- Government of Montenegro
Ministry of Foreign Affairs NATO summits
NATO summits
NATO summit in Vilnius, 2023
The summit of heads of states and governments of NATO members was held in Vilnius on 11-12 July 2023. A number of decisions were made that define the Alliance's strategic path, including additional practical and political support for Ukraine in order to bring it closer to NATO membership, further strengthening of deterrence and defence, increased allocations for defence, as well as deepening of cooperation and relations with partners.
The members confirmed the importance of providing continuous assistance to Ukraine through the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) in order to improve the interoperability of its armed forces and the transformation of its Soviet equipment to modern NATO equipment. The multi-year program of assistance to Ukraine was adopted and a decision was made to establish the NATO-Ukraine Council, as a consultative format tasked to improve political dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest.
An agreement was reached at the Summit that the threshold of 2% of GDP will be defined as the minimum allocation for defense in the future.
As security is not a regional but global issue, the members highlighted the importance of cooperation with partners in the south and east of the Euro-Atlantic area, as well as with partners from the Indo-Pacific region. The allies agreed that dialogue with China should be maintained in the areas where that is possible and called on China to play a constructive role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Through the adopted Communiqué, members expressed their full commitment to the security and stability of the Western Balkans. Continuation of political and practical support in the field of reforms, regional peace and security was agreed, to help partners in the Western Balkans deal with malignant influences, misinformation, and hybrid and cyber threats. NATO will continue to develop deeper cooperation with BiH through a wide range of tools, including the new Initiative for Strengthening Defense and Security Capacities (DCB). With KFOR, NATO remains committed to the continued engagement in Kosovo in accordance with the Resolution 1244.
NATO summit in Madrid, 2022
NATO member states adopted a number of decisions at the summit of heads of states and governments held in Madrid on June 28 - 29, 2022. The decisions were related to: essential changes in deterrence and defence, invitation to Finland and Sweden to become the next members of the Alliance, adoption of the new Strategic Concept, an agreement on long-term aid to Ukraine, an agreement to strengthen the fight against climate change, the establishment of the NATO Innovation Fund, an agreement on investments and increased contributions to the Joint NATO Budget, deepening of cooperation with partners, confirmation of the commitment to the fight against terrorism, etc.
A new Strategic Concept was adopted, which provides a collective assessment of the security challenges the Alliance faces and highlights key tasks for the next decade. Other challenges, such as terrorism, hybrid and cyber threats, were also addressed.
The importance of cooperation with partners in the south, on the eastern flank as well as in the Indo-Pacific region was also highlighted at the summit in Madrid. NATO will strengthen cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, in the fields of cyber security, new technologies, maritime security, climate change, as well as in countering disinformation. Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea attended the summit for the first time.
In light of changed security environment in Europe, NATO heads of states and governments agreed to strengthen political and practical support for partners threatened by Russian aggression and Russian malign influence, including Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova.
The leaders agreed on a fundamental change in deterrence and defence, accompanied by the strengthening of the forward presence, an upgrade of battle groups on the Alliance's eastern flank and an increase in the number of more ready-to-react forces.
- Nato Strategic Concept
NATO's key tasks and activities, its strategic environment and goals for each decade are defined in the NATO Strategic Concept.
The current concept, which can be downloaded from the link https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_210907.htm, was adopted in 2010 and verifies three basic tasks of NATO: collective defence, crisis management and cooperative security.
NATO Summit in Brussels, 2018.
The Summit of the Heads of State and Governments of NATO members took place in Brussels on 11-12 July. This is the first Summit where Montenegro participated as a member of the Alliance.
The commitment of all Allies to transatlantic unity and the relationship that has been keeping the peace and stability of all its members for 70 years has been reiterated at the Summit. The following documents were also adopted: Communiqué, Declaration of the Summit, Memorandum of Understanding on multinational cooperation in the acquisition of landmine ammunition and a new Joint Declaration of NATO and the EU was signed.
The Allies reiterated their commitment to decision from Wales to increase defense budget, which was one of the main topics of this year's Summit. It is expected that eight members will spend at least 2% of GDP this year, while 15 of them will increase spending on modernization.
The commitment to NATO's open door policy has been confirmed as well. As a confirmation of the genuine welcome to all countries that have the same values on which the Alliance is based, and in accordance with the historic agreement between Macedonia and Greece, NATO has officially called for Skopje to open the accession negotiations for membership in the Alliance.
The Allies agreed to continue the implementation of the double track policy towards Russia. On the one hand, it will continue with a policy of deterrence and defense, and on the other maintaining a meaningful, periodic and focused dialogue through holding meetings of NATO Russia Council.
In line with the strengthening of the collective deterrence and defense system, heads of states and governments decided to increase the level of readiness of the NATO forces, and in this context the Readiness Initiative was adopted, which allows the right forces to be in the right place at the right time when is needed. Decisions related to the modernization and adaptation of the NATO Command structure have also been adopted. In this regard, it was decided that, in addition to the existing ones, two more commands will be formed- the Atlantic Command in Norfolk in USA and the European Mobility Team in Ulm, in Germany.
