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G7 SECTION:

G7 Heads of State and Government Summit under the German Presidency 2022 took place 

G7 Heads of State and Government Summit under the German G7 Presidency 2022 took place in Castle Elmau at Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps on 26-28 June. The 7+2 heads of the world’s most advanced economies gathered in Castle Elmau and discussed many global issues including foreign and security policy issues, the fight for democracy, the situation in Ukraine, climate change, the coronavirus pandemic as well as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences.

The 7th Summit hosted by Germany

The annual G7 June three-day Summit is a global event that usually highlights the accomplishments of every G7 Presidency. This year’s Summit took place in the same idyllic place as that of June G7 Summit 2015 when Germany last held the Presidency. This year’s Summit is the 7th Summit hosted by Germany. The first time was in 1978 and the Summit was held then in Bonn. The G7 Heads of State and Government June Summit is a major annual event that every G7 Presidency has to host.

Nations in the G7 – Group of Seven plus two – 7+2

The G7 consists of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the USA. Also part of the group are the Presidents of The European Union – The European Commission and The European Council. The G7 Presidency rotates between members on an annual basis. The G7 leaders are President Joe Biden, President of the United States, Fumio Kishida, prime minister of Japan, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, Mario Draghi, prime minister of Italy, Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the host.

Germany took over the G7 Presidency from the UK

Germany has held the G7 Presidency since 1 January 2022 after taking over from the UK on that date.  As Germany took over the G7 Presidency at the beginning of 2022, the German leader talked about “a responsible task in challenging times.”

Japan will take over from Germany in 2023.

On 1 January 2023 Japan will take over the G7 Presidency from Germany. That means Germany will be succeeded by Japan on that date in January 2023.

How G8 became the G7: 8 minus 1; The other leaders threw out Putin

The G7 used to be the G-8. At that time, it included all the present members plus Russia. But after Russia invaded and seized Ukraine’s Crimea Peninsula in 2014, Russia and its leader Putin, were booted from the group. So G8 became G7.

Germany´s plan for the 2022 Presidency

With the challenging times in mind, the German G7 Presidency planned for five main principles under its leadership: among them to build a better future by staying stronger together with an economic stability and a sustainable planet. The five principles are outlined below in what they call Progress towards an equitable world.

The joke about Putin at the G7 Summit

At one of the working lunches of the summit, Prime Minister Johnson and Prime Minister Trudeau joked about how they could be tougher than Putin.

– We’re going to get the bare-chested horseback riding display, Trudeau said referring to Putin’s frequent displays of himself outdoors, often without shirt, and on horseback.

Putin´s Mentality is a Primitive one

The joke was important because the image of a bare-chested Putin on horseback projects the mind of someone still in a primitive state of mind, whose image of being a powerful leader is not different from the time of the crusaders when men projected their power on horses, and a period the sword-wielding knights of European history. It was a brutish time and men with brutal thinking ruled the world. In fact, it was a more primitive period. And that is sad; because in an age of space travel, human rights, freedom, and democracy, it is really pathetic that the leader of one of the most important countries in the world, such as Russia is, is living in this back-ward brutal mindedness. To ride on horses, bare-chested, to show that you are a powerful leader, is actually projects the opposite – unintelligence, backward-thinking, dark-ages-mentality. The invasion of Ukraine vwithout regard for international law etcetera is a confirmation the dark-age-mebtality.

Another Russian leader with a modern mind and 21st century mentality

One really hopes that Russin can get another leader who is not living in the age-of-horses-mentality. We need a Russia that is in the 21st century after Christ – not a Russian Federation whose is still living in a primitive state of mind – a world of knights on horses.

Germany set itself many goals

Many of the goals Germany set itself at the beginning of the year had gained even greater urgency in view of the changed global situation, Chancellor Scholz said at the Global Solutions Summit towards the end of March, referring to the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

G7 nations – playing a pioneering climate role

In preparation for the 26-28 June 2022 G7 Summit, the German Presidency 2022 decided that G7 nations´ should play a pioneering and leadership role in climate

–  We will make the most of our G7 Presidency to ensure this group of states takes on a pioneering climate role in the pursuit of climate neutrality and an equitable world, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, as his country took over the G7 Presidency.

The motto – “Progress towards an equitable world”

One of the things the Germany has been able to point out as the progress it has made during the German Presidency is what they have called: “Progress towards an equitable world”.  From the onset, they pointed out that “Progress towards an equitable world” was a goal of their German G7 Presidency. They set it as thheir motto and planned for it to culminate in the Summit 26 -28 June 2022. But when Germany took over the G7 Presidency at the beginning of 2022, no one suspected the events that have taken place – the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The G7 agree that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine changed everything and has put the global peace order at risk.

Flags of the G7 countries – “United for Ukraine“

In the G7 German Presidency, they had a slogan that read: “Partners Stand Together – United for Ukraine” During this period ot its Presidency, Germany has clearly held that “might is right philosopy does not and cannot create an equitable world.” 

– When a powerful nation like the Russian Federation overruns a smaller and less powerful nation because it can, it is wrong, The German G7 Presidency said.

Statement issued by the EU Commission

On the 26 of June 2022, as the Summit got underway, the EU Commission issued a statement that said:

– We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The negative global impact of Russia’s war will be front and centre of our exchanges at the G7. We will focus on energy security of supply. We will also discuss how we can best tackle price increases without compromising on our climate goals.

European security and Energy issues

– As a country, we have already set the tables: we invest massively in our security, fulfill the promise of German security responsibility for urope, become energy independent from Russia and – climate change, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said

Under G7 German Presidency, and following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the G7 focused on a “broad global alliance for peace and the rule of law”. The G7 nations hav come closer together than ever before, the Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed at the Global Solutions Summit in Berlin.

– Germany intends to use this solidarity during its G7 presidency in order to tackle other urgent global challenges such as the climate crisis and the fight against the pandemic.

Broad global alliance for peace, democracy and the rule of law

DEMOCRACY – Democracy needs civil society perspectives.

Some of the points that the G7 Presidency has tried to draw everyone’s attention to is the idea that viable flourishing and real democracy needs civil society perspectives. Speaking in a video address to the civil society stakeholders and organisations involved in the G7 process, on one of the many important occasions, Federal Chancellor Scholz said speaking to civil societies:

– We need your independent expertise, your advice – and indeed your constructive criticism, Chancellor Scholz Said.

Meetings with various G7 Engagement Groups

In the run-up to the Summit, starting in the month of May, the G7 Presidency held meetings with various G7 Engagement Groups. The groups represent the interests of young people, women, trade unions, business, academia, think-tanks, and non-governmental organisations.

– In this way it will be possible to develop proposals that are multi-faceted and enjoy broad approval. Democracy needs the civil society perspective,” he said

Democracy is the single best path

Speaking about democracy, G7 leaders said:

– When our democracies work together, they provide the single best path to deliver results for all people.

Coronavirus pandemic: Covid-19

Referring to Covid-19, the leaders said that they have identified local vaccine production and a better preparedness as keys to fight Covid-19. President Michel revealed that the EU repurposed €300 million from vaccine purchase to support vaccination.

Remarks of WHO Director-General at the G7 Leaders Summit

The Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation WHO gave a short speech at the Summit on COVID-19 etcetera

Chancellor Scholz,
Excellencies,

Dear colleagues and friends,
Deaths from COVID-19 are thankfully declining. But this pandemic is not finished.
And at the same time, we face war, famine, and the growing threat of climate change.
These concurrent crises are disrupting health systems, weakening populations, and creating fertile ground for new disease outbreaks.

We must learn the lessons of this pandemic.
Shared threats require a shared response. The commitments made in this summit on climate, health, food security, and violent conflict come at a critical time.
The G7 Pact for Pandemic Readiness, with its support for collective surveillance, predictable rapid response, and prompt, equitable access to life-saving tools, will help further the goals of the international accord or treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

This accord, now being negotiated, frames the recommendations in WHO’s proposal for the new global health architecture, which is built on the pillars of:
Coherent, inclusive and accountable governance;
Systems and tools to prevent, detect and respond rapidly to health emergencies;
Stronger domestic and international health financing;
And an empowered WHO, as the world’s leading public health agency, that can respond promptly to emergencies.

Along with COVID, other global crises keep coming. With the imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia, WHO pre-positioned supplies, so we were the first humanitarian organization to reach Kyiv with new medical supplies.
We delivered nearly 600 metric tonnes of supplies to the hardest hit areas, including 20 ambulances, and hospital generators.

In closing, I will leave you with five priorities:
First, that the new Financial Intermediary Fund be sustainably funded, with WHO playing a central role;
Second, I urge you to fully support the new legally-binding accord on pandemic preparedness;
Third, to support local production for medicines, tests and vaccines for COVID, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, NCDs, and other diseases. Local production is critical for equitable access to life-saving tools.
Fourth, to meet the Paris goals for climate and clean energy. This could help to cut seven million preventable deaths from pollution every year.
And fifth, to fully fund the Global Appeal for Health Emergency Response operations, which includes Ukraine and other crises, and to end the pandemic.

In closing, my thanks to our hosts, Chancellor Scholz and all G7 members for your leadership in these difficult times, where major crises have converged.
As the song said, today is difficult, but tomorrow there will be sunshine.
I thank you.

United against Russian invasion of Ukraine

The G7 leaders showed they are united against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine while they discussed ways to minimize the war’s effect on rising global food and energy costs.

European security and Energy issues

– As a country, we have already set the tables: we invest massively in our security, fulfill the promise of German security responsibility for Europe, become energy independent from Russia and – for now – climate change trail Olaf Scholz said

To the Madrid NATO Summit in Spain

As the Summit ended, all the leaders immediately travelled to the Madrid NATO Summit in Spain since all the G7 nations are also NATO Nations. In addition to that, Japan is particularly invited to the NATO Madrid Summit as a NATO-partner and friend.

Russian Aggression Against Ukraine – G7 stands united with Ukraine and pledged 28 billion euros to their 2022 budget

One topic that dominated the G7 Heads of State and Government talks is the war in Ukraine.

G7 leaders pledged 28 billion euros to the Ukrainian national budget

For Ukraine´s economy, the leaders pledged 28 billion euros to be allocated to the Ukrainian national budget for the current year. This is in addition to the 2.6 billion euros in humanitarian aid already pledged. The 28 billion euros to be allocated to the Ukrainian national budget is intended to close funding gaps and serve the basic needs of the Ukrainian population.

“We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes,”

The G7 pledged financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine for an unlimited period in the war against Russia.

– We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes, the Heads of State and Government said in a joint statement.

Ukraine “deeply conscious” of the help being offered

The G7 again called on Russia to end the war and warned against the use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. It also called on the country to put an immediate stop to attacks on agricultural infrastructure and to open the ports for the export of grain.

President Volodymyr Zelensky joined the G7 working session via videolink

The Heads of State and Government at the Summit in Schloss Elmau were addressed by the Ukrainian leader President Volodymyr Zelensky, via video link. In a statement issued by his office, the President expressed his gratitude for the financial and military assistance. He expressed sincere gratitude from his country.

–  Ukraine is deeply conscious of the help being offered by the “big seven”, he said according to media sources.

Russia, end the war!

The G7 leaders called again on Russia to end the war against Ukraine.

The G7 leaders announced their commitment to provide more military support, more financial means, and political support to Ukraine motivated by the principle of helping Ukraine “defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and our common democratic values.”

