NATO Research Group

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NATO Brussels Summit Declaration Commitments

Brittaney Warren, G7 Research Group
July 13, 2018

The G7 Research Group identified the following 250 commitments in the declaration issued by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Brussels on July 11-12, 2018. The full declaration is available here.

2018-1: NATO will continue to strive for peace, security, and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area.

2018-2: We are determined to protect and defend our indivisible security, our freedom, and our common values, including individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

2018-3: The Alliance will continue to pursue a 360-degree approach to security and to fulfil effectively all three core tasks as set out in the Strategic Concept: collective defence, crisis management, and cooperative security.

2018-4: We will continue to stand together and act together, on the basis of solidarity, shared purpose, and fair burden-sharing.

2018-5: We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to all aspects of the Defence Investment Pledge agreed at the 2014 Wales Summit, and to submit credible national plans on its implementation, including the spending guidelines for 2024, planned capabilities, and contributions.

2018-6: We are committed to improving the balance of sharing the costs and responsibilities of Alliance membership.

2018-7: We reiterate our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within their internationally recognised borders

2018-8: [We reiterate our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of] Georgia [within their internationally recognised borders.]

2018-9: [We reiterate our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of] the Republic of Moldova [within their internationally recognised borders.]

2018-10: We are committed to supporting the Republic of Moldova's democratic reforms and defence capacity building efforts.

2018-11: We will continue to seek to substantiate our dialogue with Russia to address the critical issues that we face.

2018-12: We remain committed to the current practice of reciprocal briefings in the NRC on military exercises before they take place, as well as on posture.

2018-13: [We welcome that Russia is again using the military lines of communication with NATO.] We remain committed to making good use of these channels to promote predictability and transparency and reduce risks, [and call on Russia to do so as well.]

2018-14: We will continue our strategic discussion on Euro-Atlantic security and our approach to Russia.

2018-15: NATO will continue to be transparent, predictable, and resolute.

2018-16: We are committed to continue the fight against terrorism, which has to be tackled through a coherent, significant, long-term effort by the international community as a whole, involving a wide range of instruments and actors.

2018-17: We are committed to NATO's enhanced role in the international community's fight against terrorism, including through awareness and analysis, preparedness and responsiveness, capabilities, capacity building and partnerships, and operations.

2018-18: We will fully implement the Action Plan we agreed at our meeting in May 2017

2018-19 [We] will update it [the Action Plan] by the end of 2018 to adapt to evolving priorities and to counter emerging terrorist threats.

2018-20: Building on our Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work, we will continue to improve our capabilities and technologies, including to defend against improvised explosive devices and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, and to counter terrorist misuse of technology.

2018-21: NATO will also continue to engage, as appropriate, with partner countries and other international actors, in particular the EU and the UN, to ensure added value and complementarity.

2018-22: [We] are determined to maintain the full range of capabilities necessary to provide the Alliance with a range of options to be able to continue to tailor our response to specific circumstances and to respond to any threats from wherever they arise, potentially from multiple directions in more than one region.

2018-23: We will continue to assess the relevant military elements of the Alliance's strengthened deterrence and defence posture to ensure its effectiveness.

2018-23: [We continue to ensure the Alliance's political and military responsiveness, including through more regular exercises.] To this end, we will continue to actively and coherently manage the Alliance's overall posture

2018-24: [We continue to ensure the Alliance's political and military responsiveness, including through more regular exercises.] [To this end, we will continue to enhance our intelligence, strategic awareness, advance planning, and decision-making.

2018-25: We will continue to optimise NATO intelligence to facilitate timely and relevant support to Allied decision-making and operations, including through improved warning and intelligence sharing, particularly on terrorism, hybrid, and cyber.

2018-26: Furthermore, today, we have agreed to launch a NATO Readiness Initiative. From within the overall pool of forces, Allies will offer an additional 30 major naval combatants, 30 heavy or medium manoeuvre battalions, and 30 kinetic air squadrons, with enabling forces, at 30 days' readiness or less.

2018-27: Looking in all directions and at all potential challenges and threats, we will continue to strengthen and regularly exercise the Alliance's ability to rapidly reinforce any Ally that comes under threat.

