Experts discuss key challenges facing NATO after Lisbon Summit

Admiral James Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), opened the conference with a keynote address in which he briefed delegates on the new Strategic Concept agreed in Lisbon.

Focusing on issues such as emerging security challenges, missile defence, NATO reform and Afghanistan, Admiral Stavridis described the Organization as a “bridge in time” - connecting NATO nations and their partners, and spanning from the Cold War to “the new world that emerged after the Cold War”. In particular he underlined NATO’s commitment to collective defence enshrined in Article V of the Washington Treaty, which means that Allies will always assist each other against attack. He said, “we will never undervalue the importance of … Article V”.

Participants included senior NATO and government officials, academics and representatives from think tanks.

The event was co-sponsored by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division.