The Dinner was initiated and organized by the Lithuanian Permanent Representation to the European Union and NATO. The event was attended by the EU Political and Security Committee and NATO North Atlantic Council ambassadors, the Swiss ambassador to NATO, officials of the EU and NATO institutions.
During the informal discussion, representatives of the transatlantic community discussed European defence and security issues with particular focus on EU-NATO cooperation. 22 countries belong to both organizations so a pragmatic approach to cooperation and the coordination of joint activities was the issue that was stressed most in the discussion. It is expected that in December the European Council will take strategic decisions regarding capacity development and effective use.
Belgian Defence Minister Pieter De Crem pointed out at the meeting that EU and NATO cooperation must be strengthened as both organizations share the same objective of ensuring security and stability on the outside as well as the inside and therefore they practically complement each other.
The discussion highlighted the importance of preserving NATO and the strengthening of transatlantic relations. Meanwhile, the EU, in seeking a holistic approach to security, has a wider range of instruments and can use them more flexibly. The EU and NATO must continue to seek a more effective cooperation in response to crises and develop capabilities that can ensure the security of the citizens of their countries in a changing world.
