NATO leaders gathered in Madrid, Spain to discuss important issues facing the Alliance. The Madrid Summit has set NATO’s strategic direction for the future, ensuring that the Alliance will continue to adapt to a changing world and keep its one billion people safe. Russia’s war against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe as it caused far-reaching energy and food crises by shaking the rules of the international order since it began on Feb. 24. As NATO became a more indispensable platform for transatlantic cooperation on security and defense, allies decide to continue to make decisions to keep the alliance ready against any threat at the summit. On the agenda for the member states to discuss were bolstering NATO’s long-term deterrence and defense, maintaining support for Ukraine, launching NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept, strengthening partnerships and maintaining an open door, adapting to threats and challenges from any direction, transatlantic unity and alliance solidarity. Apart from this, what NATO is doing to address issues like China’s growing influence or the security implications of climate change are just a few of the “important” topics that were discussed by members and partners. Other “important” topics included what to include in the next Strategic Concept and how Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and the new security reality in Europe have affected the alliance’s approach to deterrence and defense. NATO has more than 40,000 soldiers under its direct command to safeguard and defend allied territory in the current security environment backed by air and naval assets. The alliance also doubled the number of troops to eight, extending from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south. NATO leaders will “significantly strengthen the Alliance’s posture for the long term, with more presence, capabilities and readiness,” according to the alliance, which will require adequate resources and continued investment in defense.
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