From NATO:  More than six decades after NATO’s creation, solidarity remains the Alliance’s most precious asset. But like all precious assets, it cannot be taken for granted. That is why I am determined to ensure that NATO remains the bastion of solidarity that it needs to be. And it is why I have chosen to make solidarity the focus of my speech before you here this morning. …

I personally would like to see a much greater use of common funding to finance our Alliance and our operations. And I see at least three arguments in favour of that.

First: There may be Allies who have troops or equipment to contribute to a NATO operation, but not the money to get those assets into theatre. If they could tap into a common budget to help them do this it would strengthen our capability as an Alliance.

Second: There may be Allies that – for one reason or another – do not want to actually participate in an operation. If we have better common funding arrangements in place, those Allies can still be part of the Alliance solidarity that is vital to the success of any of our operations, now and in the future.

Third: Certain military capabilities are so expensive that the only way for smaller Allies to acquire and operate such capabilities is by pooling together with other Allies. …

Solidarity is the lifeblood of NATO. Solidarity has enabled us to succeed in the past; it is what helps us to succeed today; and it is what will enable us to be successful in the future. …

Excerpts from Speech by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.  (photo: NATO)

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