Both NATO and what is now the European Union were created with the goal of preventing another war in Europe. The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, addressed the European Council today (15 December) welcoming EU/NATO cooperation. While NATO, a unique alliance between Europe and North America, has been the cornerstone of our security. It is this security that has enabled the European Union to deliver peace, prosperity and political cooperation for the continent. The European Defence Action Plan shows the EU is committed to doing more to protect and defend its citizens, and to help those Member States who are Allies to play their full part in NATO. The European Defence Fund aims to boost investment in the key defence capabilities needed to deter and respond to external threats.
‘The challenges confronting us are severe and complex: terrorism stemming from turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East, a Russia willing to break international law, the refugee and migration crisis, and cyber-attacks. These are urgent concerns requiring us to work not just side-by-side, but hand-in-hand.’
