NATO Summit in Washington, D.C.
NATO was founded 75 years ago: this was celebrated by the member states in Washington, D.C. with a summit. “75 years of NATO – that means 75 years of security, stability and peace,” said Federal Chancellor Scholz.
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Strengthening deterrence and defence: Federal Chancellor Scholz at the NATO Summit.
Photo: Federal Government/Steffen Kugler
The heads of state and government of the 32 NATO member states met in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the alliance. Deterrence and defence, support for Ukraine and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific – these issues were likewise on the agenda of the meeting. The summit came at a critical moment for transatlantic security: this is the third year in which the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe and the rules-based international order.
“75 years of NATO – that means 75 years of security, stability and peace,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz before departing for the USA, adding that Germany had a key role to play: “We’re moving forward and strengthening the European pillar of our alliance.”
On the first day of the summit, the Federal Chancellor said it was now vital to ensure “that NATO does everything it can to remain a strong, successful alliance in order to guarantee security and deter others from war while at the same time guaranteeing peace”. As the largest country in Europe, Germany had a particular responsibility in this regard, Scholz noted. “We will fulfil this responsibility – I will fulfil this responsibility,” said the Federal Chancellor.
Full text
Press conference: See here to read the text of the press conference given by the Federal Chancellor at the end of the anniversary summit (german).
Press statement: See here to read the text of the press statement issued by the Federal Chancellor on the second day of the anniversary summit.
Press statement: See here to read the text of the press statement issued by the Federal Chancellor on the first day of the anniversary summit.
Press statement: See here to read the text of the press statement issued by the Federal Chancellor before departing for the NATO Summit in Washington.
Joint statement: See here to read the text of the joint statement issued by the governments of the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany on the deployment of long-range weapons systems in Germany.
Summary of the issues discussed at the summit:
- Strengthening deterrence and defence: The purpose of NATO is to prevent wars. It is therefore important to strengthen defence. Membership of Sweden and Finland makes the NATO stronger than ever. All in all, the defence capabilities of the NATO states have increased considerably. Currently, 23 NATO countries spend more than two percent of their gross domestic product on defence, thereby meeting the target set at the Wales Summit in 2014.
- Support for Ukraine: Ukraine needs all the support it can get in the fight against Russia’s attack in violation of international law. Currently, 99 percent of military support is provided by NATO countries.
- Strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific: Global partnerships are an important NATO concern, especially in the Indo-Pacific. This is why NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg invited the heads of government of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea to attend the summit in order to strengthen ties.
Photo series: Federal Chancellor Scholz at the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C.
Berlin, 9 July 2024: “75 years of NATO are 75 years of security, stability and peace,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday before his departure for the NATO Summit.
Washington D.C., 9 July 2024 Federal Chancellor Scholz, his wife Britta Ernst (centre) and Federal Foreign Minister Baerbock (left) landed at Dulles International Airport, where they were formally greeted by American officials.
Federal Chancellor Scholz was joined by numerous heads of state and government at the ceremony marking 75 years of NATO.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gave a speech to mark the celebratory anniversary. In October Mark Rutte from the Netherlands will take over leadership of the alliance as the new Secretary General.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Federal Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (third from left) also attended the celebrations.
NATO is the most successful defence alliance in history and has guaranteed peace and security in its members’ territory for over 75 years. The transatlantic alliance is very significant to Germany’s safety and security.
Washington, 10 July 2024: During his visit to Washington for the NATO Summit, the Federal Chancellor met the new UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer (r.), for bilateral talks.
“At this NATO anniversary summit we will strengthen our defence and deterrence,” said Federal Chancellor Scholz on the first morning. He stressed Germany’s unique responsibility as the largest country in Europe, and pledged that, “This is something that we – and I personally – acknowledge, for our citizens, for peace and for security.”
Later, Federal Chancellor Scholz met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “It’s vital that we use this meeting to again underscore our common support for Ukraine as its allies,” Scholz said before the meeting.
At midday, US President Joe Biden (l.) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Federal Chancellor Scholz to the NATO Summit in the Washington Convention Center.
After a plenary session and more bilateral meetings, the heads of state and government were invited to the White House.
For the first time the summit was attended by 32 NATO members, after Sweden joined the alliance. This strengthens NATO, security in Europe and peace.
Washington, 11 July 2024: The North Atlantic Council met on Thursday. Alongside NATO heads of state and government, the meeting was attended by partners from the Indo-Pacific region and the European Union.
Following the meeting Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz met French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Ukraine Compact was announced on the second day of the NATO Summit. In it, 22 NATO member states, the EU and Ukraine declare their resolve to ensure that Ukraine can successfully defend its freedom, independence and sovereignty and deter future aggression.
“75 years of NATO means 75 years of guaranteeing security and peace. This is the right time to reposition the alliance for the future and the changed security situation,” said Scholz at a press conference at the conclusion of the NATO Summit.