NATO defense ministers agree to enhance collective defense, deterrence

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 - 23:47 (EEST) Section: Latest news

NATO Defense Ministers agreed on important measures to strengthen the Alliance`s defense and deterrence on Tuesday, June 14.
”NATO will deploy by rotation four robust multinational battalions to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. And I welcome the commitments made by many Allies today to contribute,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Stoltenberg stressed that this sends a clear message that if any Ally is attacked, the whole Alliance will respond as one.
The NATO chief underlined that NATO has now fully implemented the Readiness Action Plan, adopted at the Wales Summit two years ago. Today, he added, Allies are taking the next steps. Ministers also agreed on tailored measures to enhance defence and deterrence in the Black Sea region. ”There will also be more pre-positioned equipment and supplies,” he said.
NATO Defense Ministers also discussed the freedom of movement of NATO forces across Europe. ”It is vital that our troops and equipment can move without delay. For exercises in peacetime, for reinforcements in an emerging crisis, time is of the essence,” said the Secretary-General.
He stressed that NATO Allies have cut red tape and updated complex procedures to improve the Alliance`s ability to deploy forces at speed.
The NATO chief noted that NATO`s efforts to boost its deterrence and defense depend on the right capabilities and resources.
The Secretary-General added that Allies must sustain this momentum and review progress at the Warsaw Summit.