Address

Excellencies, Secretary General,

Thank you very much for your kind words of welcome. I think it is fitting that, in the middle of your farewell tour to capitals, the host nation should come to you here at NATO Headquarters. On behalf of Belgium, may I say how much we appreciate your leadership and your vision for NATO's future. You have led the Alliance through enlargement, through a major overhaul of its political and military structures, a fundamental adaptation of its strategy, and new missions in the Balkans and Afghanistan. Under your guidance and with your support, Chapter Three of NATO's history, as you call it, is well under way. We all owe you a debt of gratitude.

Members of the Council, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be able to address you at a time when the Alliance is fully engaged in taking on new tasks and completing the transformation of its structures. Belgium has always agreed to take up its responsibilities as a founder member and host nation of your Organisation.

My country is proud and happy to continue playing an active role in the pursuit of NATO's objectives. We work hard to ensure that the Alliance's decision-making organs and its military command for operations continue to find a warm and efficient welcome in Belgium. Belgium is delighted also to be able to facilitate the construction of the new NATO Headquarters building, which will allow the transformed Organisation to function in the best possible way.

Under the Atlantic Treaty, Western Europe has known one of the longest periods of peace in its history. My country, so often Europe's battlefield, realizes its full significance. In Belgian soil, particularly in Flanders and the Ardennes, lie those who gave their lives in the struggle for peace and freedom. We honour their memory.

The seven new members welcomed by the Alliance next year also aspire to peace, liberty and security. Their recent history has naturally led them to joining our Organisation, in order to share its main objectives and the community of values we share. United in an Alliance transformed, these twenty-six countries will form a group of free, democratic, open and peaceful nations. The ever more intensive partnership ties we are building with Russia contribute to the fulfilment of these objectives.

The Balkans, this region in the heart of our continent, gave us a startling reminder of how precarious peace can be, even after the fall of the Berlin wall. As the Secretary General recently said, geography is no protection from the challenges of the twenty-first century. That was true before 11th September 2001, it is even more true since.

Real protection is achieved through solidarity, alliances, unions, partnerships, through a society built together, a community of values shared. The history of Europe has taught us that much. We are convinced that building bridges increases our security and that fostering integration strengthens our open multicultural societies. These are the guiding principles of Belgium's Atlantic and European commitment.

Because NATO is a strong and dynamic alliance, it is well prepared to face the new challenges. The Atlantic Treaty, based on the notions of justice and international security, is built on the strength and solidarity of our partnership as well as on our capacity to adapt to new circumstances. NATO has shown it can transform itself rapidly while maintaining continuity. A rare occurrence indeed. This success owes much to the professionalism of political and military leaders, national delegations and the many experts. I pay tribute to their patient work and their determination.

My country's location at the heart of Europe, as well as our commitment to the beginnings and the continuing development of NATO and the European Union, have created the unique opportunity for Belgium to host both organisations. We are aware of the specific and important responsibilities that derive from this situation. As a founding member of both organisations, my country looks forward to their rapprochement. It could be said that their strategic partnership is self-evident, since NATO and the EU are both based on the same values, pursue similar or complementary key objectives, and are each built upon real solidarity among their Member Countries. Since their foundation, both have contributed towards the security, the stabilisation and the prosperity of our continent.

The European Union is conscious of its own responsibilities in the areas of security and defence. This was the raison d'etre for the Western European Union and for its subsequent integration, in Brussels, into the European Union. The same goes for the Berlin plus agreements and recent initiatives by one, two or several Member Countries.

The European defence identity also contributes to the reinforcement of our Alliance; this is a fact; it is also a resolve. It enhances our solidarity and reinforces the community of values we share. Its success will also greatly depend on the quality of the transatlantic dialogue. The letter addressed to President Kennedy by Paul-Henri Spaak at the end of his mandate at NATO reflects the same spirit. If I may quote a sentence from it: « The future of the Alliance and its efficiency depend on the way political consultations will be conducted, and, once more, the example given in this matter by the United States will be decisive ». End of quote.

Secretary General, Ladies and Gentlemen,

NATO is both a truly Atlantic and a truly European organisation. This twin anchorage is what makes our Alliance unique and strong. The support of our friends and allies across the Atlantic remains essential for us in Europe. This is also why Belgium needs, and fully supports, a transformed NATO, an Alliance determined and well equipped to tackle the new global challenges.

I am grateful to the Council for inviting me to share some of my views, and I wish each and every one of you every success.