Prime Minister Ratas: NATO will continue to stregthen its collective deterrence and defence capability to be able to respond to all threats

Brussels, Belgium, 11 July 2018 – Today, the NATO summit for heads of state and heads of government began. The first discussion concentrated on transatlantic unity, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, and fair burden-sharing.


“The discussion at the NATO summit today clearly showed that Allies understand the importance and the role of NATO in guaranteeing transatlantic security,” said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas after the end of the first working session. “As a result of the decisions made today, the Alliance will continue to strengthen its deterrence and defence posture to be able to respond to all threats. In addition, the amount of allied forces in high readiness will increase and the ability to move additional troops in Europe and across the Atlantic Ocean, when needed, will improve.”


The Allies are also committed to increasing their defence expenditure. “Most NATO Allies are moving towards the set goal of 2%, as well as investing at least 20% of their defence budget in major procurements and research and development activities,” added Prime Minister Ratas.


Heads of state and government also approved the mechanism which allows the alliance to use the allies’ cyber capabilities during operations. “Estonia supports NATO in strengthening its deterrence and security position towards cyberspace, as well,” said Prime Minister Ratas.


“Strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in cyber is also important, because today’s threats derive also from cyber,” said Prime Minister Ratas. “This will be supported by a mechanism approved by the heads of state and government, which allows the Alliance to use allies' cyber capabilities in NATO operations."


At dinner, the heads of state and government will discuss with Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, Sauli Niinistö, the President of Finland, and Stefan Löfven, the Prime Minister of Sweden, the challenges of European security and the co-operation between NATO and the European Union based on the new joint declaration between NATO and the European Union that was signed yesterday.


During the work-oriented dinner, the ministers of foreign affairs of NATO and their colleagues from Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq will concentrate on the threats coming from the south, increasing the stability of their partners, and improving the defence capabilities of their partners.


During the official dinner of the ministers of defence of NATO, the Member States will discuss the development of NATO’s deterrence and defence position.


Prime Minister Jüri Ratas is participating in the NATO summit in Brussels on 11–12 July with Sven Mikser, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jüri Luik, Minister of Defence, and General Riho Terras, Commander of the Defence Forces.


Photos from the NATO summit (more pictures added continuously): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l8vhkk1wgznhhpy/AABAiAIL_WyxFk7aC8yD9zNWa?dl=0
Official photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nato/albums


Additional information: Urmas Seaver, (+372) 503 9907, [email protected]