This year marks a significant milestone for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. The 2024 Washington D.C. Summit, held in the United States capital, served as a momentous occasion to reflect on the alliance’s rich history and its enduring commitment to collective defense and security. This year’s summit not only honored NATO’s past achievements but also paved the way for future strategies and partnerships in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The legacy of NATO

Founded on 4 April 1949, NATO emerged as a bulwark against Soviet expansion and a promoter of peace and stability in Europe. Over the past seven and a half decades, it has expanded from its original 12 members to 32, including its newest member, Sweden. The Washington Summit reaffirms NATO’s core principle of collective defence as enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or more members is considered an attack against all.

Some key highlights from the Washington summit declaration

The Heads of State and Government participating in the summit issued a comprehensive declaration that underscores the alliance’s unity and resolve. This declaration addresses several critical issues and outlines NATO’s strategic priorities moving forward.

Collective defense and deterrence

NATO’s commitment to defend every inch of Allied territory remains steadfast. The declaration emphasizes the alliance’s 360-degree approach to defense, ensuring preparedness against threats from all directions. NATO has undertaken the most significant reinforcement of its collective defense in a generation, including the deployment of combat-ready forces on the Eastern Flank and the enhancement of its rapid reinforcement capabilities.

Support for Ukraine

The summit highlighted NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The declaration condemned Russia’s invasion and reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO announced the establishment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and a Pledge of Long-Term Security Assistance, aiming to provide sustained military support and training to help Ukraine defend itself and integrate with NATO.

The Pledge of Long-Term Security Assistance includes comprehensive initiatives designed to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This entails providing advanced military training, modernizing its armed forces, and ensuring a steady supply of defensive equipment. NATO’s commitment to Ukraine signifies a long-term strategy to enhance the country’s resilience and strengthen its ties with the alliance. This initiative not only addresses immediate security needs but also aims to integrate Ukraine more closely with NATO standards and operations, ensuring its stability and sovereignty in the face of ongoing threats.

Modernizing defense capabilities

NATO is committed to modernizing its defense capabilities to address emerging threats. The declaration outlines initiatives to enhance cyber defense, integrate artificial intelligence, and improve interoperability among member states. NATO’s focus includes the development of a NATO Integrated Cyber Defence Centre and the strengthening of air and missile defense through updated policies and new deployments.

Strategic partnerships and global security

The summit emphasized the importance of NATO’s partnerships with non-member countries and international organizations. The declaration welcomed leaders from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to global security. NATO also highlighted the strategic challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China and the deepening partnership between China and Russia, which threaten the rules-based international order.

Addressing hybrid and cyber threats

NATO recognizes the increasing threat posed by hybrid and cyber activities from state and non-state actors. The summit declaration reaffirmed the alliance’s resolve to deter and defend against such threats. It announced the establishment of initiatives to enhance network protection, situational awareness, and the integration of space into NATO’s planning and operations.

Commitment to resilience and sustainability

The declaration emphasized the importance of resilience against a wide range of threats, including climate change, pandemics, and disinformation. NATO is committed to building the resilience of its member states and enhancing their ability to withstand and recover from various crises. This includes efforts to reduce NATO’s environmental footprint and promote sustainability in defense operations.

 European security and defense

A crucial point highlighted in paragraph 29 of the summit declaration stresses the importance of enhancing European security and defense. NATO acknowledges the significant role that European nations play in the alliance and calls for increased resources and mobilization of capabilities to ensure collective defense.

At the NATO Public Forum on 11 July, EU’s High Representative Josep Borrell emphasized the need for NATO to have 300,000 troops ready for deployment. Borrell pointed out that from the 1,5 million soldiers available, only about 10% are operational, highlighting a significant gap in readiness. “We need much more resources and need to mobilize our capabilities,” Borrell stated, underscoring the need for greater interoperability and efficiency. While a European army remains a distant goal, Borrell stressed the necessity for European nations to improve their coordination and capabilities.

Heather A. Conley, President of the German Marshall Fund, responded by suggesting that these efforts could lead to a stronger European pillar within NATO. Borrell agreed, noting that the European pillar is already present through the member states and that enhancing it is vital for NATO’s future effectiveness.

During the forum, EUROMIL actively pushed for answers on the issue of military recruitment and retention, a concern highlighted in their call to action before the summit. Unfortunately, their question remained unanswered. Belgian caretaker Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also addressed the forum, stressing the need to increase spending on the human development of armed forces, aligning with EUROMIL’s call for improved conditions for military personnel.

Additionally, Admiral Robert Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, stated that there is political will in several countries to discuss personnel issues. He emphasized the importance of working on human resources, suggesting that NATO should look at reserves and conscription during peacetime rather than waiting for wartime pressures.

NATO-Ukraine Council statement

 

On 11 July, the NATO-Ukraine Council issued a powerful statement at the summit, commemorating over two years of Ukraine’s heroic defense against Russia’s invasion and ten years since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. The statement condemned Russia’s actions, honored the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and democratic future. The council emphasized the necessity of holding Russia accountable for its violations of international law and underscored NATO’s support for President Zelenskyy’s peace initiatives. NATO also committed to providing additional military support, including air defense systems and other capabilities, to protect Ukraine’s people and infrastructure. The establishment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) aims to ensure long-term, predictable, and coherent security assistance, bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities and facilitating its integration with NATO. Allies pledged a minimum baseline funding of €40 billion within the next year for Ukraine’s military equipment, assistance, and training, reinforcing NATO’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security and its path to NATO membership.

 

NATO’s spending target

Increasing NATO’s target of spending at least 2 percent of GDP on defense wasn’t officially on the agenda at the Washington leaders’ summit. However, boosting defense budgets remains one of the most pressing issues on the sidelines. A growing number of countries believe that the current 2 percent target is insufficient and are advocating for an increase at next year’s NATO summit in The Hague.

The Washington Summit Declaration opens the door to exceeding the 2 percent target, stating that in many cases, spending beyond 2 percent of GDP will be necessary to address existing shortfalls and meet new security challenges. Countries closer to Russia have been particularly vocal in advocating for higher spending targets. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur and Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas both suggested that 2,5 percent, or even 3 percent, should be considered as new targets.

This call for increased spending has gained broader support across NATO. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis mentioned that 2,5 percent could be a reasonable new minimum, while U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to eventually reaching this target, though without specifying a timeframe.

Despite the push for higher targets, some NATO members still struggle to meet the current 2 percent goal. Italy, for example, remains behind, and Luxembourg has set a target to reach 2 percent by 2030. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic finds the current target challenging to meet.

Looking back, leaping ahead

This summit was also notable for the numerous side events held throughout the past week. EUROMIL participated in several of these events, emphasizing its active role in discussions on military issues. Additionally, Washington D.C. was abuzz with activity related to the upcoming Presidential elections in November. The possibility of a new Trump presidency cast a shadow over the summit, while discussions on current President Biden’s situation occasionally overshadowed the news. It almost seemed as if the capital cities of all NATO and EU member states had transferred to Washington D.C., highlighting the significant global interest in the summit.

As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, the alliance is looking toward the future with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The Washington Summit has set the stage for continued adaptation and innovation, ensuring NATO remains relevant and effective in addressing the security challenges of the 21st century. By embracing modernization, strengthening partnerships, and promoting resilience, NATO is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the global security environment and continue its legacy of peace and stability.

The journey from 1949 to 2024 has been one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to shared values. As NATO embarks on the next 75 years, it does so with a profound sense of purpose and a vision for a safer, more secure world.