NATO Weekly Roundup – Week of July 26th
Political Elements of NATO
- Ukraine needs NATO membership to counter Nord Stream 2 threat, Ukraine's Naftogaz says
https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-germany-nord-stream-2-naftogaz-idUSL8N2OX6CO
The threat of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline as a geo-political weapon by Russia against Ukraine has raised concerns for the necessity of enlisting Ukraine into NATO. Nord Stream 2 and Russian aggression is raising concerns for regional security.
- NATO welcomes stronger cooperation with the Republic of Korea
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_185907.htm?selectedLocale=en
Chairman of the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kyung-Hyup Kim, to the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Their discussions focused on security challenges as well as NATO’s relationship with Seoul, South Korea.
- NATO’s next mission: Find a new boss
https://www.politico.eu/article/nato-mission-new-secretary-general-jens-stoltenberg-successor/
Jens Stoltenberg, who has been Secretary-General since 2014, is set to step down from the position in September 2022. NATO officials believe now is the time to appoint a female to the role, especially one from Eastern Europe to send a message to Moscow. Former presidents Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović of Croatia and Dalia Grybauskaitė of Lithuania; and current Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid are the three most likely candidates.
Military Exercises and Operations of NATO
- NATO's 'Shark Hunt 21' anti-submarine exercise begins in North Atlantic
https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/07/23/nato-sharkhunt21-navy-submarine/1121627055369/
The U.S. led an anti-submarine exercise joined by France, the UK, and Canada known as “Shark Hunt 21”. The exercise included three submarines, four surface ships, and seven aircraft. The exercise ensures trans-atlantic maritime safety.
- US, EU, NATO release joint statement urging halt in fighting in Afghanistan, say don't support govt imposed by military force
Countries are closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan, calling for a halt in the fighting as they stated this conflict does not have a military solution.
- US Mission to NATO tweet:
https://twitter.com/USNATO/status/1418584715829841920?s=20
