North Atlantic Alliance challenges to be discussed at Vilnius Summit: Jens Stoltenberg: "The decisions we take will bring Ukraine closer to NATO"
NATO's Vilnius Summit on 11-12 July will address the most pressing challenges for the Alliance to strengthen NATO deterrence and defence and bring Ukraine closer to the Alliance, according to a statement on NATO's website. The source also notes that the North Atlantic Alliance is currently facing the most dangerous and unpredictable security environment since the Cold War.
"The decisions we will take in Vilnius will bring Ukraine closer to NATO. Strengthening NATO deterrence and defence will also be on the agenda of our summit," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
In addition to the topics outlined above, at the Vilnius Summit, NATO leaders will address a wide range of issues facing the Alliance and ensure that NATO remains ready to respond to any challenge, the source added.
In parallel to the Vilnius Summit, the city will host the NATO Public Forum - an event that aims to promote better public understanding of NATO policies, objectives and decisions through dialogue and engagement with a unique and diverse group of stakeholders.
Organised by NATO and civil society organisations, the forum will offer discussions, debates and interactive sessions on various topics on the NATO agenda.
It is worth mentioning that Lithuania will host for the first time a NATO Lithuania Summit, although it has been a member of the Alliance for almost two decades.
Lithuania joined NATO in spring 2004, along with Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, in the largest enlargement wave in NATO's history.
Lithuania has demonstrated its commitment to NATO in many ways, including by hosting a multinational NATO battle group and contributing troops to many NATO-led missions and exercises.
