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 condemned the killing of civilians in Bucha and other places in Ukraine. Ministers decided to continue and strengthen support to Ukraine. They also adopted a package of measures 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 meeting, Minister Hoekstra emphasized the importance of a strong NATO for the defense of transatlantic territory. He also underlined that close cooperation with the European Union (EU) is 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 do they mean for relations with Russia?
NATO-wide innovation
The meeting adopted a new charter to foster innovation within NATO, through the so-called 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 designated (offered by allies) to get started with this program. 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 partners Sweden and Finland and with fellow ministers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The war in Ukraine has global consequences. That is why cooperation is very important now, especially with partners in Asia and Oceania (the Indo-Pacific region).
Challenges to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area can arise anywhere in the world. The government believes that NATO increasingly needs a global perspective, and that partnerships are also gaining weight outside the treaty area. As partners we are strong together and we can learn from each other.
Therefore, the ministers decided to work more closely with the Indo-Pacific region on common security challenges. By sharing more information, best practices exchange, consult each other more often and also further strengthen political dialogue and practical cooperation.
Finally, extra attention was paid to countries in close proximity to NATO, which are vulnerable to interference and possible military aggression from Russia. Think of Georgia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, among others. A package was adopted on 7 April to further support these countries. For example, in defense against cyber attacks, and with a team that advises 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 shared their views on which elements should be included in that next Concept. The 2010 Strategic Concept also expressed the hope for positive cooperation with Russia. Recent events make it clear that this 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. At the same time, 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 growing world economic and military power – which is increasingly using this power. Some issues confronting NATO countries, such as arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament, cannot be properly discussed without the involvement of China.
The Netherlands also wants to focus on the impact of climate change on security and the increasing security importance of new technologies. Resilience is becoming increasingly important. 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.