2018-28: [To that end, we welcome the Enablement Plan for SACEUR's Area of Responsibility and] we will give its implementation the highest priority at the national level.

2018-29: We have agreed to improve the necessary legislation and procedures, enhance command and control, and increase transport capabilities

2018-30: We are committed to strengthening our ability to deploy and sustain our forces and their equipment, throughout the Alliance and beyond

2018-31: [We] aim to improve military mobility by land, air, or sea as soon as possible, but no later than 2024.

2018-32: Defence Ministers will review progress annually.

As a priority, we aim to:
2018-33: Shorten border crossing times and, to that end, provide diplomatic clearances for land, sea, and air movement within five days by the end of 2019, and will consider bringing this period further down for rapid reinforcement;
2018-34: Identify main and alternative supply routes capable of handling military transport by the end of 2018;
2018-35: Use suitable existing exercises to practise more regularly military mobility;
2018-36: Set up a network between NATO, national entities, civil and military, including the single National Points of Contact, by the end of 2019, to facilitate and speed up communications and coordination with regard to border crossing.

2018-37: We have agreed to strengthen the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture in all domains.

2018-38: [We also face new threats from cruise missiles and the proliferation of related technology as well as from new challenges, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, and] will monitor developments that could affect Alliance security.

2018-39: Recognising that space is a highly dynamic and rapidly evolving area, which is essential to a coherent Alliance deterrence and defence posture, we have agreed to develop an overarching NATO Space Policy.

2018-40: NATO will continue to adapt to the evolving cyber threat landscape, which is affected by both state and non-state actors, including state-sponsored.

2018-41: Reaffirming NATO's defensive mandate, we are determined to employ the full range of capabilities, including cyber, to deter, defend against, and to counter the full spectrum of cyber threats, including those conducted as part of a hybrid campaign.

2018-42: We are determined to deliver strong national cyber defences through full implementation of the Cyber Defence Pledge, which is central to enhancing cyber resilience and raising the costs of a cyber attack.

2018-43: We reaffirm our commitment to act in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter … as applicable.

2018-44: [We reaffirm our commitment to act in accordance with] international humanitarian law … [as applicable.]

2018-45: [We reaffirm our commitment to act in accordance with] human rights law, [as applicable.]

2018-46: We also support work to maintain international peace and security in cyberspace … recognising that we all stand to benefit from a norms-based, predictable, and secure cyberspace.

2018-47: [We also support work to] promote stability and reduce the risk of conflict, [recognising that we all stand to benefit from a norms-based, predictable, and secure cyberspace.]

2018-48: We will further develop our partnership with industry and academia from all Allies to keep pace with technological advances through innovation.

2018-49: We will continue to support our partners as they strengthen their resilience in the face of hybrid challenges.

2018-50: We fully support UNSCR 2166 concerning the downing of civilian flight MH-17

2018-51: We are determined to complete, including through the full capability of the Regional Hub for the South, the additional work required to implement all elements of our Framework for the South, namely the ability to anticipate and respond to crises emanating from the south, improved capabilities for expeditionary operations, and enhancing NATO's ability to project stability through regional partnerships and capacity building efforts. [These efforts include advance planning and conducting more exercises with scenarios reflecting the strategic environment in the south.]

2018-52: In this vein, we are committed to NATO's cooperation with selected partners requesting our support, by enhancing our ability to provide training, advising, and mentoring activities. [National forces and headquarters will be offered by Allies to conduct and coordinate these activities.]

2018-53: As part of a broader approach and the concerted efforts of the international community, we will continue to deter and defend against non-state actors that have state-like aspirations, capabilities, and resources, and that threaten or affect the security of Allied populations and the integrity of Allied territory.

2018-54: We will establish a Cyberspace Operations Centre in Belgium to provide situational awareness and coordination of NATO operational activity within cyberspace

2018-55: [We will establish a] Joint Force Command Norfolk headquarters in the United States to focus on protecting the transatlantic lines of communication

2018-56: [We will establish a] Joint Support and Enabling Command in Germany to ensure freedom of operation and sustainment in the rear area in support of the rapid movement of troops and equipment into, across, and from Europe.

2018-57: [We have agreed an implementation plan,] and we will substantially increase our military personnel contribution to set up the adapted NATO Command Structure.

