Press statement

President Tusk, President Juncker,
Dear Donald, dear Jean-Claude,

The declaration we signed today is a strong commitment to strengthen the cooperation between the European Union and NATO.

And today’s declaration builds on the one we signed in Warsaw two years ago.

Since then, NATO and the EU have achieved an unprecedented level of cooperation.

Working together on issues as maritime security, countering hybrid threats, and fighting terrorism.

We exchange real-time warnings on cyber-attacks.

We participate more in each other’s exercises.

And we work together in responding to the refugee and migrant crisis.

Including by addressing the root causes in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.

And with cooperation at sea in the Aegean and in Central Mediterranean.

This new Declaration demonstrates our desire to deepen and broaden our cooperation.

Facing a complex and uncertain security environment, we must work together.

To keep our nations and our citizens safe.

And that is exactly what we are doing.

In the months ahead, we will step up our cooperation.

On military mobility, which is essential to our deterrence and defence.

We will also work together to respond to hybrid threats.

And to counter terrorism.

In the Declaration, we welcome the European Union’s efforts on defence.

Europe is taking more responsibility for its security.

Through PESCO and the European Defence Fund.

This is complementary, not an alternative to NATO.

NATO remains essential to Euro-Atlantic security.

After Brexit, 80% of defence spending in NATO will come from non-EU Allies.

That is why we also need to ensure the fullest possible involvement of non-EU Allies in our cooperation.

And avoid creating any new barriers.

So dear Donald, and dear Jean-Claude,

Thank you for your personal commitment and your leadership in taking this cooperation forward.

I look forward to welcoming you both to the NATO Summit tomorrow. So thank you.