– We are also determined to support Ukraine’s rebuild and reconstruction. The EU will stand by Ukraine for the long haul. We, G7 countries all share the same goals: cutting the oxygen from the Russian war machine while taking care of our economies. The EU will stand with Ukraine in the long-term for Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and our common democratic values said Charles Michel, President of the EU Council.

– Germany and the U.S. will always act together when it comes to questions of Ukraine’s security, and we made that clear once more. said Scholz according to VOA

G7 announced tougher sanctions against Russia

The G7 announced tougher sanctions against Russia for its unprovoked war. They said that they were tightening sanctions against Russia with focus on the defence industry and the technology sector:

-We are determined to reduce Russia’s revenues, including from gold, the joint statement said .

Ban on new imports of Russian gold

The US leader President Biden also announced the G7 nations would ban new imports of Russian gold, the latest in a number of sanctions Western nations have imposed on Russia to punish it for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

– Germany and the U.S. will always act together when it comes to questions of Ukraine’s security, and we made that clear once more, Chancellor Scholz said as reported by VOA.

Make Russia pay

The G7 leaders also revealed that further targeted sanctions are underway, and to be directed against war criminals and those who profit from Ukrainian grain or gain financially from the war in other ways.

– This was to ensure “that Russia pays the price of its war”, the joint statement added.

International relations and relations with Russia

Chancellor Scholz pointed out that Russian aggression against Ukraine is affecting international relations. He emphasized that the war would shape international relations for a long time to come.

– In relations with Russia, there can be no going back to the time before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German leader said.

G7 reaffirmed that democracies are standing together.

– This week, G7 leaders have discussed the current global challenges and how to tackle them head-on. In short: We reaffirmed our unwavering support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, the statement said.

G7 to set up the Climate Club – “We’re in agreement”

At the Summit, all the G7 leaders were focused on how to alleviate a global hunger crisis and show unity against the problem of Climate Change.  At the end of the three-day summit at Schloss Elmau, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that the G7 is to act on Federal Chancellor Scholz’s suggestion to establish a Climate Club.

Climate friendly action

– At the G7 Summit in Elmau we decided, … (to) create a climate club. Because climate friendly action must become a competitive advantage, Olaf Scholz has said.

– We’re in agreement. We need to be more ambitious if we want to meet our climate targets. We will work with partners towards establishing an open, cooperative international Climate Club consistent with international les by the end of 2022, Olaf Scholz is reported to have added.

About the planned Climate Club

According to Olaf Scholz, the Climate Club is to be the G7’s contribution in this area, as an intergovernmental forum. The Climate Club will be open to all countries committed to full implementation of the Paris Agreement and the resolutions subsequently adopted on this basis. Partners such as the major emitters, the G20 and developing and emerging countries are invited to intensify discussions and consultations with the G7 on this matter.

Three pillars of the G7 Climate Club as a climate forum

As a climate forum, the Climate Club is to be established and grounded on three pillars:

i. – to advance ambitious and transparent climate mitigation policies to reduce emission intensities on the pathway towards climate neutrality

ii. – to transform industries jointly to accelerate decarbonisation,

iii. – and to establish international partnerships to encourage and facilitate climate action and promote a just energy transition.

G7 member will appoint ministers to be responsible for this

Each G7 member will appoint ministers to be responsible for developing comprehensive terms of reference, and the appointed ministers are to reach out to interested partners. The ministers are to report to G7 leaders for approval of the next steps to establish the Climate Club by the end of 2022.

The role of global organisations: OECD, IMF, WTO, IEA etc.

The G7 plans to involve such highly important global actors like Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are invited to support this process.

Intended to start by the end of 2022

According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he intends to establish the Climate Club by the end of 2022 with the common goal to drive urgent, ambitious, and inclusive action to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. And the Climate Club is intended to be an open cooperative.

G7 launched Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment was launched

As the meeting ended the G7 leaders revealed what they call Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. President Biden announced a $600 billion as part of this global infrastructure.

Biden announced $600 billions for global infrastructure

– Today, I left Germany’s beautiful Schloss Elmau energized by the G7’s unified vision and ready to execute our newly launched Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. This coalition is stronger than ever, said President Biden after the Summit.

In a separate statement, President Charles Michel of the European Union Council said.

– The EU fully supports the G7 Partnership on Global Infrastructure and Investment. The reason for this is simple. We have always been a leader in cooperating with developing countries. 46% of global development aid comes from the European Union. And every year, almost 70 billion euros go towards funding more peace, more prosperity, and more development.

EU will mobilise €300 billion

– We launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which will include EU Global Gateway initiative, to respond to the global investment gap. The EU will mobilise €300 billion until 2027 for sustainable quality infrastructures around the world, said President Michel explained in a Facebook comment

Africa-Europe Investment Package of 150 billion euros

As part of G7 Partnership on Global Infrastructure and Investment, the EU has a package of 150 billion euros for Africa.

– The European Union is promoting its Global Gateway initiative, too. At our EU-Africa Summit, last February, we announced an Africa-Europe Investment Package of 150 billion euros. We are investing in many projects, in Africa and with Africa. The submarine EurAfrica Gateway Cable and the local pharmaceuticals cooperation are two good examples of this. In addition, in the Indo-Pacific region, we are very engaged in the field of sustainable connectivity in transport, energy and technology.

Read more about the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment PGII here:
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/sv/press/press-releases/2022/06/26/remarks-by-president-g7-summit-side-event-on-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/06/26/memorandum-on-the-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment/

Below is the communique the G/ leaders issued on th3 final day of the summit.

G7 Leaders’ Communiqué – Executive Summary

Elmau, 28 June 2022

We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met in Elmau, Germany, on 26-28 June 2022, were joined by the Leaders of Argentina, India, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa, as well as Ukraine.

At a time when the world is threatened by division and shocks, we, the G7, stand united. We underscore our resolve to, together with partners, jointly defend universal human rights and democratic values, the rules-based multilateral order, and the resilience of our democratic societies. In doing so, we will address the key challenges of our time:

• We reemphasise our condemnation of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war of
aggression against Ukraine. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, providing the needed financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support in its courageous defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are ready to reach arrangements together with interested countries and institutions and Ukraine on sustained security commitments to help Ukraine defend itself and to secure its free and democratic future.

• Our financial support in 2022 amounts to more than USD 2.8 billion in humanitarian
aid, and we are ready to grant, or have pledged and provided USD 29.5 billion in budget aid. We are strongly committed to supporting Ukrainian reconstruction through an international reconstruction conference and plan, drawn up and implemented by Ukraine in close coordination with international partners.

• We will continue to impose severe and enduring costs on Russia to help bring an end to this war. Beyond its direct implications, Russia’s aggression is impeding the global recovery and dramatically worsening energy security and access to food globally. To this end, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our unprecedented coordination on sanctions for as long as necessary, acting in unison at every stage, and will reduce Russia’s revenues, including from gold.

• We will help to stabilise and transform the global economy while tackling rising costs of living for our citizens. We will coordinate on our economic security, strengthen the resilience of supply chains and secure a level-playing field.

• We will take immediate action to secure energy supply and reduce price surges driven by extraordinary market conditions, including by exploring additional measures such as price caps. We reaffirm our commitment to phase out our dependency on Russian energy, without compromising on our climate and environmental goals.

• With our partners, we have made significant progress towards the target of USD 100
billion for the most vulnerable, building on the 2021 Special Drawing Rights allocation. To protect people from hunger and malnutrition, and in response to Russia’s weaponisation of grain, we will increase global food and nutrition security through the Global Alliance on Food Security. We will provide an additional USD 4.5 billion to this end, stand by our commitments to keep our food and agricultural markets open and step up efforts to help Ukraine produce and export.

• We endorse the goals of an open and cooperative international Climate Club, and will work with partners towards establishing it by the end of 2022. To drive urgent,
ambitious, and inclusive action to align ourselves with 1.5°C pathways and to accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement, we commit to a highly decarbonised road sector by 2030, a fully or predominantly decarbonised power sector by 2035, and prioritising concrete and timely steps towards the goal of accelerating phase-out of domestic unabated coal power.

• Through our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, we aim to mobilise USD 600 billion over the next five years to narrow the global investment gap. We will step up our cooperation globally, including through working towards new Just Energy Transition Partnerships with Indonesia, India, Senegal and Vietnam, building on our existing partnership with South Africa.

• To overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will build on our provision of over
1.175 billion vaccine doses since we last met. We will also prevent, prepare, and
respond to future pandemics and health challenges including through the G7 Pact for
Pandemic Readiness.

• Guided by the conviction that democratic values make us stronger in tackling global
challenges, we will cooperate with civil society and our partners beyond the G7 to
strengthen the resilience of our societies, promote human rights online and offline,
address disinformation and achieve gender equality.

With these joint commitments and actions taken today, and by working together with
partners, we will make progress towards an equitable world.

Mycket, mycket nöjda NATO:s generalsekreterare Jens Stoltenberg, Sveriges utrikesminister Ann Linde, och Finlands utrikesminister Pekka Haavisto går från NATO:s Conference Center efter en pressträff

NATO SECTION:

• Subjects covered/ämnen att läsa här:
• Trilateral Memorandum of Agreement between Finland, Sweden And Turkiye
• Uttalande av statsminister Magdalena Andersson samma dag den 28 juni 2022
• När NATO:s NAC undertecknade Sveriges och Finlands anslutningsprotokoll (Accession Protocols)
• Vad ska vi säga och göra åt Erdogans krav? /Vi har ett enkelt svar. Ge Erdogan och Turkiye vad de vill ha.
• Welcoming US President Joe Biden to the Summit
• NATO Madrid Summit 29-30 June 2022
• Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomes US President Joe Biden
• Madrid Summit 22 Points Declaration;
• Nato Public Forum 2022
• Så mycket som de kämpat – stats-, utrikes-, försvarsministern och de övriga statsråden med mera
• Oppositionen mot NATO-medlemskap
• Kritikernas reaktioner till överenskommelsen med Turkiye, relationen mellan Sverige och Turkiye och yttrandefrihet i Sverige
• Hur kurderna i Sverige med Amineh Kakabavek och Nooshi Dadgostar i spesen vill bestämma Sveriges utrikespolitik; vi tycker att det är oacceptabelt!
• Who should be NATO´s next Secretary-General after the dynamic incumbent, the young former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg? Here is a narrative of what we know about him, and who we think the next Secretary-General should be.

TRILATERAL MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN FINLAND, SWEDEN AND TURKIYE

On 28 Jun. 2022 there was a trilateral meeting between Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Türkiye, Sauli Niinistö President of Finland and Magdalena Andersson Prime Minister of Sweden under the auspices of NATO secretary General Jens Styoltenberg. In that meeting, the leaders agreed a trilateral memorandum to address Türkiye’s legitimate security concerns, paving the way for Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership. So, Türkiye, Finland, and Sweden came an agreement paving the way for Finnish and Swedish NATO membership.

The memorandum was signed by the foreign ministers of the three countries – Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu of Türkiye, Pekka Haavisto of Finland, and Ann Linde of Sweden – in the presence of all three national leaders, and the Secretary General.

–  I strongly welcome the signing of this trilateral memorandum, and I strongly welcome the constructive approach all three countries have shown during the negotiations. Finnish and Swedish membership of NATO is good for Finland and Sweden, it is good for NATO, and it is good for European security. Secretary General Stoltenberg said afterwards.

Trilateral memorandum between Türkiye, Finland and Sweden

Datedv 28 Jun. 2022

1. Today the representatives of Turkiye, Finland and Sweden, under the auspices of the NATO Secretary General, have agreed the following.

