Frankfurt, Brussels (14/7 – 30)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has concluded a summit held on July 11-12 in Vilnius, Lithuania, having issued a 90-point communique, with the detailed elaboration on new members, the ongoing Ukraine/Russia conflict and other defense matters.
Highlights of the Vilnius Summit Communique:
New members
- The Allies welcome the Republic of Finland as the newest member, a historic step for both Finland and NATO.
- The Allies look forward to welcoming the Kingdom of Sweden as a full member of the Alliance, acknowledging the welcome agreement concluded between the NATO Secretary General, the President of Türkiye, and the Prime Minister of Sweden.
Russia – Ukraine Conflict
- The Allies declare that the Russian Federation has violated the norms and principles that contributed to a stable and predictable European security order. The Russian Federation is thus sanctioned as the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO continues to condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s blatant violations of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and OSCE commitments and principles.
- The Allies also welcome and support the commitment of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in abiding by the principles embodied in his Peace Formula. NATO declares that it welcomes efforts of all Allies and partners engaged in providing support to Ukraine. To support Ukraine’s further integration with NATO, the Allies have agreed on a substantial package of expanded political and practical support. Our robust military capabilities are critical to ensure success of NATO deterrence and defense capabilities
- In view of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, NATO-EU cooperation has become more significant. The Allies welcome the formation of a dedicated NATO-EU Coordination Staff on Ukraine
- As the Black Sea region is of strategic importance for NATO, the Allies will further monitor and assess developments in the region, augmenting situational awareness.
China
- The excessive ambitions and coercive policies of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) represent a formidable challenge to NATO’s interests, security and values. Nevertheless, the Allies remain open to constructive engagement with the PRC, including setting up a regimen of reciprocal transparency, with a view to safeguarding security interests of the Alliance.
Indo-Pacific region
- The Indo-Pacific Indo-Pacific is incontrovertibly important for NATO, given that developments in that region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security. NATO therefore welcomes the contributions of its partners in the Asia-Pacific region to security in the Euro-Atlantic, including the commitment to support Ukraine. We extend recognition of our vital commitments with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, as regional counterparts.
Technology and defense
- NATO continues to invest more in advanced interoperable capabilities across all domains, placing particular emphasis on combat-capable, predominantly heavy, high-end forces and capabilities.
- NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) remains a key element in the stance of credible deterrence and active defense, guaranteeing the indivisible security and freedom of action of the Alliance.
- As emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) bring both opportunities and reveal risks, NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) has now launched its first challenges to start-ups in NATO countries. To further develop a transatlantic innovation ecosystem, the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund, known as the “NATO Innovation Fund”, will embark on investments in deep-tech in coming months.
Nuclear weapons
- The firm stance of the Allies is that the Islamic Republic of Iran must never be allowed to develop and deploy nuclear weapons. NATO thus calls on Iran to fulfil its legal obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty without further delay, as a protocol stipulating safeguard agreements and firm political commitments regarding nuclear non-proliferation.
- NATO urges the PRC to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and to reinforce stability through greater transparency with regard to the policies, plans and capabilities of its nuclear arsenal.
- NATO Allies support the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons, in full accordance with all provisions of the NPT, to eventually be achieved in an effective and verifiable manner, one that works toward greater international stability.