The noncombat mission in Iraq has been approved, which purpose is training Iraqi security forces to independently maintain peace and security in the country, and in the future to prevent any attempt at the appearance of terrorist organizations such as ISIS.
Measures to design stability beyond the borders of the Alliance were also adopted at the Summit, one of them being the Package for the South. The Hub for the South in Naples has become fully operational, and its role is to analyze and channel all NATO activities in the Mediterranean and the MENA region, especially in terms of designing stability, combating terrorism and illegal migration.
Regarding Afghanistan, military, financial and political commitment to Afghanistan has been confirmed. The number of troops in the mission increased from 13,000 to 16,000, financing of the Afghan security forces is prolonged by 2024, and strong support for the peace process conducted by the officials of Kabul was repeated.
NATO Summit in Brussels, 2017.
The meeting of head of states Governments of NATO countries was held on May 25 in Brussels, when the inauguration ceremony of i the new NATO Headquarter was held and when Belgium, in the capacity of the host, handovered the Alliance's new Headquarter to NATO officials. This ceremony included the presentation of a memorial monument to terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The most important topic during the Summit was an increase the defense expenditures of member States to 2% of GDP and the deadline agreed for it (2024), as well as efforts made by the Alliance to combat terrorism through the adoption of the Action Plan covering a whole set of measures, including the decision that NATO joins the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS.
All Allies welcomed Montenegro and congratulated on the successful completion of the ratification process of the Accession Protocol, pointing out that future membership of our country is a clear signal that the door of the Alliance remain open to all who share Euro - Atlantic values.
NATO Summit in Warsaw, 2016.
The 27th Summit of the Alliance was held in Warsaw on 08-09 July, which is considered to be one of the most important NATO Summits. The symbolism of the Summit is reflected in the fact that, since the Summit in Bucharest, this was the first meeting of the Allies in the state of the eastern wing of NATO.
The summit was held at a time when NATO faced a number of security and political challenges, especially those from the east and south. In this regard, new measures to strengthen defense and deterrence have been adopted as follows - the establishment of four multinational battalions in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland in 2017 and the development of a prominent presence in the south-eastern borders of NATO. Also, it was announced that the initial operational capability of NATO anti-ballistic protection, the obligation to strengthen national cyber defense was undertaken, while the cyber space was recognized as a new operational field, the same as land, air and the sea. It was decided to provide assistance to partners, especially when it comes to capacity building, and agreed that NATO AWACS planes would remain in use until 2035 in order to collect and distribute information to the Global Coalition for Fight against ISIL.
The Summit was also marked by the Alliance's agreement to extend the mandate of the "Resolute Support" mission after 2016, and to extend financing of Afghanistan's security forces until 2020. A comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine has been approved. The Joint Declaration with the President of the European Council and the European Commission on cooperation between NATO and the EU was also signed.
Participation at the Summit is also of historical significance for Montenegro, which attended it in the role of the invited country. This has a symbolic significance since NATO ministers of foreign affairs in December 2015 unanimously decided to send a call to our country for membership, as well as after the signing of the Protocol on the Accession of Montenegro to the Alliance.
In the final declaration of the Summit, in the paragraph referring to Montenegro, NATO's commitment to open door policy and welcoming of our country to the Euro-Atlantic family has been demonstrated.
NATO Summit in Wales, 2014.
NATO Summit was held from 4-6. September in Wales, Great Britain.
It was concluded that NATO remains a source of stability in the unpredictable world and particularly was highlighted commitment to collective defense, crisis management and security based on cooperation. The main focus was on finding an adequate response to the Ukrainian crisis, as well as the strategic positioning of the Alliance regarding to the activities of terrorist groups in the Middle East (ISIS), in Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa. A Readiness Action Plan was adopted, which provides a coherent and comprehensive package of necessary measures to respond to security changes at the borders of NATO and beyond.
The Alliance stated that remains committed to the stability and security of the Western Balkans and will continue to support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the countries of the region, in order to point out the Alliance's commitment to open door policy.
The paragraph about Montenegro in the final Declaration of the Summit is the following:
"We welcome the significant progress Montenegro has made in its reforms, its constructive role in the Western Balkans region, and the contribution that gives to international security, including its contribution to our engagement in Afghanistan. In recognition of Montenegro's progress towards membership in NATO, the Alliance agreed to open intensive and focused talks with Montenegro, and it was agreed that ministers of foreign affairs will assess Montenegro's progress by the end of 2015 at the latest, with an aim to decide whether to call on Montenegro to join the Alliance. These discussions will be conducted along with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) process. In the meantime, we expect Montenegro to continue its efforts to address the remaining challenges, especially with regard to the rule of law and the completion of security sector reforms. We also welcome the increase of public support in Montenegro for NATO membership and encourage continuous efforts in this area. "
NATO Summit in Chicago 2012.