All for one and one for all – the principles of collective defence

2. NATO is an Alliance based on the principles of collective defence and the indivisibility of security, as well as on common values. Turkiye, Finland and Sweden affirm their adherence to the principles and values enshrined in the Washington Treaty.

Unwavering solidarity and cooperation against terrorism

3. One of the key elements of the Alliance is unwavering solidarity and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, which constitutes a direct threat to the national security of Allies as well as to international peace and security.

No more support for YPG/PYD, and FETO

4. As prospective NATO Allies, Finland and Sweden extend their full support to Turkiye against threats to its national security. To that effect, Finland and Sweden will not provide support to YPG/PYD, and the organisation described as FETO in Turkiye. Turkiye also extends its full support to Finland and Sweden against threats to their national security. Finland and Sweden reject and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in the strongest terms. Finland and Sweden unambiguously condemn all terrorist organisations perpetrating attacks against Turkiye and express their deepest solidarity with Turkiye and the families of the victims.

Finland and Sweden now see PKK as a terrorist organisation

5. Finland and Sweden confirm that the PKK is a proscribed terrorist organisation. Finland and Sweden commit to prevent activities of the PKK and all other terrorist organisations and their extensions, as well as activities by individuals in affiliated and inspired groups or networks linked to these terrorist organisations. Turkiye, Finland and Sweden have agreed to step up cooperation to prevent the activities of these terrorist groups. Finland and Sweden reject the goals of these terrorist organisations.

Finland and Sweden introduce legislation to punish terrorist crimes etcetera

6. Further to this, Finland refers to several recent amendments of its Criminal Code by which new acts have been enacted as punishable terrorist crimes. The latest amendments entered into force on 1 January 2022, by which the scope of participation in the activity of a terrorist group has been widened. At the same time, public incitement related to terrorist offenses was criminalised as a separate offense. Sweden confirms that a new, tougher, Terrorist Offenses Act enters into force on 1 July, and that the government is preparing further tightening of counter-terrorism legislation.

No national arms embargoes in place anymore

7. Turkiye, Finland and Sweden confirm that now there are no national arms embargoes in place between them. Sweden is changing its national regulatory framework for arms exports in relation to NATO Allies. In future, defence exports from Finland and Sweden will be conducted in line with Alliance solidarity and in accordance with the letter and spirit of article 3 of the Washington Treaty.

8. Today, Turkiye, Finland and Sweden commit to the following concrete steps:

• Establish a joint, structured dialogue and cooperation mechanism at all levels of government, including between law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism, organised crime, and other common challenges as they so decide.

• Finland and Sweden will conduct the fight against terrorism with determination, resolve, and in accordance with the provisions of the relevant NATO documents and policies and will take all required steps to tighten further domestic legislation to this end.

• Finland and Sweden will address Turkiye’s pending deportation or extradition requests of terror suspects expeditiously and thoroughly, taking into account information, evidence and intelligence provided by Turkiye, and establish necessary bilateral legal frameworks to facilitate extradition and security cooperation with Turkiye, in accordance with the European Convention on Extradition.

• Finland and Sweden will investigate and interdict any financing and recruitment activities of the PKK and all other terrorist organisations and their extensions, as well affiliates or inspired groups or networks as outlined in paragraph 5.

• Turkiye, Finland and Sweden commit to fight disinformation, and prevent their domestic laws from being abused for the benefit or promotion of terrorist organisations, including through activities that incite violence against Turkiye.

• Finland and Sweden will ensure that their respective national regulatory frameworks for arms exports enable new commitments to Allies and reflects their status as NATO members.

• Finland and Sweden commit to support the fullest possible involvement of Turkiye and other non-EU Allies in the existing and prospective initiatives of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy, including Turkiye’s participation in the PESCO Project on Military Mobility.

Permanent Joint Implementation Mechanism

9. For the implementation of these steps, Turkiye, Finland and Sweden will establish a Permanent Joint Mechanism, with the participation of experts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Justice, as well as Intelligence Services and Security Institutions. The Permanent Joint Mechanism will be open for others to join.

Turkiye, Finland, Sweden and NATO’s Open-Doorpolicy

1O. Turkiye confirms its long-standing support for NATO’s Open-Doorpolicy and agrees to support at Jhe 2022 Madrid Summit the invitation of Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO.

Sammanfattning av överenskommelse

Så här kan man sammanfatta huvud innehåll i överenskommelse:

Bakgrunden: För att Türkiye ska ge sitt stöd för Sveriges och Finlands medlemskap i Nato var både Sverige och Finland tvungna att göra följande:

• Skriva en trilateral promemoria (A trilateral memorandum) med Turkiye
• Dokumentet är en överenskommelse som ”covers issues raised by Türkiye” such as terrorism and counterterrorism, PKK, extradition issues,
• All the agreement is within the framework of national and international legislations. (Allting finns inom ramen för nationell och internationell lagstiftning).

Uttalande av statsminister Magdalena Andersson samma dag den 28 juni 2022

Samma dag 28 juni 2022 gjorde statsminister Magdalena Andersson ett uttalande angående överenskommelsen mellan Turkiet, Finland och Sverige beträffande Sveriges och Finlands ansökan om medlemskap i Nato.

Nedan är statsministerns uttalande

– Efter mötet i dag med president Erdoğan och president Niinistö, under Natos generalsekreterare Stoltenbergs ledning, undertecknade Sveriges, Finlands och Turkiets utrikesministrar en trepartsöverenskommelse som banar väg för Sveriges och Finlands anslutning till Nato.

I överenskommelsen bekräftas Turkiets stöd för våra Natoansökningar. Överenskommelsen omfattar frågor som Turkiet tagit upp i samband med detta. En del av överenskommelsen avser åtgärder som Sverige håller på att vidta, till exempel en skärpning av vår terrorism- lagstiftning. En annan del innefattar mått och steg som vi kommer att vidta som en del av processen med att bli Natomedlem. Ett exempel är ändrade riktlinjer för vapenexport. I överenskommelsen görs också ett tydligt gemensamt åtagande om terrorismbekämpning, inte minst vad gäller PKK. På det området har vi kommit överens med Turkiet om att stärka vårt samarbete och om att inrätta en närmare dialog, bland annat om utlämningsfrågor. Den kommer givetvis att föras inom ramen för nationell och internationell lagstiftning.

I och med dagens överenskommelse finns det nu en tydlig väg för Sverige fram till ett Natomedlemskap. Jag ser fram emot konstruktiva diskussioner under Madridtoppmötet om vårt framtida samarbete med Nato och hur Sverige kommer att bidra till samtliga allierades säkerhet.

Kritikernas reaktioner till överenskommelsen, relationen mellan Sverige och Turkiye – yttrandefrihet

Sveriges överenskommelsen med Turkiye har fått mycket kritik. De som kritiserar regeringens beslut att göra denna överenskommelse med Turkiye drar upp flera saker. Exempelvis finns många som inte tycker att Turkiye är en demokrati. Så, hur blir Sveriges relation till landet, undrar många. Kan Sverige fortfarande vara kritiskt mot Turkiye särskilt nu när ratificeringsprocessen pågår? Sund förnuft ska gälla; så länge Turkiye kan fortfarande stoppa Sverige från att nå målet som NATO-medlemskap.

I Sverige står yttrandefrihetsprincipen fast

Media har rapporterat att när statsministern var på Sveriges Radios program ”Godmorgon Världen” fick hon frågan om Turkiye: Om Turkiye är en demokrati. I sitt svar, sa hon: “… Ja, landet har ju fria val…” Så frågan är: kan Sverige fortfarande kritisera Turkiye.

– Sverige kan vara kritiskt mot alla länder och Turkiet kan vara kritiskt mot alla länder. Det är inte så att nåt Nato-land har ålagt sig ett förbud mot yttrandefrihet, sade hon, enligt media.

Lena Fedko skrev på Facebook – ilska mot utrikesminister Ann Linde – många använder mot henne vad hon sa 2019

Dessutom finns kritiker som hänvisar till uttalande som utrikesminister Ann Linde gjorde i oktober 2019. “Dessa ord kom från Ann Linde så sent som 2019. Nu har hon bytt fot…!” skrev Lena Fedko på Facebook. Här nedan är uttalande:

– Sverige är djupt tacksamma för de uppoffringar som kurder och minoriteter i regionen gjort i kampen mot Daesh, både i form av offrade liv och genom mänskligt lidande. Det framförde jag idag till Ilham Ahmad som är ordförande i Syrian Democratic Council, SDC, den civila delen av den kurddominerade administration som förvaltar nordöstra Syrien. Vi möttes i Stockholm för att tala om Turkiets militära offensiv.

– Sverige fördömer det turkiska folkrättsstridiga angreppet i nordöstra Syrien och verkade under måndagen på EU:s utrikesministermöte för ett gemensamt vapenembargo. Vi kom en bra bit på vägen och driver också på för att EU bör överväga ytterligare åtgärder. Kurdernas insatser mot Daesh och för att förhindra terrorismens spridning i regionen har varit helt centrala. De har axlat ett tungt ansvar och det är viktigt att de nu får omvärldens stöd, sade Ann Linde då.

Världen förändrade den 24 februari 2022

Det är många i Sverige som har ännu inte förstått viden av vad som hände den 24 februari 2022 när Ryssland invaderade Ukraina. Putin invaderade inte bara Ukraina, men han hotade Västvärlden med kärnvapenkrig. Det ryska utrikesdepartementet riktade särskild hot, flera gånger, mot Väst, i synnerhet, mot Sverige. Den ryska utrikesdepartementets talesperson Maria Zakharova har hotat Sverige i flera intervjuar. Rysslands Rymdchef, Chefen för Rysslands Rymdmyndighet/Kremls rymdorganisation, Roscosmos, Dmitrij Rogozin, sa att Ryssland skulle intet göra Västvärlden inom 30 minuter. Det är så synd att många i Sverige lever i okunnighet och okunskap. Det kraftigt försämrade säkerhetsläget med anledning av Rysslands aggression mot Ukraina är anledningen Sverige måste omvärdera sin säkerhetspolitik. Det är den dominerande faktum i beslutet att gå med i Nato och de kompromisar som Sverige är tvungen att göra med Turkiye. Man ska inte blunda för denna verklighet.

“Jag älskar Sverige”

Det finns mödrar som är bra och älskar sina barn. Och det finns mödrar som är dåliga och bryr inte sig om sina barn.  Statsministern är landets mor. I partiledardebatten den 8 juni 2022 sa statsminister Magdalena Andersson: “Jag älskar Sverige.”

Det finns ingenting, fara elle vad som helst, som en mor som älskar sina barn inte skulle göra eller utsätta sig för, för att rädda livet på sina barn. Emma Schols visade det när man lyssnar på hennes berättelse. Statsminister Magdalena Andersson och hennes regerings beslut att ansluta Sverige till NATO är motiverade med en liknande kärlek som en mor har för sina barn. Som Liberalernas partiledare Johan Person sa: “Vad gör du när huset brinner? Vad gör man inte för att försäkra sig att det bli aldrig brand i din bostad. Kärlek för Sveriges säkerhet och trygghet ligger bakom regerings beslut att ansluta sig till NATO och överenskommelse blev en nödvänghet för att nå det mål.

Emma Schols – världens bästa mamma!

En ansvarful mor gör allt för att skydda sina barn

– Rysslands invasion av Ukraina har krossat freden i Europa. Det är viktigt att vi håller ihop i denna farliga stund i vår historia, sa Nato generalsekreterare Jens Stoltenberg. Det är synd att det är många i Sverige, även topp-politiker som inte har förstått denna verklighet.

