Please join the Atlantic Council, in cooperation with the Embassy of Canada to Germany, for a public town hall discussion on “Beyond the headlines on NATO defense spending and 2%: A transatlantic dialogue.” The event will took place on Monday, March 18, 2019 from 18:30 to 20:15 at the Embassy of Canada to Germany (Leipziger Platz 17, 10117 Berlin). A wine and cheese reception will begin at 17:30.

On April 4, NATO allies will celebrate the Alliance’s 70th anniversary and the signing of the Washington Treaty. The extraordinary success of NATO over the past 70 years has been defined by the commitment to the transatlantic bond and the deep relationships forged between allies, such as the United States and Germany. With increased instability to NATO’s east and south, collective defense remains of great importance to ensure the future security and stability of Europe. An integral piece of this commitment has involved significant investment in our shared security.

Against this backdrop, conversations around burden-sharing and defense spending have re-emerged as European countries, the US, and Canada think through how to reinvest in our shared security. As defense spending remains in the news,

What are the responsibilities of allies to contribute to European security?

and

How does the debate around defense spending and capabilities fit into that?  

To contribute to the conversation surrounding these critical issues, the Atlantic Council will host a public town hall event in Berlin, convening experts from both sides of the Atlantic. This interactive ‘in the round’ discussion will focus on the value of the NATO Alliance today, emerging security challenges in Europe, how NATO allies are prioritizing resources and investments, and whether the debate around burden-sharing needs revisiting.

Beyond the Headlines on NATO Defense Spending and 2%

A Transatlantic Dialogue

Welcome Remarks

Habib Massoud

Counselor Economic and Environment

Embassy of Canada to Germany

 

Introductory Spotlight

Julianne Smith

Weizsäcker Fellow

The Bosch Academy, Berlin

Town Hall Debate

Christian Mölling

Deputy Director, Research Institute

German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)

Claudia Major

Senior Associate, International Security

German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)

Julianne Smith

Weizsäcker Fellow

The Bosch Academy, Berlin

Jan Techau

Senior Fellow and Director, Europe Program

The German Marshall Fund of the United States, Berlin 

Moderated by:

Judy Dempsey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Carnegie Europe

Editor in Chief

Strategic Europe