NATO\u2019s Eastern Flank and Nordic allies endorsed on Wednesday, May 13, a new \u201cNATO 3.0\u201d strategy focused on higher defence spending, stronger European military capabilities, and a reinforced transatlantic alliance. Meeting in Bucharest, the leaders also described Russia as \u201cthe most significant, long-term and direct threat\u201d to Allied security.<\/p>\n
The joint declaration<\/a> was adopted during the Bucharest Nine (B9) and Nordic Allies Summit co-hosted by Romanian president Nicu\u0219or Dan and Polish leader Karol Nawrocki, with the participation of NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, Ukraine\u2019s Volodymyr Zelensky, and representatives of the United States as observers.<\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s meeting reflects our shared commitment to strengthening cooperation on security and defence across the entire NATO Eastern Flank, recognizing the strategic continuum from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea and into the Nordic and Arctic regions, and our determination to deliver on NATO 3.0 by advancing a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO. The transatlantic bond remains the backbone of our collective security,\u201d reads the joint statement.<\/p>\n \u201cUnited in the face of profound security threats and challenges, in particular the long-term threat posed by Russia, we are further scaling up our contributions to our collective defence. We are shouldering greater responsibilities through enhanced burden sharing and increased defence investments, as Allies work towards the 5% of GDP commitment,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n The leaders condemned Russia\u2019s \u201csabotage, cyber-attacks, and a wide range of hybrid attacks and destabilising activities,\u201d warning that repeated airspace violations on NATO\u2019s Eastern Flank underline the need for stronger missile and drone defence systems.<\/p>\n The declaration also reaffirmed support for Ukraine, including continued military assistance and backing for the country\u2019s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The allies called for increased pressure on Moscow to end its war against Ukraine and engage in \u201cmeaningful peace negotiations.\u201d<\/p>\n The statement highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea, Baltic region, and Arctic for NATO security, while stressing the need for stronger defence production capabilities, military mobility, and NATO-EU cooperation.<\/p>\n