När NATO:s Nordatlantiska rådet (The North Atlantic Council NAC) Undertecknade Sveriges och Finlands Anslutningsprotokoll (Accession Protocols)

Tisdagen den 5 juli 2022 undertecknade Nordatlantiska rådet (The North Atlantic Council NAC) Sverige och Finlands anslutningsprotokoll till Nato.

På ett liknande sätt, den 8-9 juli 1997, för 25 år sedan, stod Madrid också som värd för ett Nato-toppmöte då ett av de mest minnesvärda beslut vid det toppmöte fattades av Natos ledare då Tjeckien, Ungern och Polen, – tre första medlemsländer efter kalla kriget och tidigare kommunistiska stater, var inbjuda att inleda anslutningsförhandlingar med Nato. Idag är dessa länder fullständigt värdiga Nato medlemsländer.

Med andra ord, alla samtliga 30 Nato-ländernas ambassadörer (Permanent Representatives) skrev under Sveriges och Finlands medlemskapsansökningar och anslutningsprotokoll och därmed öppnade dörren för ratificeringsprocessen till NATO-medlemskap att på börja. Med det öppnades ett nytt kapitel i Sveriges och Finlands historia. Och snart är Sverige och Finland fullständigt värdiga Nato medlemsländer.

Anslutningssamtal vid Natos högkvarter

Hela processen med undertecknande av anslutningsprotokollen som slutade den 5 juli 2022, egentligen började den 4 juli 2022. Då var Utrikesminister Ann Linde på Natos högkvarter i Bryssel för ett anslutningssamtal. Ett anslutningssamtal är det formella samtalet ett land måste ha med Natos sekretariat i samband med att ett land söker anslutning till Nato. Som Sveriges utrikesminister ledde Ann Linde den svenska delegationen vid samtalet där även Jan-Olof Lind, statssekreterare vid Försvarsdepartementet deltog. Finlands utrikesminister Pekka Haavisto ledde den finska delegationen som genomfördes separat samma dag.

”Sverige möter alla de krav”

Efter anslutningssamtalen sa utrikesminister Ann Linde.

– Vid dagens samtal kunde vi konstatera att Sverige möter alla de krav som ställs på en blivande Natomedlem. Samtalen har varit mycket positiva. Sverige kommer som Natomedlem att bidra till Natos samlade förmåga och till säkerheten för samtliga Natoallierade. Vårt medlemskap ökar Sveriges säkerhet och bidrar till stabiliteten i vår region.

De permanenta representanterna – Ambassadörerna för Natos 30 medlemsländar

Den 29 juni 2022 beslutade Natos stats- och regeringschefer att bjuda in Sverige och Finland som medlemmar i Nato. Det skrev de i Natos 22 poäng Summit Deklaration som offentliggjordes vid toppmötets början. Efter anslutningssamtalen och till följd av beslutet som Natos ledare redan fattat, undertecknade ambassadörerna (NATOs Permanent Representatives) Sveriges och Finlands anslutningsprotokoll den 5 juli 2022.

Nordatlantiska rådet (NAC) – Natos viktigaste politiska beslutsfattande organ

Alltså, det är efter anslutningssamtalen med Sverige och Finland hade genomförts som Nordatlantiska rådet (The North Atlantic Council NAC) – ambassadörerna – kunde underteckna anslutningsprotokollen vid sitt sammanträde på tisdagen. Det Nordatlantiska rådet (The North Atlantic Council NAC) är Natos viktigaste politiska beslutsfattande organ. Varje medlemsland har en plats i rådet, NAC. I vanliga fall träffas rådet minst en gång i veckan eller närhelst behovet uppstår. Det leds av generalsekreteraren som hjälper medlemmarna att nå enighet i nyckelfrågor.

Deltog i Nordatlantiska rådets mötet – status som Natos ”blivande medlemmar”

Utrikesminister Ann Linde var på NAC-mötet då ambassadörerna undertecknande anslutningsprotokollen. Undertecknandet gav Sverige och Finland en ny status som ansökarländer (invitee och ”blivande medlemmar”) under den period som Natos medlemsländer ratificerar medlemskapen. Nu när de fått officiellt inbjudna till Nato kommer de att delta i medlemmarnas diskussioner och vara med på mötena förklarade Jens Stoltenberg.

En högtidlig ceremoni och hand-skakande

Undertecknandet var en högtidlig ceremoni och innebär att alla Natoländer kunde gå vidare och ratificera protokollen just vad som pågår nu, vilket i längden kommer att möjliggöra svenskt och finskt medlemskap i Nato.

– Det var en högtidlig ceremoni, en efter en bjöds ambassadörerna från Natoländerna fram av generalsekreterare Jens Stoltenberg för att signera. Sen kom de fram och tog först mig och sedan min finske kollega Pekka Haavisto i hand och sa några fina välkomnande ord. Jag är så stolt över att få representera Sverige vid ett sådant här historiskt tillfälle, berättade Ann Linde senare.

Nu deltar Sverige och Finland i arbetet i Natos strukturer

– Dagens möte innebär ett viktigt steg mot fullvärdigt medlemskap i Nato. Undertecknandet innebär att vi nu under perioden fram till medlemskap kommer att delta i arbetet i Natos strukturer. Mycket återstår innan vi är fullvärdiga medlemmar men dagens steg är mycket positivt för Sveriges och svenska folkets säkerhet, förklarade utrikesminister Ann Linde på sin Facebook-sida.

Väldigt nöjda Ann Linde, Pekka Haavisto och Jens Stoltenberg på conference center

Fotografierna kan inte ljuga. Det var tre väldigt väldigt nöjda Sveriges utrikesminister Ann Linde, Finlands utrikes Pekka Haavisto och Natos generalsekreterare Jens Stoltenberg som hade pressträff på NATO:s Conference Center tisdagen den 5 juni i samband med händelserna.

– Jag är väldigt nöjd med vad man åstadkommit i dag. Det här är ett väldigt viktigt steg. När du formellt blir en ”invitee” så betyder det att alla dörrar öppnas utom att du får rösta.

Sveriges Natodelegation: tredubbla personal, militäroperativ planering mm

–  Vi kommer få tillträde till ungefär 150 arbetsgrupper, all information, all post och mejl som kommer om alla frågor. Vi kommer att tredubbla personalen på vår Natodelegation. Vi kommer börja militäroperativ planering tillsammans. Det är ett otroligt viktigt steg, har Ann Linde påpekat.

Finlands Sveriges medlemskapsprocess gick snabbare än vanligt.

Enligt Jens Stoltenberg gjorde Natos medlemsländer utomordentligt bra för sig genom att accepterat Finlands och Sveriges ansökningar om medlemskap så snabbt. Han hoppade att ratificeringsprocessen kunde gå lika snabbt. Han berättade att det senaste gången Nato gick igenom en liknande process tog det cirka ett år.

– Sveriges och Finlands säkerhet är viktig för vår allians, också under ratificeringsprocessen.

Det är varje suverän nations självbestämmande rätt att välja sin väg

– Det är alla nationers rätt att välja sin egen väg. Att välkomna Finland och Sverige in i alliansen gör dem säkrare, Nato starkare och oss alla mer trygga. Jag ser framemot att se två till flaggor vaja över Nato, sa Stoltenberg.

En historiskdag och en Win-Win situation för Finland, Sverige och NATO

– Det är en historiskdag, för Finland, för Sverige och för Nato. Det här är verkligen ett historiskt tillfälle för Finland, Sverige och Nato. Och för vår delade säkerhet, sade Jens Stoltenberg, Natos generalsekreterare. 

Rysslands invasion av Ukraina

Många är så begravda i sitt gamla tänkande att de inte kan se att Europa och världen är inte densamma som den var den 23 februari 2022. Det är många som tyvärr inte har förstått detta.

– Rysslandsinvasion av Ukraina har krossat freden i Europa. Det är viktigt att vi håller ihop i denna farliga stund i vår historia, tillade Stoltenberg, enligt SVT.

Vad har hänt sedan undertecknade 5 juli 2022?

Undertecknandet har inneburit att alla Natoländer kunde gå vidare och ratificera protokollen, vilket möjliggör svenskt och finskt medlemskap i Nato. På SVT hoppade utrikesminister Ann Linde att ratificeringen skulle gå smidigt till även i Turkiet.

– Vi har en överenskommelse mellan Sverige, Finland och Turkiet. Vi kommer hedra den överenskommelsen och följa den.

Många länder har redan ratificerat anslutningsprotokollen: bla Kanada, USA, Danmark, Frankrike mfl.

Just nu pågår ratificeringsarbetet och i många av länderna är deras parlament redan klara med ratificeringen. Den 14 juli 2022 rapporterade TT att cirka hälften av de 30 Natoländerna har redan gjort det. Natos medlemsländersparlament gör ratificeringen. Kanada blev det första landet att ratificera anslutningsprotokollen. De länderna som ratificerat protokollen är alltså Kanada, Danmark, Lettland, Slovenien, USA, Frankrike, Belgien, Kroatien, Ungern, Litauen med mera

– Då har nästan hälften av Natos medlemsländers parlament fattat beslut, sa utrikesminister Ann Linde (S) på den intervju.

Att nästan hälften av länderna har redan gjort det säger mycket.

– Land efter land, det har nästan varit en tävling om vilka som varit först, sa en stolt utrikesminister.

Hur snabbt kan ratificeringsprocessen går?

Till frågan om hur länge det kan dröja för de sista, där bland annat Turkiet att vara klara? svarade utrikesminister Ann Linde (S) ,

– Det är svårt att säga … Men vi har kommit en bra bit på vägen.

– Som i alla ratificeringsprocesser så kan vi möta både en och annan ”bump in the road”. Ingenting är klart förrän allt är klart. Men vi har kommit en bra bit på vägen, på mycket kort tid, skrev Ann Linde den 12 juli 2022 på sin Facebook sida.

Sverige – riksdagens roll väntar

Nu väntar riksdagens roll. När Natoländernas olika parlament har ratificerat anslutningsprotokollen kommer Sveriges anslutning underställas Sveriges riksdag för godkännande. Då har hela process att bli ett NATO-land gått hela cirkeln och fullbordat.

Turkiye fortsätter ställer sina krav

Fram till dess fortsätter ratificeringarna av anslutningsprotokollen av olika länders parlament och Turkiye fortsätter ställer sina.

Sveriges Nato-ansökan, Kurder i Sverige som är terrorister och Turkiyes krav

Det finns en onödig debatt i Sverige om vad som är terrorism. Enligt vissa juridiska experter definieras terrorism ”som brott som allvarligt kan injaga fruktan i en folkgrupp, destabilisera en stat eller mellanstatlig organisation eller otillbörligen tvinga den till åtgärder.” De säger att: “Terrorism avsågs ursprungligen som utövande av makt genom skräckvälde, men avser numera vanligen användande av våldshandlingar för att uppnå politiska mål.” Alltså, vi vet vad terrorism är eftersom Sverige har själv upplevt terroristattentat, senast på Drottningsgatan i Stockholm.

Jag såg en nyhetsdokumentär där en kvinna berättade om sin son var polisman som blev dödad av kurdiska terrorister någonstans i Turkiye. Jag kan inte detaljerna om händelse. Men en sak är klar; när människor tar till våldshandlingar, och dödar, lemlästar och ointetgör andra människor för sina politiskt motiverade syfte, då är det fel. Att skada samhället utan hänsyn till om oskyldiga drabbas är fel.

