The Vilnius Summit will adopt new regional defence plans and reaffirm support for Ukraine. With the agreement to move forward on Sweden’s accession to NATO, this is the first Summit meeting where the Nordic countries participate as a unified region in the Alliance.
‘This will be the most important NATO Summit of our time. Among other things, we will take a major step in strengthening NATO’s collective defence capability by adopting regional defence plans that have been updated for the first time since the Cold War,’ said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Yes to Sweden’s accession to NATO
On Monday evening, following a meeting between NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Turkey agreed to give its formal support to Sweden’s bid to join NATO.
‘It is an important and positive development for Sweden, Norway, the Nordic region and for NATO that we will now be able to welcome Sweden as a new ally. This is also the first Summit where Finland is participating as a full-fledged member. A united Nordic region in NATO will make the Alliance stronger and the Nordic countries more secure,’ said Prime Minister Støre.
Historic strengthening of NATO’s collective defence capability
The Vilnius Summit is taking place against a backdrop of war in Europe. The heads of state and government meeting on 11-12 July will be discussing and taking decisions in two main areas:
- A historic strengthening of NATO’s collective defence capability. This involves introducing new regional defence plans, increased investments and commitments across the Alliance as a whole.
- Clear confirmation of support for Ukraine’s legitimate fight to defend itself against Russia.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is participating in the Summit together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt and Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
The decisions taken at the Vilnius Summit will be of fundamental importance both for the Alliance in general and for Norwegian security.
‘There are at least four reasons why this Summit is so crucial to Norway. First, it will enhance NATO’s ability to carry out its primary task, which is to protect the member countries in the event of a crisis or war. Second, increased defence spending entails a clear bolstering of our own preparedness, security and defence capability. Third, the Summit will approve the establishment of a surveillance centre to improve the protection of subsea infrastructure, which is of key importance to Norway. And fourth, the accession to NATO of Finland, and now Sweden, will add the strength of a united Nordic region to the Alliance,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
During the Summit meeting, NATO will take new, major steps to strengthen the collective defence capability of the Alliance.
More support to Ukraine
The heads of state and government will also further consolidate their support to Ukraine. Norway has previously decided to provide NOK 15 billion per year to Ukraine under the comprehensive, multi-year Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
‘Ukraine has an urgent need for more military support and equipment. Norway is therefore increasing its military support to Ukraine by NOK 2.5 billion to a total of NOK 10 billion for 2023,’ said the Prime Minister.
This funding will be allocated under the Nansen Support Programme, which will provide a total of NOK 75 billion over a period of five years. Norway has already pledged to provide NOK 15 billion in civilian and military support under the programme in 2023. The Government has now decided to use an additional NOK 2.5 billion in 2023 because Ukraine is in need of more support now.
