“I know that Iceland has a proud tradition as a peaceful nation – and that makes your contributions all the more meaningful,” Mr Rutte said. “Because to preserve peace, we need to shift to a wartime mindset.”

NATO and the European Union have long been close partners and have numerous shared security interests. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO Allies – many of which are also EU member states – have been providing the overwhelming majority of military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This has been decisive in helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty. As US-led efforts to bring an end to the war continue, and with the changing security environment at the forefront of leaders’ minds, both organisations have indicated that their support will endure. 

NATO supports Ukraine through NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) – a command that coordinates the provision of military equipment and training to Ukraine by Allies and partner countries, the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in Poland which, jointly with Ukraine, identifies and applies lessons from Russia’s war, the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP), the NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU) and a number of other mechanisms including the NATO-Ukraine Council. In addition to EU financial support to Ukraine, EU initiatives such as the EU Military Assistance Mission have trained more than 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers, making a meaningful difference on the battlefield.

We stand in solidarity with the Czech Republic following the malicious cyber campaign against its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We recognise that the Government of the Czech Republic has attributed the responsibility to the People’s Republic of China, specifically APT31, which is associated with the Ministry of State Security. This campaign targeted a Czech MFA unclassified network, causing damage and disruption.

We strongly condemn malicious cyber activities intended to undermine our national security, democratic institutions and critical infrastructure. The malicious cyber activity targeting the Czech Republic underscores that cyberspace is contested at all times. We observe with increasing concern the growing pattern of malicious cyber activities stemming from the People’s Republic of China.

Cyber threat actors persistently seek to destabilise the Alliance. We remain committed to expose and counter the substantial, continuous and increasing cyber threat, including to our democratic systems and critical infrastructure. We are determined to further improve our capabilities and resilience and to employ the necessary capabilities in order to deter, defend against and counter the full spectrum of cyber threats to support each other.

We promote a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace. We call on all states, including the People’s Republic of China, to refrain from malicious cyber activities, to uphold international law, to live up to their public declarations and international commitments, and to act within the framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace as affirmed by all members of the United Nations.

“Our gathering in Naples comes as a result of the decision taken by Allied leaders at NATO’s Washington Summit last summer – to adopt a Southern Neighbourhood Action Plan for a stronger, more strategic and result-oriented approach towards the region. We are approaching the first anniversary of the adoption of the Plan; this Security Dialogue is a reflection of how far we have come in ensuring that the southern neighbourhood is systematically included in NATO’s agenda,” Mr. Colomina pointed out. He added that this initiative “provides a unique opportunity to discuss the evolving security situation in the region, and to exchange views on our priorities for cooperation, with the direct involvement of our capitals.” 

NATO’s Special Representative also illustrated the development of a NATO–Southern Neighbourhood Partners’ Agenda for Tackling Security Challenges. This document was produced in consultation with Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) partners, and was endorsed by NATO Foreign Ministers at their meeting in Brussels in April. It identifies priority areas for thematic dialogues, including strategic perspectives on regional security, counter-terrorism, cyber defence, maritime security, countering information threats, scientific cooperation, Small Arms and Light Weapons and Mine Action (SALW/MA), and climate change and security.

The event was co-organised by the office of the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It featured around 90 participants from NATO Allies, partner countries from NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative,and regional organisations.

The meeting focused on enhancing situational awareness, strengthening preparedness, and reinforcing collective responses through improved information sharing and coordination. Participants discussed innovative approaches to detecting suspicious activities and securing vital undersea assets, including through new sensing and monitoring technologies.

“Sharing information across public-private and civilian-military sectors is not just beneficial, it’s essential,” said Ambassador Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber. “Enhancing our ability to deter, detect and respond to threats requires a collective effort. We’ll continue our work together to do just that.”

Following disruptions to undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea in December 2025, NATO launched Baltic Sentry – a multi-domain activity to strengthen the Alliance’s military presence in the region and improve its ability to detect and respond to potential threats.

Mr Rutte said to make NATO stronger, he expects Allies to agree to increase defence investment further. “This plan will mean more money for our core military requirements – hard defence, and more money for defence-related investments, including infrastructure and resilience,” said the Secretary General. He noted the important role of NPA parliamentarians in advocating for higher defence spending with their publics and governments. “You reinforce the bond between NATO and our democratic societies,” he said.

Allies will also work on boosting the defence industrial base. Mr Rutte stressed that “increased defence production is not just good for our security, it is good for our economies too.” The Secretary General noted that all Allies must contribute their fair share, adding that Europe and Canada have already stepped up their defence spending.