We will ensure the availability of these forces and capabilities through the full and timely implementation of the requirements identified by NATO. In delivering these capabilities, we are committed to:

2018-58: Alliance and multinational cooperation to address our shared needs;

2018-59: necessary increases in defence spending, including on research and development;

2018-60: maximising the effective use of resources;

2018-61: increasing our interoperability;

2018-62: working to address, as appropriate, existing dependencies on Russian-sourced legacy military equipment through national efforts and multinational cooperation.

2018-63: We will continue to foster innovation to maintain our technological edge.

2018-64: [Faced with a highly diverse, complex, and demanding international security environment,] NATO is determined to maintain the full range of capabilities necessary to deter and defend against any threat to the safety and security of our populations, wherever it should arise.

2018-65: Allies' goal is to continue to bolster deterrence as a core element of our collective defence

2018-66: [Allies' goal is to continue to] contribute to the indivisible security of the Alliance.

2018-67: Allies concerned will continue to take steps to ensure sustained leadership focus and institutional excellence for the nuclear deterrence mission

2018-68: [Allies concerned will continue to take steps to ensure] coherence between conventional and nuclear components of NATO's deterrence and defence posture

2018-69: [Allies concerned will continue to take steps to ensure] effective strategic communications.

2018-70: [Full Allied political control and oversight are essential,] and full implementation will be ensured and monitored.

2018-71: We will continue to engage with third states on a case-by-case basis to enhance transparency, build mutual confidence, and increase ballistic missile defence effectiveness.

2018-72: Allies remain collectively determined to uphold existing disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation agreements and commitments.

2018-73: The new START Treaty contributes to international stability, and Allies express their strong support for its continued implementation

2018-74: [The new START Treaty contributes to international stability, and Allies express their strong support for] early and active dialogue on ways to improve strategic stability.

2018-76: NATO will ensure that Allies can protect their populations, forces, and territories by deterring … the full spectrum of the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, including with trained and rapidly-deployable forces.

2018-77: [NATO will ensure that Allies can protect their populations, forces, and territories by] defending against … [the full spectrum of the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, including with trained and rapidly-deployable forces.]

2018-78: [NATO will ensure that Allies can protect their populations, forces, and territories by] responding to … [the full spectrum of the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, including with trained and rapidly-deployable forces.]

2018-79: [NATO will ensure that Allies can protect their populations, forces, and territories by] mitigating the consequences of [the full spectrum of the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, including with trained and rapidly-deployable forces.]

2018-80: Allies are strongly committed to full implementation of the NPT in all its aspects, including nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

2018-81: The Alliance reaffirms its resolve to seek a safer world for all and to take further practical steps and effective measures to create the conditions for further nuclear disarmament negotiations and the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons in full accordance with all provisions of the NPT, including Article VI, in an ever more effective and verifiable way that promotes international stability, and is based on the principle of undiminished security for all.

2018-82: The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has been crucial to Euro-Atlantic security and we remain fully committed to the preservation of this landmark arms control treaty.

2018-83: Allies will continue their efforts to engage Russia on this issue in bilateral and multilateral formats.

2018-84: We remain committed to conventional arms control as a key element of Euro-Atlantic security.

2018-85: Allies are determined to preserve, strengthen, and modernise conventional arms control in Europe, based on key principles and commitments, including reciprocity, transparency, and host nation consent.

2018-86: We reiterate the Alliance's full support to the goal of complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

2018-87: We are committed to permanently ensuring that Iran's nuclear programme remains peaceful, in line with its international obligations and commitments to never seek, develop, or acquire a nuclear weapon.

2018-88: We will continue to strengthen NATO's role in this regard, helping partners, upon request, to build stronger defence institutions, improve good governance, enhance their resilience, provide for their own security, and more effectively contribute to the fight against terrorism.

2018-89: We, including with partners where appropriate, will continue to help manage challenges – before, during, and after conflict – where they affect Alliance security, in accordance with NATO policies and procedures and with consideration of political implications.

2018-90: We reaffirm our commitment to expand political dialogue and practical cooperation with any nation that shares the Alliance's values and interest in international peace and security

2018-91: [We] will further develop our partnerships so that they continue to meet the interests of both Allies and partners.