Terrorattentat på Drottninggatan i Stockholm – Fem personer dödades med mera andra skadade

Fredagen den 7 april 2017 var det ett terroristdåd på Drottninggatan i Stockholm då Rakhmat Akilov rammade människor med en lastbil som gick längs Drottninggatan i centrala Stockholm. Lastbilens färd slutade med en krasch in i Åhléns. År 2018 dömdes han för mord på fem personer vid terrordådet. Den belgiska fadern till dottern, Maïlys Dereymaeke,r som dog i terrordådet i Stockholm, berättade i en intervju att familjen var på besök i Stockholm från Belgien när den kapade lastbilen rusade fram på Drottninggatan och körde över deras dotter, skrev HBL e-tidningen när tidningen intervjuade honom. Terrorister i Sverige, ska inte göma sig bakom den svenska staten, Sveriges allianspolitiken, eller mänskliga brättigheter bland annat. Punkt slut.

Vad ska vi säga och göra åt Erdogans krav?

Vi har ett enkelt svar. Ge Erdogan och Turkiye vad de vill ha. Finns det kurdiska terrorister i Sverige, till och med i Sveriges riksdag? Terrorister, oavsett var de kommer ifrån, kurder eller andra härkomster, ska inte skyddas av Sverige, den svenska staten eller Sveriges riksdag. Vi har sett förödelserna som terrorister ställer till med. Terrorattentatet på Drottninggatan i Stockholm och Terrordådet den 11 september 2001 i USA är fortfarande färsk i våra minne.  Så, finns det kurder i Sverige som bekräftade terrorister, de ska överlämnas för att möta rättvisa.  Men man får inte överlämnar oskyldiga människor.

US Senate Ratifies Finland´s and Sweden’s Accession to NATO

Exactly one month after NATO Permanent Representative/Ambassadors – The North Atlantic Council NAC – signed Finland´s and Sweden´s Accession Protocol, the US Senate has now ratified the protocol.

– It was an honor to meet with Swedish Ambassador Karin Ulrika Olofsdotter and Finnish Minister Counselor Päivi Nevala as we approved Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO. said Senate Majority Leader Senator Robert Schumer, he wrote on Facebook

– This will strengthen NATO and advance the cause of democracy—especially amid Putin’s barbaric war in Ukraine.

Reacting to the good news from the Senate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement:

Pelosi Statement on Senate Ratification of Finland and Sweden’s Accession to NATO

Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the Senate voted to ratify Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO:

“Today, the United States took a powerful step forward in the fight to defend global freedom and Democracy: welcoming Finland and Sweden into the strongest security alliance in human history.  On an overwhelmingly bipartisan and bicameral basis, the U.S. Congress stands with President Biden in proudly supporting Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO, which is more essential today than ever before amid the rising tide of tyranny.

“Finland and Sweden are outstanding democratic allies, who have shown great courage and strength in condemning Putin’s monstrous and unlawful invasion of Ukraine.  As official members of the NATO alliance, they will continue to bring crucial support to the mission of the West and all freedom-loving countries to counter Putin’s aggression, bolster security and stability in the region and preserve Democracy for the world.

“Bonded by a shared commitment to peace and security, NATO has long been a beacon of strength and hope to millions around the world.  With Finland and Sweden standing as full members of this alliance, that beacon will soon shine brighter than ever before.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the US leader, President Joe Biden and and thanked him for his “decisive leadership” and “unwavering support”.

On 29 june 2022 NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the US leader, President Joe Biden, to the NATO Madrid Summit and thanked for his “decisive leadership in strengthening the transatlantic bond” during Russia’s war on Ukraine. Mr Stoltenberg also thanked the President Biden for his announcement to further increase US presence in Europe, and for the “unwavering support” demonstrated and provided by the United States for Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General said that he looked forward to a historic and transformative summit.

Below are their respective remarks by both leaders at the start of the NATO Madrid Summit 2022:

Remarks of US President Joe Biden:

– Dear Jens, thank you very much for having me this morning and, you know we’ve got a big agenda.

A big agenda and a history-making Summit

– Great to be with you to kick-off the…I think it is a history-making Summit, and we talked about this for a year. And now we’re here. Our meeting is today.

Approve a new NATO Strategic Concept

– We’re going to approve a new NATO Strategic Concept and reaffirm the unity and determination of our Alliance to defend every inch of NATO territory.

NATO´s Article Five is sacrosanct – Alliance is going to welcome Finland and Sweden

– And Article Five is sacrosanct. We mean it when we say “an attack against one is an attack against all”, every inch. And so, at this Summit, the full Alliance is going to welcome Finland and Sweden.

Finland and Sweden in NATO  will make NATO stronger

An historic application for membership and their decision to move away from neutrality, tradition of neutrality, to join the NATO Alliance. This is going to make us stronger and more secure, and NATO, stronger.

NATO is strong and united

– We’re sending an unmistakable message, in my view, and I think yours as well, that NATO is strong, united, and the steps we’re taking during this Summit are going to further augment our collective strength.

New US announcement

– To that end, today, I’m announcing the United States will enhance our force posture in Europe and respond to the changed security environment, as well as strengthening our collective security.

100,000 US forces in Europe

– Earlier this year, we surged 20,000 additional US forces to Europe to bolster our Alliance in response to Russia’s aggressive move, bringing our force total in Europe to 100,000. We’re going to continue to adjust our posture based on the threat, in close consultation with our Allies.

Increased US Navy destroyers stationed in Spain

– Here in Spain, we’re going to work with our Allies to increase US Navy destroyers stationed in Spain’s Rota naval base, from four to six destroyers.

Establishing a permanent headquarters of the US Fifth Army Corps

– In Poland, we’re going to establish a permanent headquarters the US Fifth Army Corps and strengthening US-NATO interoperability across the entire eastern flank.

Rotational brigades of 2000-3000 fighters and personnel

– We’re going to maintain additional rotational brigade, which is 3000 fighters and another 2000 personnel, combat team here in Europe, headquartered in Romania. And we’re going to enhance our rotational deployments in the Baltic states.

Two additional US F-35 squadrons to the UK

– And we’re going to send two additional F-35 squadrons to the UK, and station additional air defence and other capabilities in Germany and in Italy.

NATO Readiness

– And together our Allies, we’re going to make sure that NATO is ready to meet threats from all directions, across every domain: land, air and the sea. And the moment when Putin has shattered peace in Europe, and attacked the very, very tenants of the rules-based order, the United States and our Allies, we’re going to step up.

NATO is more needed now

– We’re stepping up, proving that NATO is more needed now than it ever has been. And it’s as important as ever has been.

The US President lauds NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg´s dynamic leadership

– So I want to thank you, Jens, for leading the Alliance through this crisis and for your work to strengthen NATO for all the challenges that lie ahead.

– And I genuinely look forward to our discussions.

– And again, thank you for your leadership. It’s important.

US President Joe Biden

Responding remarks by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg:

– Thank you so much, President Biden, Dear Joe.

– It’s really good to see you here in Madrid, so soon after we met in the White House in Washington.

Mutual thanks for US leaders personal leadership and the US commitment to NATO

– And thank you for your personal leadership and the US commitment to NATO, to European security, demonstrated by the announcements you’ve just made to further increase US presence in Europe.

Your decisive leadership

– And this really demonstrates your decisive leadership in strengthening the transatlantic bond.

Unwavering support

– And we also see that in the unwavering support from you and from the United States to Ukraine.

President Zelensky will address the Summit

– That will be a main issue at the Summit today. We’ll meet with President Zelenskyy, he will address the Summit.

Historic and transformative Summit

– And as you said, this will be an historic Summit. It will be a transformative Summit, where we’ll make decisions that will actually change this Alliance for many years to come.

A new Strategic Concept, the blueprint for NATO into the future

– We will agree a new Strategic Concept, the blueprint for NATO into the future, more dangerous world, a more competitive world.

The biggest overhaul of NATO´s collective defence and deterrence since end of the Cold War

– We will agree the biggest overhaul of our collective defence and deterrence since the end of the Cold War. And US is of course very much part of that.

Finland and Sweden to join NATO – “NATO’s door is open”

– And then, we will invite Finland and Sweden to join NATO. And that demonstrates that NATO’s door is open. It demonstrates that President Putin has not succeeded in closing NATO’s door.

The opposite of what he wanted

– He’s getting the opposite of what he wants. He wants less NATO. President Putin is getting more NATO while Finland Sweden are joining our Alliance.

Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine

– We will agree a Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine.

350 billion extra US dollars on defence since 2014.

– And then I also welcome the fact that we are able now to state that actually European Allies and Canada are stepping up with more troops, higher readiness, and also increase defence spending. Figures show that they have added 350 billion extra US dollars for defence since we made the pledge back in 2014.

Demonstration of unity and the strength

– So, all in all, this demonstrates unity and the strength of our Alliance. Thank you.

 NATO Secretary-General

US President Biden Again:

-President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson were in the White House.

– I was asked about this, about Finland and Sweden when each of their leaders came to the White House.

NATOISATION of Europe

– And I said Putin was looking for the Finlandisation of Europe and you’re gonna get the NATOisation of Europe.

Exactly what needs to be done to guarantee security for Europe

– And that’s exactly what he didn’t want, but it’s exactly what needs to be done to guarantee security for Europe, and I think it’s necessary and I’m looking forward to it happening in some way.

NATO Secretary-General Again:

– Thank you. Thank you.

MADRID NATO SUMMIT 2022

On 29-30 June, in Madrid Spain, NATO held its yearly summit, the Madrid NATO Summit 2022, during which all the Heads of State and Government from NATO’s member countries and key partners gathered together for a two-day top-meeting. They discussed the most pressing security issues of today and tomorrow and endorsed NATO’s new Strategic Concept 2022 while holding in extensive multilateral and bilateral talks. The top-summit became a forum for NATO to report on what it has been doing before and after COVID-19, how it handled COVID, and particularly, how it is dealing with and adjusting to Russia´s invasion of Ukraine, the new decisions it is making as a result of the new global security and political environment created by the unprovoked aggression, by Russia, a member of the United Nations Security Council, against Ukraine, a peaceful neighbour, a country in Europe, and another member of the United Nations.

The message of the Summit

This was and is the message of the Madrid NATO Summit 2022: “WE ARE NATO”.

Summit Agenda

On the summits agenda and of primary importance was how Russia’s brutal aggression and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the new security reality in Europe is affecting the world, the results from it, and how it has affected NATO’s approach to deterrence and defence.

To keep NATOs one billion people safe, and safeguard their freedom and security.

NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. Its greatest responsibility, as set out in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, is to protect and defend Allied territory and populations against attack in a world where peace and security cannot be taken for granted. At the Madrid Summit, NATO Leaders discussed this most important issue facing the Alliance -to keep NATOs one billion people safe. In this connection, the Madrid Summit set NATO’s strategic direction for the future, ensuring that the Alliance will continue to adapt to a changing world and keep its one billion people safe.

Key decisions – Leaders took important and transformative decisions

NATO Leaders took important and transformative decisions that set the Alliance’s strategic direction for the near and long-term future. Read more about this in the  NATO Summit Declaration which is a declaration made and endorsed by all the Heads of State and Government of NATO.