In light of the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, Mr Rutte recalled that “the Dayton Agreement laid the foundation for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO has supported peace and stability there, and right across the Western Balkans, for thirty years,” he said. But while “the Western Balkans has shown that peace is possible,” Russia “has brought war back to Europe.” After strongly condemning Russia’s recent attacks against Ukrainian civilians, he underlined that NATO’s long-term support to Ukraine will continue, noting that all Allies agree the importance of ensuring a just and lasting peace. “This is not about prolonging the war, it is about ensuring Ukraine can defend itself now, and prevent any future aggression,” he said.

On Sunday 25 May, the Secretary General attended a dinner hosted by the NPA with the theme “Renewed Focus on Peace & Prosperity in the Balkans,” alongside officials from Allied and partner nations.

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11:40 (CEST) Joint press conference by the Secretary General and the Prime Minister of Iceland

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The day’s discussions focused on the practical ways IMS and EUMS are collaborating, including about how NATO can support the EUMS in enhancing EU military exercises, as well as on the implementation of the EU White Paper for the European Defence Readiness 2030.

The meeting came at a time when close cooperation between both international organisations becomes increasingly essential. Numerous key focus areas included Ukraine, military mobility, space, capability development, medical cooperation, digital transformation and cyber defence. Both organisations engaged to work more closely together to help strengthen defence-industrial cooperation.

Lieutenant General Adamczak opened up the talks by highlighting that “this conference remains a crucial driver for the cooperation between our staffs and a key part of the larger effort to enhance the NATO-EU cooperation.” During his remarks, he stressed the need for unity against common security threats, stating that “our two organizations, each equipped with unique strengths and perspectives, offer a potent force multiplier in confronting these contemporary challenges.”

Following, Lieutenant General van der Laan used the floor to highlight that these biannual talks are a “testament to our enduring partnership, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to effective synergies in the work of both staff’s.” Both Directors agreed that the vision of NATO-EU cooperation should result in tangible outcomes, which “will enhance the security and defence of EU Members and NATO Allies,” DGEUMS said.

Both Directors General underlined the need to keep up and possibly strengthen the cooperation in support of Ukraine, drawing from additional opportunities provided by the implementation of the EU White Paper for the European Defence Readiness 2030. After a full day of practical discussions, the two Director Generals closed out the biannual conference, with DGEUMS stating, “by leveraging the full spectrum of our capabilities, we can build a more resilient and responsive security architecture that responds quickly to imposing threats.”

On his side, DGIMS closed his last IMS-EUMS Directors General Conference, by recognizing that “we are living in a time of rapid and sometimes unpredictable changes. So, we must constantly work in a flexible manner, being ready to improve and adapt together to the new challenges.”

The next IMS-EUMS DGs Conference will be hosted by the EUMS, and is scheduled to take place on 21 November 2025.

From 22 to 26 May 2025, Dayton (OH), hosted the Spring 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The region is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where the Dayton Accords, ending the Bosnian War, were signed in 1995.

DCMC participated in a panel on “Putting the Transatlantic Defense Industrial Base back on track” organised along this year’s Spring Session of the NATO NPA. Speakers discussed the opportunities for a deeper strategic cooperation of the defence industry across Europe and North America, in an increasingly competitive global landscape. LTG Rohling concluded that “collectively, NATO has right leadership, the right plans and capability targets. We are a strong Alliance and we will remain strong together”.

Dayton is also the well-known birthplace of aviation and a national hub in aerospace technology. In the panel discussion, DCMC pointed out that “a truly transatlantic defence industrial base is imperative” in the face of our shared security challenges. LTG Rohling added that “investing in common production infrastructure, critical supply chains and embracing joint procurement” are crucial steps for a strengthened industrial base across Europe and North America, along with advancements in the fields of standardization and interoperability.
 

The SPS Programme offers funding, expert advice and support to tailor-made, civil security-relevant activities that respond to the SPS Key Priorities. Participation in the Programme enables experts, academia and scientists to develop innovative solutions, achieve scientific breakthroughs and build partnerships with their peers in Allied and partner countries. 

In light of the changed security environment and the SPS Programme’s ability to foster timely and impactful technological innovation to address security challenges, the Programme has experienced a significant increase in visibility. In 2024, two calls for proposals received 300 submissions – the highest number for one calendar year in the Programme’s history.  

The new call for research proposals is open until 6 July 2025.

The modalities and all information for the call and the application process can be found here.

The NATO SPS Programme has contributed to scientific excellence for more than 60 years, and has supported thousands of scientists, including Nobel laureates. Collaborating through the SPS Programme is a highly rewarding experience, which fosters scientific research, builds bridges between innovation networks in NATO member and partner countries, and contributes to a safer and more secure world.