The Heads of State and Government of the Atlantic Alliance have drawn up a document called the Madrid Declaration in which they renew their commitments to help Ukraine and define a line of action prior to the Strategic Concept that will be approved in the next few hours.
In the Madrid text, the allies undertake to increase investment in Defense in its entirety, that is, to raise military spending to 2% of GDP, a level that Spain is very far from (devoting 1%). And they add that they will base themselves on that commitment to defend new objectives next year to be met beyond 2024, leaving the door open for that 2% to be exceeded. The allies say they will take into account the progress made to “ensure that increased national defense spending and NATO pooled funding are commensurate with the challenges of a more contested security order.” The Madrid declaration stresses that “investing in our defense and key capabilities is essential”.
NATO leaders speak of China in terms far removed from those contained in not-so-distant Alliance documents and also refer to the economic efforts that must be made.
“We are facing a critical moment for our international security and peace and stability. We remain in unity and solidarity and reaffirm the lasting transatlantic bond between our nations,” the letter points out, adding that “NATO is a defensive alliance and does not represent a threat to any country.
Again, the statement includes a strong condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “flagrant violation of international law and seriously undermining international security and stability.” “Russia bears full responsibility for this humanitarian catastrophe.”
The allies conspire to counter “Russia’s lies and reject its irresponsible rhetoric.” They urge Moscow “to immediately stop the war and withdraw” from Ukraine and Belarus to “end its complicity in the conflict”.
In the Madrid Declaration, NATO mentions terrorism and space and hybrid cyber threats. And it amplifies his fears towards China. “We face systemic competition from those, including the People’s Republic of China, who challenge our interests, security and values and seek to undermine the rules-based international order. Instability beyond our borders is also contributing to irregular migration and It’s about people.”
The Alliance is committed to stepping up political and practical support for Ukraine with an enhanced support package. This will speed up the delivery of non-lethal defense equipment and improve their cyber defenses.”
The allies say they will defend “every inch of allied territory at all times.” And in this sense they specify: “We will build on our recently improved posture and significantly strengthen our long-term deterrence and defense to guarantee the security and defense of all Allies.”
For this reason, they assure that they will deploy “additional robust combat-ready forces on the eastern flank and that existing battle groups will be expanded to brigade-sized units where and when necessary.”
NATO countries also note that they have decided on new measures “to intensify political and practical support to partners, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova”, and will also enhance their support “for capacity building to partners from the south”.
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