NATO’s Strategic Concept 2022

At the Madrid Summit, NATO adopted its new Strategic Concept. NATO´s Strategic Concept is a key document that reaffirms NATO’s values, purposes, and tasks. It provides a collective assessment of the security challenges facing the Alliance and outlines the political and military tasks NATO will carry out to address them. In other words, NATO’s Strategic Concept 2022 is NATO’s guiding document for the future. It reflects the new security reality that has emerged since the previous Strategic Concept was agreed in 2010, as well as Russia´s invasion of Ukraine. It identifies Russia as the most significant and direct threat to NATO security, Furthermore, it addresses China for the first time and includes other challenges like terrorism, cyber and hybrid.

Strengthened deterrence and defence

NATO decided on the biggest overhaul of Allied collective defence and deterrence since the Cold War. NATO upgraded defence plans, with more forces at high readiness and specific forces pre-assigned to defend specific Allies more troops and more pre-positioned equipment and weapon stockpiles in the east of the Alliance, enhancing NATO’s eight multinational battlegroups.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine poses the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security

As a political and military alliance whose principal task is to ensure the protection of its citizens and to promote security and stability in the North Atlantic area, NATO is of the opinion that Russia´s invasion of Ukraine has “radically changed security environment”.

– Russia’s aggression against Ukraine poses the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades, shattering peace in Europe and reinforcing the need for NATO to ensure that its deterrence and defence posture is credible and effective, the organisation opines. 

Support to Ukraine and other partners at risk – the Comprehensive Assistance Package

NATO adopted a strengthened Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, including support in areas like secure communications, anti-drone systems and fuel, long-term help for Ukraine to transition from Soviet-era military equipment to modern NATO equipment. NATO also adopted new support packages for other partners at risk, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova

Adapting the Alliance to emerging challenges

Agreement was reached to cut greenhouse gas emissions by NATO as an organisation by at least 45 per cent by 2030, down to net zero by 2050. NATO launched the NATO Innovation Fund, which will invest EUR 1 billion over the next 15 years in start-ups developing dual-use emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Pledge was made to continue enhancing national and collective resilience, so that Allied societies are prepared for any threat or challenge

Responsibilities and challenges NATO is facing

Consequently, the responsibility for and challenge to NATO now is that it must be able to simultaneously address the full spectrum of current and future challenges and threats coming from any directions. In other words, Russia´s invasion of Ukraine has added to the many other problems and threats from many directions.

– In response, NATO has activated its defence plans, deployed elements of the NATO Response Force and significantly increased the number of forces on its eastern flank says NATO. 

Deterrence and defence posture: Deployed four NEW battalions in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia

NATO has strengthened and is strengthening its deterrence and defence posture in light of the changed and evolving security environment. Following its extraordinary summit on 24 March 2022 about Russia’s war on Ukraine, NATO Leaders agreed to deploy four battalions in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, in addition to the four already present in the Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

Russia is now NATO´s Number 1 threat – the most significant and direct threat to its security

Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe and is causing enormous human suffering and destruction. Russia is the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.

NATO and China – Challenges China poses

The rise of China is shifting the global balance of power, with implications for the NATO’s security, values and way of life. Growing global uncertainty, more sophisticated and disruptive cyber and hybrid threats, and exponential technological changes are having a substantial impact on the Alliance.

Adoption of a new Strategic Concept

At the just concluded Madrid NATO Summit 29-30 June 2022, NATO Leaders approved a new Strategic Concept, which describes the security environment facing the Alliance and identifies NATO’s core tasks. The new Strategic Concept states categorically that Russia is now the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Further deployment of additional robust in-place combat-ready forces on NATO’s eastern flank

At the Summit, NATO committed itself to deploy additional robust in-place combat-ready forces on its eastern flank. They are to be scaled up from the existing battlegroups to brigade-size units where and when required. This is to be underpinned by credible rapidly available reinforcements, prepositioned equipment, and enhanced command and control. NATO also agreed on a new force model, which will strengthen and modernise the NATO Force Structure and to resource the Alliance’s new generation of military plans. 

NATO´s two military concepts: Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area and the Warfighting Capstone Concept

Consequently, NATO is adapting, and two military concepts are setting the direction for this ongoing adaptation. These are the concepts of:

a. Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area focuses on force employment to deter and defend today.

b. NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept that offers a vision to guide the Alliance’s long-term warfare development to remain militarily strong now and in the future.

Steps toward fairer burden-sharing and progress made

European Allies and Canada have made considerable progress in increasing defence spending and investing in major equipment, taking steps toward fairer burden-sharing within NATO: 2022 will be their eighth consecutive year of increased defence spending, with a cumulative investment of over USD 350 billion since 2014.

Rapidly changing security environment

NATO today faces the most complex security environment since the end of the Cold War. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is jeopardising European security, and terrorism continues to represent a global security challenge and a threat to stability.

Finland and Sweden membership

Finland and Sweden were officially invited to become NATO members. NATO reaffirmed commitment to NATO’s Open Door Policy for aspiring members.

NATO partners and family

Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea joined the NATO summit for the first time, to deepen cooperation and address global challenges. new support packages for partner countries Mauritania and Tunisia.

Terrorism: threats from and the fight against it, plus cyber and hybrid attacks as well as state and non-state military forces – Challenges from the South

At the Summit, NATO made it clear it continues (its members continue) to face distinct terrorism threats and the challenges emanating from all strategic directions. There are threats from state and non-state actors/military forces, from terrorism, and from cyber and hybrid attacks. So, NATO sees and considers terrorism as a clear threat and present danger. Therefore, all NATO leaders recommitted themselves to the fight against terrorism as well as NATO’s 360-degree approach to deterrence and defence. In all its forms and manifestations, terrorism continues to pose a direct threat to the security of the populations of NATO countries such as the problem that Turkiye is complaining about. Besides, terrorism continues to pose a direct threat to international stability and prosperity.

Africa and the Middle East

Conflict, fragility and instability in Africa and the Middle East directly affect the security of the Alliance and its partners. NATO’s southern neighbourhood, particularly the Middle East, North Africa, and Sahel regions, faces interconnected security, demographic, economic and political challenges. These are aggravated by the impact of climate change, fragile institutions, health emergencies and food insecurity.

The global food crisis

There was a discussion of the food crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Russia’s and China’s increasing influence in the Alliance’s southern neighbourhood.

The core element of NATO’s overall strategy is deterrence

Collective defence is at the heart of the Alliance, as set out in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.

Deterrence is a core element of this NATO’s overall strategy: preventing conflict and war, protecting Allies, maintaining freedom of decision and action, and upholding the principles and values it stands for – individual liberty, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Free societies and the rules-based international order need to be backed by credible transatlantic defence.

NATOs 360-degree approach: new baseline for its deterrence and defence posture

At the Madrid Summit, NATO set a new baseline for its deterrence and defence posture in line with its 360-degree approach, across the land, air, maritime, cyber and space domains, and against all threats and challenges. 

NATO’s capacity to deter and defend its Allies

NATO’s capacity to deter and defend its Allies was discussed and it is clear that NATO´s capability is supported by an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defence capabilities, complemented by space and cyber capabilities. NATO also maintains the freedom of action and flexibility to respond to the full spectrum of challenges with an appropriate and tailored approach.

First line of NATO deterrence and defence: Resilience

Enhancing resilience by strengthening the capacity of societies to absorb the full range of threats and hazards is an integral part of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. At the same time, resilience impacts NATO’s ability to conduct its missions and maintain the mobility of its troops and equipment. It requires close civil-military cooperation, and the effort of the whole of government and society to assure overall resilience. Since 2014, NATO has been providing guidelines to assist national authorities in improving their resilience across seven baseline requirements by reducing potential vulnerabilities.

NATO and the COVID-19 pandemic

At its peak, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of resilience, including the ability to deal with mass casualties or ensuring the continuity of civil supply chains. NATO responded to the COVID-19 crisis by protecting military personnel, facilitating the airlift of critical medical supplies, and harnessing resources to deliver innovative responses. Allied armed forces supported civilian efforts with logistics and planning, field hospitals and hospital ships, transport for patients, repatriation of citizens abroad, disinfection of public areas, and at border crossings. These efforts helped to increase the national resilience of Allies, while the operational readiness of the Alliance remained undiminished. Lessons learned from Allies’ experiences with the pandemic are important for the Alliance to continue to address hybrid activities as well as future challenges that target Allies’ civil societies.

NATO’s Readiness Action Plan (RAP): Bolstering readiness, responsiveness, reinforcement

The Readiness Action Plan (RAP) launched at the Wales Summit in 2014 has been a major driver for change in the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture. The RAP was initiated to ensure the Alliance is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to new security challenges from the east and from the south.

Four multinational battlegroups deployed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland

Building on the RAP, NATO Heads of State and Government approved a strengthened deterrence and defence posture at the Warsaw Summit in July 2016. It is providing the Alliance with a broad range of options to be able to respond to any threats from wherever they arise to protect Alliance territory, populations, airspace, and sea lines of communication. For instance, since 2017 four multinational battlegroups have been deployed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, and measures have also been taken to reinforce security in the south-eastern region of the Alliance.

Regional Hub for the South established in Naples, Italy

Furthermore, several measures have been undertaken to adapt the Alliance to the challenges emanating from the south, including capacity-building, dedicated exercises, and advance planning, as well as setting up the Regional Hub for the South in Naples, Italy, which contributes to NATO’s situational awareness.

Military Exercises as deterrence and defence strategy

Exercises remain an integral part of NATO’s deterrence and defence since military training is an essential requirement to maintain the Alliance’s readiness levels and interoperability. Moreover, NATO’s adaptation efforts continue in all domains and in all areas such as civil preparedness and countering hybrid threats, including cooperation with the European Union (EU). 

Cooperation with the European Union (EU). 

Relations with the EU include increased cooperation, as well as complementary and interoperable capability development to avoid duplication and contribute to transatlantic burden-sharing.

NATO already has a high-intensity warfighting force for rapid military crisis intervention – consisting of 30 mechanised battalions, 30 air squadrons and 30 battleships ready for use within 30 days or less

At the Brussels Summit in 2018, NATO Leaders reiterated their resolve to bolster the Alliance’s readiness, responsiveness, and reinforcement to respond to threats from any direction in a 360-degree approach. A NATO Readiness Initiative was launched to enhance the Alliance’s rapid-response capability, either for reinforcement of Allies in support of deterrence or collective defence, including for high-intensity warfighting, or for rapid military crisis intervention, if required.  It consisted in providing 30 mechanised battalions, 30 air squadrons and 30 battleships ready to use within 30 days or less.

Responding to Russia’s growing arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles

NATO continues to address the security implications of Russia’s growing arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles, which poses a significant risk to Alliance security and violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Alliance is responding by strengthening its advanced conventional capabilities, investing in new platforms – including fifth-generation fighter aircraft – and adapting its exercises, intelligence, and air and missile defence posture. It is doing so while ensuring its nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, and effective.

NATO remains strongly committed to arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation

At the same time, NATO remains strongly committed to effective arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, and continues to call for all actors, including Russia and China, to engage constructively.

Creation of a new Cyberspace Operations Centre and the formation of counter-hybrid support teams

NATO has recognised cyberspace as a domain of operations in which it must defend itself as effectively as it does in the air, on land and at sea. The creation of a new Cyberspace Operations Centre in Belgium and the formation of counter-hybrid support teams to assist Allies in need also bolster the Alliance’s deterrence efforts.

