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Joint declaration regarding "Allied Solidarity and Shared Responsibility" adopted at the meeting of Central and Eastern European states
The leaders present at the meeting of Central and Eastern European states that is taking place on Wednesday in Bucharest have adopted a declaration emphasizing the need to strengthen the eastern flank of NATO and to commit to allot 2 percent of the GDP for defence.
The joint declaration regarding "Allied Solidarity and Shared Responsibility" was adopted by the Presidents of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, Poland, Andrzej Duda, Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Latvia, Raimonds Vejonis, Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaite, Slovakia, Andrej Kiska, Hungary, Ader Janor, and the Czech Chamber of Deputies Speaker, Jan Hamacek.
The leaders present in the meeting have agreed to continue acting consistently in the spirit of NATO unity and solidarity, as well as for strengthening the trans-Atlantic relation, all deemed vital for the Alliance, in order to prepare to face threats and challenges, wherever they come from.
"In accordance with the decision of the summit in Wales and in the perspective of the summit in Warsaw, we will act together with other allies to strengthen the eastern flank of NATO. The complete implementation of the action plan to increase operational capacity and long-term strategic adaptation of the Alliance, in the political, military and institutional dimensions, will be of crucial importance in this regard. As such, the summit in Warsaw constitutes the favorable moment to make decisions regarding new allied commitments for assurance and adapting to NATO procedures, structures, forces and defence infrastructure. Such measures, which aim to strengthen defence and our discouragement capability, will adapt the Alliance to the current, fundamentally-changed, security environment", the document shows.
The nine states have convened to actively contribute to shaping the strategic allied answer for long-term threats and security risks that they are facing in the east.
"We will unite our efforts to secure, where it is necessary, a robust, credible, and sustainable Allied military presence in our region", the joint declaration says.
Furthermore, the document also contains a commitment to allot 2 percent of the GDP to Defence and to continue the open door policy of NATO.
The nine European leaders also agreed to promote an intensified cooperation with NATO partners, especially with those in the vicinity.
"Granting assistance in the construction of resistance against potential threats and the ability to contribute to NATO activities constitutes, for us, a priority. We support an integrated and truly strategic approach in regards to these partners," the declaration shows.
Additionally, the necessity that Russia revert to observing international law is stipulated.
"Remaining profoundly preoccupied by the aggressive posture of Russia, we will remain firm on the necessity that Russia revert to observing international law and international obligations, its responsibilities and commitments, as a prerequisite for a NATO-Russia relationship based on trust and safety," the Joint Declaration says.
The nine states show that they will maintain and intensify their involvement in elaborating a joint response towards emerging risks, with emphasis being placed on hybrid wars, cyber defence, energy security and strategic communication.
"Given the complexity of current threats and challenges, we will support the furthering of NATO - EU cooperation," the document also mentions.
The signatories ground this declaration, among other reasons, in the context of the necessity for a strong North Atlantic Alliance, built on solidarity, capable to respond efficiently to long-term security threats and challenges it faces in the eastern and southern vicinity and beyond this zone, of the volatility of the global security situation and the unpredictable character of threats and challenges that the entire trans-Atlantic community faces, reminding that the aggressive actions of Russia in Ukraine, including the illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea, the support granted to separatists in Ukraine, as well as the military activities of Russia in the vicinity undermine the European security architecture.
The meeting in Bucharest also saw the participation of NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow.