Anniversary summit - NATO Secretary General promotes new accessions
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg passionately advocated for the acceptance of prospective members such as Ukraine during a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance. In a speech before the heads of state and government of member countries, the Norwegian emphasized that the expansion of the Alliance after the end of the Cold War had united Europe, paved the way for integration, and brought peace and prosperity across the continent. "We must show clarity and determination once again," he said.
During discussions about the acceptance of countries like Poland, Czechia, and Hungary at the end of the 90s, Stoltenberg declared, there were concerns that expansion would weaken NATO and provoke Moscow.
However, in the end, everyone recognized the right of every nation to make its own decisions and opened the door of NATO. "Few decisions in modern history have changed Europe as profoundly," he added during the event at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington.
Possible NATO invitation for Ukraine remains a contentious issue
With his remarks on NATO expansion, Stoltenberg made it clear at the outset of a three-day summit that he stands with those NATO members who openly support Ukraine's membership application and want to facilitate rapid progress in the accession process.
However, positive decisions in this direction are not expected mainly due to the opposition of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden.
Other Allies argue that Russia should be clearly and unequivocally shown that it cannot prevent a NATO membership for Ukraine.
Stoltenberg called once again for increased military support for Ukraine. Such support comes with costs and risks. "Remember: The greatest costs and risks lie in Russia winning in Ukraine," warned Stoltenberg. This would not only strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin but also encourage other authoritarian leaders in Iran, North Korea, and China.
"The time to stand up for freedom and democracy is now. The place is Ukraine," he said. It is best to make "difficult decisions with political courage and moral clarity."
Ceremony at the site of NATO's founding
The event was organized at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, the location where the Washington Treaty, the founding document of NATO, was signed on April 4, 1949. Stoltenberg stated, "Our Alliance was founded by people who had experienced two devastating world wars. They knew all too well the horror, the suffering, and the terrible human costs of war. They were determined that this would never happen again."
NATO website for the summit [
[Link to the NATO website about the summit is missing in the original text]
- Stoltenberg emphasized the significance of Ukraine's potential membership during the anniversary summit, highlighting its role in NATO's expansion and European integration.
- During the Cold War era, there were apprehensions that NATO's expansion would alienate Moscow, but these fears were eventually overshadowed by the principle of sovereign national decisions.
- NATO's acceptance of countries like Poland, Czechia, and Hungary at the end of the 90s was seen as a turning point that redefined Europe's political landscape.
- Involvement in Ukraine's membership process remains a divisive issue within the Alliance, with key players such as Germany and the USA maintaining reservations towards rapid acceptance.
- Despite opposition, some NATO members advocate for a clear and unequivocal message to Russia, implying that its influence over Ukraine's NATO membership is unacceptable.
- To deter potential aggression, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of providing military support to Ukraine, acknowledging the risks and costsassociated with such assistance.
- Stoltenberg's speech during the ceremony at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium emphasized the shared history and values of NATO members, reminding them of the horrors of war and the importance of collective defense.
- The 75th anniversary summit marked a significant milestone in the evolution of NATO, underscoring the importance of its role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe.
- In conclusion, theDependency on Russia in Ukraine's future remains complex and multifaceted, with NATO member states grappling with the delicate balance between diplomacy, security, and the principles of sovereignty and self-determination.