NATO Space Centre in Ramstein, Germany – Space as a fifth Operational Domain

At the December 2019 Leaders’ Meeting in London, NATO declared space as a fifth operational domain. The information gathered and delivered through satellites is critical for NATO activities, operations and missions, including collective defence, crisis response and counterterrorism. In October 2020, defence ministers decided to establish a NATO Space Centre in Ramstein, Germany. This Centre will serve as a focal point for sharing information, coordinating Allies’ efforts, and supporting NATO’s operations and missions.

Four multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, in addition to those already present in the Baltic States and Poland

In addition to the defensive measures, they had already taken since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (which started on 24 February 2022), NATO Leaders met in Brussels on 24 March 2022 to address the consequences of this brutal and unprovoked aggression and take measures to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence. They decided to deploy four multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, in addition to those already present in the Baltic States and Poland, effectively doubling the number of battlegroups on its eastern flank from four to eight.

Stepping up cyber defences and scaling up exercises focused on collective defence and interoperability. 

At the Madrid Summit in June 2022, NATO Leaders made decisions to substantially strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and forward defences. Allies committed to deploying additional robust in-place combat-ready forces on NATO’s eastern flank, to be scaled up from the existing battlegroups to brigade-size units where and when required, underpinned by credible rapidly available reinforcements, prepositioned equipment, and enhanced command and control.

Modernisation and new generation of military plans

At the Madrid Summit in June 2022, Allies also agreed on a new force model, which will strengthen and modernise the NATO Force Structure and will resource the Alliance’s new generation of military plans.

Maintaining Alliance’s military and technological edge

The Alliance continues to strengthen its deterrence and defence posture in the light of the changed and evolving security environment. While the Alliance needs to be able to preserve peace today, it also needs to prepare for the increasingly unpredictable security environment of the future. Keeping its technological edge has always been an essential enabler of NATO’s ability to deter and defend against potential adversaries. Innovations in artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons systems, big data and biotech are changing warfare. To help preserve its technological edge, NATO has agreed an implementation strategy for emerging and disruptive technologies.

NATO has established DIANA – Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic

 It also established a Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and, at the Madrid Summit in June 2022, launched a multinational Innovation Fund, bringing together governments, the private sector, and academia to bolster NATO’s technological edge. The Alliance will play an important role as a forum for cooperation on various security-related aspects of these emerging technologies.

Pledge of Investing in defence at least 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Nato is investing more in defence and the organisation is getting more common funding. At this Summit NATO Allies reaffirmed their commitment to spending yearly at least 2 per cent of GDP on defence by 2024

The Defence Investment Pledge

The Defence Investment Pledge was adopted by NATO Leaders in 2014 and called for all Allies to stop cuts to defence budgets and meet the NATO-agreed guideline of spending at least 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence within a decade. Allies also agreed, in that same timeframe, to move towards spending at least 2% of annual defence expenditure on major new equipment, including related research and development.  The pledgealsocommitted Allies to ensure that their land, air and maritime forces meet NATO-agreed guidelines for deployability, sustainability and other agreed metrics, and that their armed forces can operate together effectively, including through the implementation of NATO standards and doctrines.

Over USD 350 billion Cumulative Defence Investment since 2014 – eighth consecutive years of increased defence spending

Since 2014, Allies have made considerable progress in increasing defence spending and investment in major defence equipment and taking steps toward fairer burden-sharing. Report shows that 2022 will be the eighth consecutive year of increased defence spending by European Allies and Canada, with a cumulative investment of over USD 350 billion since 2014. Allies are not just delivering more of the heavier, high-end capabilities NATO needs; they are also improving the readiness, deployability, sustainability and interoperability of their forces. With heightened security threats and challenges, Allies have been accelerating efforts to meet the requirements of the 2014 Defence Investment Pledge. The need to invest in defence remains essential to ensure the Alliance has the forces and capabilities it needs.

NATO reaffirmed its common values: collective defence, the transatlantic bond that unites NATO, individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law

At the Madrid Summit, Nato reaffirmed its iron-clad commitment to collective defence and the importance of the transatlantic bond that unites NATO. And similarly, Nato reaffirmed its commitment to individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

NATO reaffirmed its strong commitment to the rules-based international order

At the Madrid Summit, Nato equally reaffirmed its strong commitment to the rules-based international order and Allies’ shared values of individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Allies came to an agreement to continue advancing gender equality, and to integrate human security and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda across NATO’s core tasks.

Madrid Summit Declaration

The 22 Points Declaration

On 29 June 2022, as the NATO Madrid Summit 2022 got under way, NATO Heads of State and Government issued this 22 Points Declaration, numbered 1-22. The subheadings and SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING are our understanding of each statement.

War has returned to the European continent

1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Alliance, have gathered in Madrid as war has returned to the European continent. We face a critical time for our security and international peace and stability. We stand together in unity and solidarity and reaffirm the enduring transatlantic bond between our nations. NATO is a defensive Alliance and poses no threat to any country. NATO remains the foundation of our collective defence and the essential forum for security consultations and decisions among Allies. Our commitment to the Washington Treaty, including Article 5, is iron-clad. In this radically changed security environment, this Summit marks a milestone in strengthening our Alliance and accelerating its adaptation.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO is a defensive Alliance and poses no threat to any country.
• ii.) Our commitment to the Washington Treaty, including Article 5, is iron-clad. 
• iii.) Russia´s invasion of Ukraine“radically changed security environment”

United in commitment Democracy, individual liberty, human rights, and the rule of law

2. We are united in our commitment to democracy, individual liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. We adhere to international law and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We are committed to upholding the rules-based international order.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO is more united than ever in its commitment to its core values.
• ii.) Fundamental values: democracy, individual liberty, human rights, and the rule of law.
• iii.) International global order based on rules and the Charter of the United Nations 

NATO strongly condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and calls for its immediate withdrawal

3. We condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. It gravely undermines international security and stability. It is a blatant violation of international law.  Russia’s appalling cruelty has caused immense human suffering and massive displacements, disproportionately affecting women and children.  Russia bears full responsibility for this humanitarian catastrophe.  Russia must enable safe, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access.  Allies are working with relevant stakeholders in the international community to hold accountable all those responsible for war crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence.  Russia has also intentionally exacerbated a food and energy crisis, affecting billions of people around the world, including through its military actions.  Allies are working closely to support international efforts to enable exports of Ukrainian grain and to alleviate the global food crisis.  We will continue to counter Russia’s lies and reject its irresponsible rhetoric.  Russia must immediately stop this war and withdraw from Ukraine.  Belarus must end its complicity in this war.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
• ii.) Russia’s aggression violates international law and undermines international security and stability.
• iii.) Russia bears full responsibility for the immense human sufferings, displacements, humanitarian catastrophes.
• iv.) NATO is working with relevant stakeholders in the international community to hold accountable all those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence.
• v.) NATO calls on Russia and Belarus to immediately stop the war and withdraw from Ukraine. 

Warmly welcome President Zelenskyy’s participation in this Summit

4. We warmly welcome President Zelenskyy’s participation in this Summit.  We stand in full solidarity with the government and the people of Ukraine in the heroic defence of their country.  We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders extending to its territorial waters.  We fully support Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence and to choose its own security arrangements.  We welcome efforts of all Allies engaged in providing support to Ukraine.  We will assist them adequately, recognising their specific situation.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO standsin full solidarity with the government and the people of Ukraine.
• ii.) NATO leaderswarmly welcome President Zelenskyy’s participation in this Summit.
• iii.) NATO fully supports Ukraine’s right to self-defence and Allies engagement in supporting and providing them needed assistance.

NATO faces distinct threats from all strategic directions including Russia and terrorism

5. We continue to face distinct threats from all strategic directions.  The Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.  Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, continues to pose a direct threat to the security of our populations, and to international stability and prosperity.  We categorically reject and condemn terrorism in the strongest possible terms.  With determination, resolve, and in solidarity, Allies will continue to counter Russian threats and respond to its hostile actions and to fight terrorism, in a manner consistent with international law.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO now identifies Russia as the most significant and direct threat to its security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. 
• ii.) Terrorism, local and international, in all its forms and manifestations, continues to pose a direct threat to the security of our populations, and to international stability and prosperity. 
• iii.) NATOcategorically rejects and condemns terrorism in the strongest possible terms. 

Cyber, space, hybrid and other asymmetric threats, and malicious use of emerging and disruptive technologies.

6. We are confronted by cyber, space, and hybrid and other asymmetric threats, and by the malicious use of emerging and disruptive technologies.  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 human trafficking.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) New threats including: malicious use of emerging and disruptive technologies, cyber, space, hybrid and other asymmetric threats.
• ii.) Political instability beyond NATO borders is causingirregular migration and human trafficking

Against this backdrop (following points 1 to 6), we have taken the following decisions:
 

NATO`s new Strategic Concept

7. We have endorsed a new Strategic Concept.  It describes the security environment facing the Alliance, reaffirms our values, and spells out NATO’s key purpose and greatest responsibility of ensuring our collective defence based on a 360-degree approach.  It further sets out NATO’s three core tasks of deterrence and defence; crisis prevention and management; and cooperative security.  In the years to come, it will guide our work in the spirit of our transatlantic solidarity. 

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO Heads of State and Government unanimously endorsed the Alliance´s new Strategic Concept
• ii.) NATO’s key purpose and greatest responsibility of ensuring our collective defence based on a 360-degree approach spelled out.
• iii.) NATO’s three core tasks: deterrence and defence; crisis prevention and management; and cooperative security. 

Step up political and practical support to our close partner Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity

8. We will continue and further step up political and practical support to our close partner Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.  Jointly with Ukraine, we have decided on a strengthened package of support.  This will accelerate the delivery of non-lethal defence equipment, improve Ukraine’s cyber defences and resilience, and support modernising its defence sector in its transition to strengthen long-term interoperability.  In the longer term, we will assist Ukraine, and support efforts on its path of post-war reconstruction and reforms.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression, NATOwill continue and further step up political and practical support to Ukraine as a close partner.
• ii.) NATO has jointly decided with Ukraine, a package of support.
• iii.) NATO will assist and support Ukrainein its efforts on its path of post-war reconstruction and reforms.

