War in Ukraine and NATO plans: meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels | news item
News item | 07-04-2022 | 18:54
On 6 and 7 April 2022, foreign ministers from NATO countries met in Brussels. Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs was also present.
Ministers expressed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. They mentioned killing civilians in Bucha and other places in Ukraine. The ministers decided to continue and strengthen Ukraine. They also adopted a package to support countries vulnerable to Russian interference. The meeting also highlighted the importance of NATO’s cooperation with partners and further focused on NATO’s future.
A strong NATO
During the interests of Minister Hoekstra the importance of a strong NATO for the defense of the transatlantic territory. Close cooperation with the European Union (EU) is also crucial. For safety in Europe – and with it the Netherlands as well. The meeting was also a moment to look ahead: what further steps should NATO take? And what does that mean for relations with Russia?
NATO-wide innovation
The meeting adopted a charter to foster innovation within NATO, through the new DIANA program (Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic† With this program, NATO allies join forces to develop new technologies in the field of security and defense. In this context, 60 innovation centers have been earmarked to get started with this programme. One of these is located in the Netherlands.
In talks with neighboring countries and NATO partners in Asia and Oceania
The war in Ukraine has implications for security in a wide region. This was discussed during the meeting with the High Representative of the European Union, Ukraine, Georgia, EU-Sweden and Finland and with fellow ministers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The war in Ukraine has consequences. That is why cooperation is very important now, especially with partners in Asia and Oceania (the Indo-Pacific region).
For the security of the Euro-Atlantic area can arise anywhere in the world. The government believes that NATO needs a more global perspective, and that partnerships also gain in weight outside the treaty area. As partners we stand strong together and we can learn from each other.
Therefore, the ministers decided to work closely with the Indo-Pacific region on business security challenges. By sharing more information, best practices exchange, consult more often and also further strengthen political and practical cooperation.
Finally, extra attention was paid to countries in close proximity to NATO, which are vulnerable to interference and possible military attacks from Russia. Think of Georgia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, among others. A package was received on April 7 to further support these countries. For example, in defense against cyber-attacks, and with a team that’s given up on resilience.
New NATO Plans: The Strategic Concept
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows the importance of NATO countries protecting each other. The security situation in the world is changing. And that is why NATO is changing with it: to be able to provide sufficient security now and in the future. The Strategic Concept, which provides political direction, is being updated. The next Strategic Concept will be adopted at the NATO Summit in Madrid on June 29-30, 2022.
During the meeting in Brussels, foreign ministers share their vision on which elements should be included in that next Concept. In the Strategic Concept of 2010 the hope for positive cooperation with Russia was still shared. Recent events make it clear that that can no longer be the case.
What does the cabinet think?
The government believes that Russia’s aggressive actions should be reflected in the next Strategic Concept. late it is important to separate future plans from current events. And to indicate that NATO should not close the door to dialogue.
Attention should also be paid to China: a global financial and military power. Some issues that can be developed with NATO countries, such as arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament, cannot be properly discussed without China’s expansion.
The Netherlands also wants attention to the impact of climate change on security and to the increasing security importance of new technologies. Resilience is important here. For example against digital threats.
And, very important for the Netherlands: the cooperation between the EU and NATO must be given an important place in the Concept.