NATO’s new Strategic Concept reaffirms NATO’s values and purpose, and provides an overview of how the Alliance will deal with today’s turbulent geopolitical environment. The Russian Federation, after its unjustified aggression against Ukraine, poses the biggest and more direct threat to the Euro-Atlantic area, while China, terrorism, non-proliferation, climate change also constitute severe challenges for the Allies. Hence, NATO will invest in strengthening its deterrence and defence, crisis prevention and management and cooperative security.

It is important to mention that – according to the Strategic Concept –malicious cyber activities could reach the level of armed attack and could lead to the activation of Article 5.

Partnerships also play an important role for NATO, the EU is deemed as a unique and important partner and it is highlighted that the two organisations work in complementarity. Besides, NATO’s Open Door Policy remains unchanged and enhanced cooperation with Bosnia Herzegovina, Georgia and Ukraine is mentioned in the document.

Concerning military personnel the Concept mentions that interoperability of the Armed Forces is essential and that would be achieved through training and common exercises. Moreover, NATO will continue to improve its readiness, its military and civilian capabilities, planning and coordination. Military personnel who participate at missions and operations often face extreme challenges due to climate change. Hence, the Alliance is aiming at understanding and adapting to climate change by reducing the military’s environmental footprint. However, and as the President of EUROMIL, Emmanuel Jacob, states, NATO and its members should make sure that military personnel receive the necessary training and education to respond to the challenges set by climate change.

Overall, the Strategic Concept is addressing today’s threats and challenges and increases cooperation between the Allies. In this regard, EUROMIL would like to stress out that military personnel that work and train together should enjoy the same social and working rights.