Addressing the Brussels Forum conference on 27 June 2022, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, "an unprecedented act of generosity and foresight, born from the ashes of two brutal world wars." He said that today we face another "pivotal moment for our security" as Russia's invasion of Ukraine has "shattered peace in Europe." Stressing that we need "a bold strategy for our new security reality", Mr. Stoltenberg said that Allies will take important decisions at the "transformative Summit in Madrid" with a comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine.
He highlighted that at the Summit Allies will also significantly enhance deterrence and defence across all domains land, sea, air, space and cyber and agree NATO's new Strategic Concept, "our blueprint for keeping our one billion people safe in a more dangerous and competitive world." The Secretary General said that Allies will also defend democratic values, open societies and the global rules-based order, "at a time when they are under unprecedented pressure" and will welcome the leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea at the Summit. "As Secretary Marshall showed us 75 years ago, our boldest visions are often born in our darkest hours. With unity and strength NATO will continue to rise to any challenge" he said.
The Secretary General's pre-recorded message was delivered at the panel "Reestablishing Europe's Ruptured Security Environment". The NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana also participated at the panel.
