NATO News

NATO tested new energy-saving technologies in Poland during Exercise Capable Logistician 2019 (3-13 June 2019), including to make Allied militaries more energy efficient, reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in the field, and enhance interoperability between national armed forces. Combined with linked national activities, the exercise included around 3,450 troops from 30 nations, and tested some 1,000 pieces of equipment.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Iceland’s important contributions to international security during a visit to Reykjavik on Monday (11 June 2019). After meeting with Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Secretary General recalled that Iceland is a founding member of NATO, stressing that its “strategic location in the Atlantic helps to bind Europe and North America together.”

NATO is following with concern the political crisis in the Republic of Moldova. We call on all political forces in the country to exercise calm and restraint, and to resolve their differences through dialogue, in full respect of the rule of law.

The first-ever cyber crisis simulation workshop, called "Disruptive Dilemmas", took place in Bratislava, Slovakia, on June 6 2019. Co-sponsored by NATO, this was the largest side event at the GLOBSEC Bratislava 2019 Forum. It featured a keynote address on navigating digital disruptions in countering terrorism by Dr. Benedetta Berti-Alberti, Head of Policy Planning at the Office of the NATO Secretary General.

The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will travel to Reykjavik on Tuesday, 11 June 2019.

On 5th to 7th June, the NATO Electronic Warfare Advisory Committee held its 106th Plenary meeting at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

Experts from NATO and Colombia joined up to support the Colombian Armed Forces’ efforts in their ongoing fight against maritime piracy and narcotics during a workshop sponsored by the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 27 to 29 May 2019.

Around 8,600 U.S. and European troops from 18 nations are taking part in the annual BALTOPS naval exercise that starts on Sunday (9 June) in Germany’s Baltic Sea port of Kiel. The 47th BALTOPS exercise involves maritime, air and ground forces with about 50 ships and submarines and 40 aircraft and will run through 21 June. The training includes finding and destroying sea mines and submarines, the use of air defence and landing troops onshore as well as defence against attack from enemy navy vessels.

A force of 2,500 German, Dutch and Norwegian troops and 1,000 vehicles is currently taking part in exercise Noble Jump 19 at the Zagan training range in Western Poland. Noble Jump is the main training opportunity for NATO’s Spearhead Force, the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), and tests how well its different units work together.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (5 June 2019). Ambassador Khalilzad also briefed all 41 NATO Allies and Resolute Support Mission operational partners on his latest efforts in support for peace in Afghanistan.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Poland’s strong commitment to the Alliance during a visit by President Andrzej Duda to NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (4 June 2019). The two leaders discussed the current security environment and preparations for the Summit of NATO leaders in London this December.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Ukraine’s new President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (4 June 2019) for bilateral talks, as well as a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission focused on the security situation in the country. Calling Ukraine a “highly valued partner,” Mr. Stoltenberg thanked Ukraine for contributing to NATO missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo, despite serious security challenges at home. He also welcomed Allied exercises with Ukraine, calling these a sign of Kyiv’s “strong commitment to international security”.

At the plenary meeting of the Afghan National Army Trust Fund Board - held today (04 June 2019) at NATO Headquarters - NATO Allies and partners confirmed their steadfast support to the financial sustainment of the Afghan security forces. Together with representatives of the donors’ community, they reviewed the Trust Fund management, implementation and performance; and they outlined future requirements.

Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonzález, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, addressed the Plenary Meeting of the NATO-Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Monday (3 June 2019). Ambassador Alvargonzález stressed that parliamentarians play a key role both in embodying and defending the NATO Allies’ shared democratic values at a time when these are being challenged in a variety of new ways.

During his visit to Japan, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach met with the Japanese Vice Minister of Defence Kenji Harada, the Chief of Defence, General Yamazaki and the Commandants of the Joint Staff College, Lieutenant General Kiyoda, Lieutenant General Iwaya, Vice Admiral Inui and Lieutenant General Nagashima.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised North Macedonia’s journey towards European and transatlantic integration during a visit to Skopje on Monday (3 June 2019), saying: “NATO membership will bring greater security and prosperity for all the people of North Macedonia.” At a press conference with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Mr. Stoltenberg also highlighted that foreign investment in North Macedonia has increased over threefold in the last year, saying “security is the foundation of prosperity”.

The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will meet the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Andrzej Duda, on Tuesday, 4 June 2019.

The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will meet the President of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Tuesday, 4 June 2019 at NATO Headquarters.