• Last updated: 17 May. 2019 11:26
NATO Secretary General's Annual Report for 2018

The NATO Alliance works together to prevent conflict and preserve peace for nearly a billion people. In 2018, we continued to address complex challenges in an increasingly unpredictable world. Join us in looking back on the year that was, on how we stood with unity and resolve in defence of our values – and see how we are evolving to remain a pillar of stability in an uncertain world for the next generations.

A modern Alliance

In 2018, NATO remained committed to continuously adapting to new security challenges.

A smart home

In 2018, NATO moved its Brussels Headquarters to a new, green building across the boulevard from the complex in which it had been housed since 1967.

New ideas

Curious about innovative control effectors (ICE)? See how NATO's science programming and partners are building tomorrow's ideas today.

Testing tech

The Unified Vision 2018 trial saw Allies gather on land, in the air, at sea and in cyberspace to use our intelligence to identify conventional and terrorist threats.

Prepared to defend

In 2018, NATO underlined its commitment to be ready to defend the Alliance anytime, anywhere.

Trident Juncture 18 will demonstrate that, in an unpredictable world, NATO remains an anchor of stability.

- General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe
TRJE18 website

Ready to defend

It happened in the air, on land, at sea and in cyberspace. See how NATO Allies and partners tested our ability to defend our populations and territories during our biggest exercise in decades.

Ready for the worst

How would NATO, its partner countries and other international organisations respond to an emergency situation such as a powerful earthquake?
infograph on increasing the readiness of our national forces for our collective defence.

Ready to mobilise

The new Readiness Initiative, the 'four thirties', means we are increasing the readiness of our national forces for our collective defence.

More on collective defence

Spending more and better

European Allies and Canada have spent an extra USD 41 billion more on defence since 2016. National plans received in 2018 indicate the figure will rise to USD 100 billion by the end of 2020. Scroll through the gallery to see how the Alliance is spending more – and spending better.

For the first time in many years, we have started to significantly increase our defence budgets. This is the right thing to do to keep our people secure in today's world.

- Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General

 
  • NATO Secretary General - North Atlantic Council at NATO Summit Brussels, 11 JUL 2018
    • A commitment to collective security Click on the image to hear the NATO Secretary General's opening remarks at the 2018 Brussels Summit.
  • Fairer burden-sharing
    • Fairer burden-sharing Click on the image to see how Allies are making progress on defence investment.
  • Multinational cooperation
    • Multinational cooperation Click on the image to explore how Allies join forces to invest in interoperable, cutting-edge and cost-effective equipment.
 

Facing emerging challenges

Today, we face the most unpredictable security situation in many years. In 2018, NATO continued to step up and respond to multiple complex challenges to carry out its core mission: keeping our almost one billion people free and secure.

NATO relations with Iraq

NATO Mission Iraq

Find out how NATO is working with Iraqi forces to prevent ISIS from re-emerging.

Fighting terror

NATO is helping to fight terrorism every day through intelligence-sharing, innovation and strategic partnerships.

Cyber defence

As the cyber threat grows in size and complexity, NATO needs to cultivate experts more than ever. Here's how we are helping build a strong cyber corps.

More on NATO and cyber defence

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