Sweden has been ensured NATO ratification, NATO has adopted regional defence plans, Defence ministers of the Baltic States signed a declaration on cooperation in the Baltic airspace to contribute to the fulfilment of NATO defence, deterrence and training tasks and a new action plan to boost the defence industry has been adapted.
The NATO Summit in Vilnius has indeed been impactful regarding support for Ukraine, clearer defence plans for the Baltic State region, NATO expansion and more. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of such an important event.
Main outcomes of the Summit:
Swedish accession to NATO
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, announced that President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to unblock Swedish accession to NATO and ensure the ratification as soon as possible.
Adopted regional defence plans
NATO allies approved “the most comprehensive defence plans since the Cold War, addressing the two key threats we face: Russia and terrorism” as described by Stoltenberg.
Baltic states airspace
Defence ministers of the Baltic States signed a declaration on cooperation in the Baltic airspace to contribute to the fulfilment of NATO defence, deterrence and training tasks. The Baltic States are committed to strengthening their anti-air defence capabilities, but will also call on allies to contribute.
Support for Ukraine
With regards to Ukraine, the summit ended with a joint declaration from G7 leaders for their nations to negotiate long-term bilateral security commitments for Ukraine to build up its land, sea and air defences to deter future Russian attacks, but no clear time frame for joining NATO.
New action plan to boost the defence industry
NATO leaders also approved a new action plan to boost the defence industry output. The allies pledged to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on their national military budgets, and least 20% of that amount on new military equipment, research and development. But they set no time frame for reaching the targets.