Northern Europe

Strategy Session with H.E. Ine Eriksen Søreide

On January 8, the Atlantic Council hosted an off-the-record strategy session with H.E. Ine Eriksen Søreide to discuss strategic priorities for Norway in relation to their partnership with the United States and their contributions to NATO. With the coming drawdown of NATO’s ISAF mission in Afghanistan and the US pivot to Asia, NATO must find […]

Strategy Session with Estonian Minister of Defense Urmas Reinsalu

The Baltic nation of Estonia is not only one of NATO’s most active members, it lives on the often tense front line of the Atlantic alliance’s complex relationship with Russia. Estonia’s key role as a US ally, and its critical place in European security affairs are why the Atlantic Council invited Defense Minister Urmas Reinsalu […]

US F-15s Take Over NATO’s Baltic Air Policing

By Lithuanian Ministry of Defense

On January 3 Belgium’s air contingent handed over NATO’s mission of ensuring security in the airspace of the Baltic States to air personnel of the United States of America operating four F-15 C Eagle fighter-jets

Chinese Military Ship Will Help Guard Destruction of Syria’s Chemical Weapons

By New York Times, Reuters, & South China Morning Post

From Jane Perlez, New York Times:  The same day that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel of the United States blasted the actions of a Chinese ship in the South China Sea as “irresponsible,” China announced that it would deploy a military ship to work with an American vessel involved in the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons.

US and NATO Allies Voice Concern over Russian Deployment of Iskander Missiles

By Steve Gutterman, Reuters

From Steve Gutterman, Reuters:  The reports caused alarm in Poland and the Baltic states, which are wary of Russian military movements after decades of dominance by the Soviet Union.

The Eastern Partnership Summit: What’s Next?

To discuss the challenges that remain for European leaders in continuing to develop the relationship with the eastern partners after Vilnius, and to articulate a vision for transatlantic cooperation on the Eastern Partnership going forward, the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Relations Program hosted a members’ conference call with H.E. Linas Linkevičius, minister of foreign affairs of […]

Denmark and Norway Offer to Transport Chemical Weapons Out of Syria

By Foreign Ministry of Norway

Based on decisions by the United Nations Security Council and the OPCW, Norway and Denmark have agreed to offer a joint contribution to the transportation of chemical warfare agents out of Syria.

Kerry: 2014 will be ‘a Pivotal Time for NATO’ and the Transatlantic Relationship

By John Kerry, Department of State

2014 is really going to be a pivotal time for NATO and for a transformation that is taking place with respect to NATO engagement and responsibilities.

Swedish Fighter Jets to Join NATO Response Force

By Local (Sweden)

Sweden will contribute a squadron of Jas Gripen fighter jets as well as a mine-sweeping ship to join the Nato Rapid Reaction Force (NRF), the government decided on Thursday.

Arms Control in Europe ‘Is Now in Crisis’

By Radoslaw Sikorski, Guido Westerwelle, and Villy Sovndal

Over the past 20 years, 70,000 tanks, combat aircraft and helicopters and other military equipment have been destroyed in Europe as a result of the treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) introduced at the end of the cold war.