Press conference

Good evening.

NATO faces challenges which are more complex than at any time since the end of the Cold War and the Alliance is responding. Countering threats stemming from the Middle East and North Africa is an essential part of that response. We have just discussed what more NATO can do to project stability beyond our borders and to fight terrorism. We have agreed to create a Hub for the South at our Joint Force Command in Naples. This will be a focal point for increasing our understanding of the challenges stemming from the region and our ability to address them. We expect around 100 people will work at the Hub, assessing potential threats and engaging with partner nations and organisations. But the Hub is only one part of NATO’s Framework for the South.

We are also improving our advance planning and stepping up training and exercises, so that we can better conduct operations in the region if necessary. Including with the NATO Response Force.

We also discussed our Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability. This is key for our ability to anticipate and prevent crises. It brings together data from sources like NATO AWACS aircraft, as well as national assets on land, in the air, at sea, and in space.

And soon, NATO surveillance drones based in Sicily will also contribute to the bigger picture, helping us make quick and informed decisions.

To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, ministers agreed today to develop a follow-on capability for our AWACS planes after they retire around the year 2035. This will help deal with challenges from our southern neighbourhood, and support our defence and deterrence against any threat.

With that, I am ready for your questions.