360-degree approach – A new baseline for NATO´s deterrence and defence posture

9. We have set a new baseline for our deterrence and defence posture.  NATO will continue to protect our populations and defend every inch of Allied territory at all times.  We will build on our newly enhanced posture, and significantly strengthen our deterrence and defence for the long term to ensure the security and defence of all Allies.  We will do so in line with our 360-degree approach, across the land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains, and against all threats and challenges.  NATO’s role in the fight against terrorism is an integral part of this approach.  Allies have committed to deploy additional robust in-place combat-ready forces on our eastern flank, to be scaled up from the existing battlegroups to brigade-size units where and when required, underpinned by credible rapidly available reinforcements, prepositioned equipment, and enhanced command and control.  We welcome the cooperation between Framework Nations and Host Nations in strengthening forces and command and control, including in establishing division-level structures.  We welcome the initial offers by Allies to NATO’s new force model, which will strengthen and modernise the NATO Force Structure and will resource our new generation of military plans.  We will enhance our collective defence exercises to be prepared for high intensity and multi-domain operations and ensure reinforcement of any Ally on short notice.  All these steps will substantially strengthen NATO’s deterrence and forward defences.  This will help to prevent any aggression against NATO territory by denying any potential adversary success in meeting its objectives.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO is adopting new steps that will substantially strengthen its deterrence and forward defences. 
• ii.) NATO has decided on additional robust in-place combat-ready forces being deployed on NATO´s Eastern flank.
• iii.) The existing battlegroups on NATO´s eastern flank are being scaled up to brigade-size units
• vi.) NATO is adopting a new force model which will strengthen and modernise its Force Structure.
• v.) NATO’s role in the fight against terrorism is an integral part of its 360-degree approach.
• vi.) NATO is adopting a new generation of military plans.
• vii.) Collective defence exercises to be prepared for high intensity and multi-domain operations 

Enhancing resilience: National responsibility and NATO´s collective commitment

10. Resilience is a national responsibility and a collective commitment.  We are enhancing our resilience, including through nationally developed goals and implementation plans, guided by objectives developed by Allies together.  We are also strengthening our energy security.  We will ensure reliable energy supplies to our military forces.  We will accelerate our adaptation in all domains, boosting our resilience to cyber and hybrid threats, and strengthening our interoperability.  We will employ our political and military instruments in an integrated manner.  We have endorsed a new chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defence policy. We will significantly strengthen our cyber defences through enhanced civil-military cooperation.  We will also expand partnership with industry.  Allies have decided on a voluntary basis and using national assets, to build and exercise a virtual rapid response cyber capability to respond to significant malicious cyber activities.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) To enhance resilience NATO and its Allies are strengthening energy security, boosting resilience to cyber and hybrid threats, strengthening interoperability, integrating NATO Allies political and military instruments´.
• ii.) NATO Allies have endorsed a new chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defence policy.
• iii.) Just like military exercises, NATO Allieshave decidedto build and exercise a virtual rapid response cyber capabilityon a voluntary basis and using national assets

NATO is establishing a Defence Innovation Accelerator and launching a multinational Innovation Fund

11. We are establishing a Defence Innovation Accelerator and launching a multinational Innovation Fund to bring together governments, the private sector, and academia to bolster our technological edge.  We have endorsed a strategy which will ensure the seamless delivery of the next generation Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) and related capabilities.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) In order to bolster NATO´s technological edge, NATO is a Defence Innovation Accelerator and launching a multinational Innovation Fund to bring together governments, the private sector, and the academia
• ii.) NATO has endorsed a strategy for the seamless delivery of the next generation Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS)and related capabilities.

Defining the challenge and profound impact of Climate Change on Allied security

12. Climate change is a defining challenge of our time with a profound impact on Allied security.  It is a threat multiplier.  We have decided on a goal to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by the NATO political and military structures and facilities, while maintaining operational, military and cost effectiveness.  We will integrate climate change considerations across all of NATO’s core tasks.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO leadershave decided to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by the NATO political and military structures and facilities. 
• ii.) NATO recognises Climate Changeas a defining challenge and profound impact on Allied security and will integrate climate change considerations across all of NATO’s core tasks.

Advancing and incorporating Women, Peace, Security and gender perspectives across NATO

13. We emphasise the centrality of human security and are ensuring that human security principles are integrated into our three core tasks.  We are advancing a robust Women, Peace and Security agenda, and are incorporating gender perspectives across NATO.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO is advancing a robust Women, Peace and Security agenda.
• ii.) NATO is incorporating gender perspectives across the Alliance.

Many NATO’s partners attending: Australia, Finland, Georgia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, and Ukraine, the European Council and the European Commission

14. We have met here in Madrid with many of NATO’s partners.  We had valuable exchanges with the Heads of State and Government of Australia, Finland, Georgia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, and Ukraine, as well as th   e President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.  We welcomed the engagements with the Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Mauritania, as well as the Defence Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) Heads of State and Government of Australia, Finland, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, and Ukraine, as well as the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. 
• ii.) Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Mauritania
• iii.) Defence Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Unprecedented level of cooperation with the European Union

15. Taking into account our unprecedented level of cooperation with the European Union, we will continue to further strengthen our strategic partnership in a spirit of full mutual openness, transparency, complementarity, and respect for the organisations’ different mandates, decision-making autonomy and institutional integrity, and as agreed by the two organisations.  Our common resolve in responding to Russia’s war against Ukraine highlights the strength of this unique and essential partnership.  The participation of our partners from the Asia-Pacific region, alongside other partners, demonstrated the value of our cooperation in tackling shared security challenges.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) Unprecedented level of cooperation with the European Union
• ii.) NATOs common resolve with the European Union in responding to Russia’s war against Ukraine
• iii.) Participation of NATO’s partners from the Asia-Pacific region in the Summit.

Enhance NATO partnerships to meet the interests of both Allies and partners

16. We will further enhance our partnerships so that they continue to meet the interests of both Allies and partners.  We will discuss common approaches to global security challenges where NATO’s interests are affected, share perspectives through deeper political engagement, and seek concrete areas for cooperation to address shared security concerns.  We will now move ahead with strengthening our engagement with existing and potential new interlocutors beyond the Euro-Atlantic area. 

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) Adopting common approaches to global security challenges of both Allies and partners where NATO’s interests are affected.
• ii.) Share perspectives through deeper political engagement, and concrete areas for cooperation to address shared security concerns.  For example, Turkiyes security concerns becomes shared concerns for Finland and Sweden.
• iii.) Move ahead with strengthening NATO’s engagement with existing and potential new interlocutors beyond the Euro-Atlantic area.

New measures to step up tailored political and practical support to partners: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova

17. In light of the changed security environment in Europe, we have decided on new measures to step up tailored political and practical support to partners, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova.  We will work with them to build their integrity and resilience, develop capabilities, and uphold their political independence.  We will also enhance our capacity-building support to partners from the South.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO decided on new measures to step up tailored political and practical support to partners, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova.
• ii.) Work with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova, to build integrity and resilience, develop capabilities, and uphold political independence. 
• iii.) Enhance NATOs capacity-building to support partners from the South. 

NATO’s Open Door Policy: The North Atlantic Council NAC decided to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO and agreed to sign the Accession Protocols

18. We reaffirm our commitment to NATO’s Open Door Policy.  Today, we have decided to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO and agreed to sign the Accession Protocols.  In any accession to the Alliance, it is of vital importance that the legitimate security concerns of all Allies are properly addressed.  We welcome the conclusion of the trilateral memorandum between Türkiye, Finland, and Sweden to that effect.  The accession of Finland and Sweden will make them safer, NATO stronger, and the Euro-Atlantic area more secure.  The security of Finland and Sweden is of direct importance to the Alliance, including during the accession process.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) Reaffirmation of NATO’s commitment to its Open Door Policy
• ii.) Welcome the concluded trilateral memorandum between Türkiye, Finland, and Sweden.
• iii.) Decision to invite Finland and Sweden to become NATO-members and to sign the Accession Protocols. 

We reaffirm our commitment to the Defence Investment Pledge in its entirety

19. We welcome the considerable progress on Allied defence spending since 2014. In line with our commitment in Article 3 of the Washington Treaty, we will further strengthen our individual and collective capacity to resist all forms of attack. We reaffirm our commitment to the Defence Investment Pledge in its entirety.  We will build on that pledge and decide next year on subsequent commitments beyond 2024.  We will ensure that our political decisions are adequately resourced. We will build on the progress made to ensure that increased national defence expenditures and NATO common funding will be commensurate with the challenges of a more contested security order. Investing in our defence and key capabilities is essential.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) Reaffirmation of commitment to Article 3 of the Washington Treaty, the Defence Investment Pledge in its entirety
• ii.) Reaffirmation of investing in NATOsessential defence and key capabilities

Paying tribute to NATO´s all serving women and men

20. We pay tribute to all women and men who continue to serve daily for our collective security, and honour all those who have sacrificed to keep us safe.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) NATO salutes and honours all its men and women who servein the collective security.

Gratitude to Spain for Madrid NATO Summit 2022; look forward to NATO Vilnius Summit 2023

21. We express our appreciation for the generous hospitality extended to us by the Kingdom of Spain, on the 40th anniversary of its accession to NATO.  We look forward to meeting again, in Vilnius, in 2023.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING
• i.) 40 years ago, theKingdom of Spain joined NATO. So, at this summit, Spain and NATO celebrated the nation’s 40th anniversary.
• ii.) Next, NATO Summit will be in Vilnius – NATO Vilnius Summit 2023

We will continue to safeguard the freedom and security of all Allies

22. With our decisions today, we have firmly set the direction for the Alliance’s continued adaptation.  NATO remains the strongest Alliance in history.  Through our bond and our mutual commitment, we will continue to safeguard the freedom and security of all Allies, as well as our shared democratic values, now and for future generations.

• SUMMARY: WHAT NATO IS SAYING –
• i.) NATO firmly sets the direction for the Alliance’s continued adaptation
• ii.) NATO remains the strongest Alliance in history.
• iii.) NATO firmly sets freedom and security of Allies, and shared democratic values, now and for future generations as priority.

ELECTION SECTION:

Valet den 11 september 2022

• Vad handlar valet om?
• Du och vale: Din makt att se till att vi har politiskt stabilitet den kommande mandatperioden
• Du kan förtidsröst – Poströsta om du vill.

Val i Sverige – 11 september 2022

Den 11 september är det val till riksdagen i Sverige. Då har du, som väljarna möjlighet att vara med och bestämma vilka personer som ska sitta i riksdagen under de kommande fyra åren – från 2022 till 2026.

Valprocesssen började redan 22 april 2022

Den 22 april var Sista dagen för partier att anmäla vilka personer som kandiderar. Och den 9 maj var fortbildningsdag för lärare i samhällskunskap och för lärarstudenter i Riksdagshuset. Riksdagens arbete med valet inkluderar att ordna en temafortbildningsdag.

12 augusti

Den 12 augusti är sista dagen för partier att anmäla att de ska delta i valet. Utifrån de uppgifter om folkbokföring som finns i Skatteverkets register bestäms vilka som har rätt att rösta.

18 augusti – Du kan rösta svenska ambassader och konsulat

Från och med den 18 augusti har den som bor eller befinner sig utomlands möjlighet att rösta på svenska ambassader och konsulat.

Du kan förtidsrösta

Från och med den 24 augusti går det att förtidsrösta i valet. Möjlighet till förtidsröstning finns i röstningslokaler över hela landet.

DEN 11 SEPTEMBER – VALDAGEN

Den 11 september 2022 är det val till riksdagen, kommunfullmäktige i kommunerna och regionfullmäktige i regionerna. Röstningen avslutas klockan 20 den dagen. Efter det börjar rösträkningen. Under natten kommer ett första valresultat, som är preliminärt resultat.

12 september 2022

Den 12 september 2022 påbörjar Länsstyrelserna den slutliga rösträkningen. Det är först när länsstyrelserna är klara med rösträkningen som det finns ett slutgiltigt valresultat.

26 september 2022

Den 26 september samlas nya riksdagen för upprop, val av talman och vice talmän.

Riksmötet 27 september 2022

Den 27 september 2022 är Riksmötets öppnande och markerar starten på riksdagens nya arbetsår, riksmötet 2022/23. Riksmöte är namnet för ett årligt sammanträde som Sveriges riksdag har då kungen formellt besöker och öppnar riksdagens verksamhetsår.

Magdalena Andersson – En ödmjuk och enkel statsminister som knackar dörrar och “älskar Sverige”

Biskop Martin Modéus är Svenska Kyrkans nya ärkebiskopen – Han tar över från Antje Jackélen

Martin Modéus, biskop i Linköpings stift, fick flest röster i den avgörande omgången av ärkebiskopsvalet den 8 juni. Han blir den nya ärkebiskopen i Svenska kyrkan och tillträder den 4 december. Antje Jackelén går på pension och lägger ner sin stav den 30 oktober. Kom tillbaka för att läsa mer.

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