NATO Summit was held on May 20-21 2012. in Chicago.
Crisis in Libya demonstrated benefits of cooperation with the partners from the region, as well as importance of consultations between Alliance and regional organisations. Successful operation in Libya showed that Alliance can quickly and efficiently carry out complex operations with the support of wider international community.
Strategy for finalisation of the process of handover of safety responsibility to Afghanistan forces by the end of 2014 and new post 2014 mission for training, counselling and assistance to Afghanistan forces adopted.
The paragraph about Montenegro in the final Declaration of the Summit is the following: ‘’ We welcome significant progress that Montenegro realised on the way towards NATO and its contribution to the region of Western Balkans and wider, including through own active role in regional initiatives participation in ISAF. Also we welcome rise of public support for NATO membership, and we shall carry on supporting that process. Active engagement of Montenegro in MAP process indicates strong commitment to NATO membership. Montenegro successfully implemented significant political, economy and defence reforms and we encourage that way in order for Montenegro to be closer to Alliance. We will actively monitor Montenegro’s progress towards membership.
NATO Summit in Lisbon 2010.
NATO Summit was held on 19 – 20 November in Lisbon:
The new Strategic concept was adopted, providing fundamental guidelines for functioning and further ten – year NATO development, particularly in the light of new safety challenges. The document confirms policy of open doors.
In the final Declaration of the Summit significant progress of Montenegro was recognised as well as its contribution to stability in the region and wider, through participation in ISAF mission. It was emphasised that commitment of Montenegro to ANP implementation indicates strong commitment to the future NATO membership, as well as that member states will continue to support Montenegro reform process within MAP.
Commitment to NATO stability and safety in Western Balkans was underlined in Declaration and reform efforts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia were encouraged.
At the meeting of the heads of state/government of 48 states ISAF contributors, in which Montenegro delegation also participated, it was agreed that all efforts should be made to enable handover of international to Afghanistan leadership until the end of 2014. NATO member states signed agreement on long-term partnership between NATO and Afghanistan.
At the margin of the Summit, meeting of the Council NATO-Russia was held being assessed as historical having regard to the significant step that was made towards strengthening partnership between Russia and NATO, particularly regarding defining common safety threats, anti-missile defence system cooperation and strengthening stability in Afghanistan.
NATO Summit in Strasbourg and Kehl 2009.
NATO Summit, dedicated to sixty-year anniversary of Alliance was held in Strasbourg and Kehl (two border towns in France and Germany) in April 4, 2009.
Albania and Croatia became NATO members.
Decision that Anders Fogh Rasmussen replaces Jap de Hop Shefer at the position of Secretary General was made.
NATO member states supported aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro towards Euro-Atlantic integration as well as progress realised in the process of intensified dialog.
Summit message conveyed that NATO supports successful and active implementation of IPAP between Montenegro and NATO as well as encouraging reforms Montenegro made in many areas that are crucial for Euro-Atlantic integration as well as its contribution to cooperation and safety in the region.
Also it was stated that the Council controlled progress of Montenegro and that they would answer soon to the request of Montenegro for its participation in MAP on the basis of realised merits.
Initiation of preparation of new Strategic Concept of Alliance announced at the Summit.
NATO Summit in Bucharest 2008.
Summit was held on April 2-4 2008 in Bucharest. Croatia and Albania were invited to membership whereas Macedonia was omitted due to bilateral problem with Greece about the state’s name. Invitation to join MAP was also left out for Georgia and Ukraine although it was said that their contribution to Alliance is considered to be very significant and that in December NAC would make decision about that issue. At the same time Malta acceded to PfP.
It was also stated that NATO remained committed to strategically important region of Western Balkans in which Euro Atlantic integration process was based on democratic standards and that regional cooperation necessary for long-term peace and stability.
Summit welcomed decisions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to develop individual partnership action plan with NATO in order to enhance Euro Atlantic aspiration of these states. With the aim of supporting and leading these reform processes, NATO sent the invitation to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina to initiate intensified dialog including wide spectrum of issues – policy, military, finance and safety that were connected to their aspirations for membership without prejudgement of any decision of Alliance.
Regarding Serbia, NATO readiness to deepen cooperation with Serbia was underlined, particularly through IPAP development. Possibility for intensified dialog upon Serbia request was also discussed.
NATO Summit in Riga 2006.
NATO Summit in Riga was held on November 28-29. Montenegro was invited to join NATO Programme for Partnership for Peace. The same invitation was sent to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina which confirmed intention for further stabilisation of the region.
Overall political guidelines, framework for further transformation of the Alliance were adopted at the Summit. Also, intention for improvement of further strategic partnership with EU was confirmed.