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Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted by UK Typhoon participating in NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, June 17, 2014

NATOSource

Oct 5, 2015

A ‘New Normal’ for NATO and Baltic Sea Security

By Anna Wieslander

It might appear natural that focus on Baltic Sea security would have come quickly for NATO after the Russian annexation of Crimea in March 2014, but this was not the case.

Germany NATO
Range of Russia's Iskander missiles when deployed in Kaliningrad

NATOSource

Oct 1, 2015

Is NATO’s New Fulda Gap in Poland?

By Paul McLeary, Foreign Policy

The head of U.S. Army Europe is eyeing a narrow sliver of land connecting Poland with Lithuania, concerned about the Russian troops and equipment he has been watching pile up on either side.

Belarus NATO
Norwegian Chief of Defense Admiral Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, Oct. 31, 2013

NATOSource

Oct 1, 2015

Norway Must Increase Defense to Counter Russian Build-Up: Military Chief

By Henrik Stolen, Reuters

Norway needs to scale up and modernize its defense as Russia’s military buildup in the Arctic is creating a more uncertain security situation, its military chief said on Thursday.

NATO Northern Europe
NATO Exercise Noble Jump, June 18, 2015

NATOSource

Sep 29, 2015

Five Recommendations for Strengthening NATO’s Response to Russian Aggression

By Radek Sikorski And Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Wall Street Journal

Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as its military build-up and threatening words and behavior in the Baltic Sea region, show that we have not yet fully communicated to the Kremlin that it should back off.

NATO Northern Europe

New Atlanticist

Sep 24, 2015

A Failed European Response to Migrant Crisis Will Hurt Transatlantic Ties, says Norwegian Defense Minister

By Ashish Kumar Sen

A failure to deal appropriately with the migrant crisis will cause rifts within Europe that will have serious implications for transatlantic unity, Norway’s Defense Minister, Ine Eriksen Søreide, said at the Atlantic Council on September 24. “How we handle the ongoing refugee crisis will be a test for Europe,” Søreide said while describing the magnitude […]

Europe & Eurasia NATO
Popular support for Sweden joining NATO is growing

NATOSource

Sep 17, 2015

New Swedish Poll Shows Sharp Increase in Support for NATO Membership

By Defense News and Deutsche Welle

From Gerard O’Dwyer, Defense News:  A landmark poll in Sweden reveals a massive shift in public opinion that favors the non-aligned Nordic state joining NATO.

NATO Northern Europe
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, May 31, 2015

NATOSource

Sep 17, 2015

Swedish Minister Slams Russian ‘Threats’ About NATO Membership

By Local (Sweden)

Foreign Minister Margot Wallström said relations between Sweden and Russia are “chillier than ever” after she met with the country’s ambassador in Stockholm to ask him to explain comments that the Nordic country would likely face military action if it were to join NATO.

NATO Northern Europe
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, Jan. 23, 2015

NATOSource

Sep 11, 2015

Foreign Minister Calls in Russian Envoy Over ‘Threats’ About Sweden Joining NATO

By Reuters and Local (Sweden)

From Johan Sennero, Reuters:  Sweden has called in Russia’s ambassador to explain comments by a foreign ministry spokeswoman who said any Swedish decision to join NATO would have “consequences” that would compel Russia to respond.

NATO Northern Europe
Deputy defense ministers of Norway, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, Sept. 8, 2015

NATOSource

Sep 10, 2015

Russia Concerns Prompt First-Ever US, Nordic Deputy Defense Ministers’ Meeting

By Christopher P. Cavas, Defense News

US Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work wrapped up the first-ever meeting of Nordic and US deputy defense ministers, proclaiming the discussions a success, with a number of staffers calling the talks better than expected.

NATO Northern Europe
NATO activates staff units in 6 members states, Sept. 3, 2015

NATOSource

Sep 3, 2015

NATO Activates Staff Units in Six Eastern Members

By Jens Stoltenberg, NATO

Today, we raise the NATO flag over six new headquarters. The NATO Force Integration Units. Here in Vilnius. But also in Bucharest, Bydgoszcz, Sofia, Riga, and Tallinn.

Central Europe NATO

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