NATO Secretary General: A strong transatlantic bond is the bedrock of Europe’s security

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made a keynote speech at the College of Europe in Bruges on Thursday (4 March 2021) in which he highlighted the importance of transatlantic cooperation. The Secretary General told students: “As a committed European, I do not just believe in European integration. I also believe in transatlantic cooperation. Because a strong transatlantic bond is the bedrock of Europe’s security. For more than 70 years, NATO has embodied this unique relationship. Our Alliance is the only place that brings North America and Europe together every day to discuss common security challenges, to preserve peace and prevent war.”

Mr Stoltenberg spoke at the College of Europe at the invitation of the Rector, Federica Mogherini, the former High Representative of the European Union and Vice-President of the European Commission. The Secretary General explained to the audience how NATO continues to adapt to address a range of challenges, including Russia’s destabilising behaviour, terrorism, cyber-attacks, disruptive technologies, climate change, and the rise of China. He outlined the NATO 2030 agenda to prepare the Alliance for the future.

The Secretary General made clear that in uncertain times we need strong institutions, like NATO and the EU, to defend our values and to promote our interests. He said: “Any attempt to divide Europe from North America will not only weaken NATO, it will also divide Europe. So I do not believe in Europe alone, or North America alone. I believe in North America and Europe together, in NATO, in strategic solidarity. Whatever challenges we face, we are stronger together.”