NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

10/22/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/22/2021 05:41

Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the second day of the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence

Good afternoon.

Defence ministers met today in the Nuclear Planning Group.
Our security environment continues to deteriorate.
So our consultations are essential to ensure that NATO remains a credible nuclear Alliance as long as nuclear weapons exist.
To preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.

Today, Allies also signed an agreement to establish a NATO Innovation Fund.

I expect this fund to invest 1 billion euros with innovators across the Alliance working on emerging and disruptive technologies.

New technologies are reshaping our world and our security.

NATO's new Innovation Fund will ensure Allies do not miss out on the latest technology and capabilities that will be critical to our security.

The NATO Innovation Fund is one part of a bigger picture.
In tandem, NATO is building a Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic - what we call "DIANA".

As part of DIANA, Allies are committed to provide a network of technology test centres and accelerator sites across the Alliance,
to better harness civilian innovation for our security.
And strengthen the technological bond between Europe and North America.

We need to ensure that Allies are able to operate the different technologies seamlessly, between their forces, and with each other.

At this ministerial, we also took another important decision for NATO's adaptation.
Allies have agreed our first Artificial Intelligence strategy.

It will set standards for responsible use of artificial intelligence, in accordance with international law.
Outline how we will accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in what we do.
Set out how we will protect this technology.
And address the threats posed by the use of artificial intelligence by adversaries.

We also met our close partners Finland and Sweden, and the European Union.

NATO-EU cooperation has already reached unprecedented levels.
In cyber space, we exchange information on threats and vulnerabilities in real time.
In the Aegean Sea, our maritime mission works with the EU to implement their agreement with Turkey.
And in Kosovo, NATO troops stand shoulder to shoulder with EU diplomats to bring peace and stability to the region.

I hope to strengthen our cooperation in other areas, such as military mobility, resilience, emerging and disruptive technologies, and the security impact of climate change.

I look forward to a new joint declaration on NATO-EU relations,
which will set out areas for future cooperation.
We must ensure that our approach to security remains coherent.

I welcome the EU's increased efforts on defence.
NATO has been calling on European Allies to invest more and provide more high-end capabilities for many years.
But these efforts should not duplicate NATO.
What is needed is more capabilities, not new structures.

Our transatlantic alliance remains the bedrock for our security.

And Europe and North America will continue to stand strong together in NATO, as we face a more competitive world.

And with that, I am ready to take your questions.