2018-92: We remain dedicated to further strengthening our cooperation, including through close political consultations, shared situational awareness, and joint exercises, in order to respond to common challenges in a timely and effective manner.

2018-93: We reaffirm our commitment to ensure long-term security and stability in Afghanistan.

2018-94: As the Afghan government continues to work towards peace and reconciliation, we will continue our assistance by extending our financial sustainment of the Afghan forces through 2024

2018-95: [As the Afghan government continues to work towards peace and reconciliation, we will continue our assistance by] pledging to fill staffing shortfalls, especially in priority areas.

2018-96: Building upon our current training activities, NATO will advise relevant Iraqi officials, primarily in the Ministry of Defence and the Office of the National Security Advisor … [to help Iraq develop its capacity to build more effective national security structures and professional military education institutions.]

2018-97: [Building upon our current training activities, NATO will] train and advise instructors at professional military education institutions [to help Iraq develop its capacity to build more effective national security structures and professional military education institutions.]

2018-98: [Without prejudice to NATO's decision-making autonomy, and in close concert with the overall framework of the efforts of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Da'esh,] the NATO mission will maintain a modest and scalable footprint

2018-99: [Without prejudice to NATO's decision-making autonomy, and in close concert with the overall framework of the efforts of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS/Da'esh,] [the NATO mission will] complement the ongoing and future efforts of the Coalition and other relevant international actors, such as the UN and the EU, as appropriate.

2018-100: The NATO mission in Iraq will rely primarily on Coalition enabler support, within means and capabilities.

2018-101: NATO's support to Iraq's efforts will be founded on a basis of partnership and inclusivity, and with full respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq.

2018-102: We are committed to building a stronger and more dynamic relationship with our Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative partners, including to help them modernise their defence and security institutions.

2018-103: We remain committed to our longstanding partnership with Jordan in the framework of the Mediterranean Dialogue.

2018-104: We are committed to further developing our cooperation with Tunisia.

2018-105: Our support will complement existing international efforts and will include cyber defence, counter-improvised explosive devices, and the promotion of transparency in resource management.

2018-106: This DCB package will be implemented mainly through education and training activities and the exchange of expertise and best practices, in line with NATO standards.

2018-107: We support a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, aimed at promoting national political reconciliation and strengthening state institutions.

2018-108: In accordance with our Wales and Warsaw Summit decisions, we remain committed to providing advice to Libya in the area of defence and security institution building, in response to the request by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord to assist the GNA to strengthen its security institutions.

2018-109: NATO's support will take account of political and security conditions.

2018-109: Any assistance to Libya would be provided in full complementarity and in close coordination with other international efforts, including those of the UN and the EU, as appropriate.

2018-110: We remain fully committed to the stability and security of the Western Balkans

2018-111: [We remain fully committed to] supporting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of countries in the region.

2018-112: We will continue to work closely with the Western Balkans to maintain and promote regional and international peace and security.

2018-113: Any changes to NATO's force posture will remain conditions-based and not calendar-driven.

2018-114: We will continue to support the development of the security organisations in Kosovo through the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team within the current mandate. 2018-115: We [welcome the continued progress made in building the NATO-Serbia partnership and] support further political dialogue and practical cooperation to this end.

2018-116: We reaffirm our commitment to the Alliance's Open Door Policy under Article 10 of the Washington Treaty, which is one of the Alliance's great successes.

2018-117: We remain fully committed to the integration of those countries that aspire to join the Alliance, judging each on its own merits.

2018-118: We will continue to offer support to their efforts

2018-119: In line with our policy, we have decided to invite the government in Skopje to begin accession talks to join our Alliance.

2018-220: We fully support Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO membership aspiration

2018-221: [We] are committed to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2018-222: We are committed to maintaining strong political dialogue with Bosnia and Herzegovina

2018-223: [We] offer our continued support to the implementation of the Defence Review and other reform efforts, including through NATO HQ Sarajevo.

2018-224: We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance, with MAP as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions.

2018-225: We remain committed to providing continued support to Ukraine's reform agenda in the security and defence sector, including through the Comprehensive Assistance Package, so that Ukraine can better provide for its own security.

2018-226: We will also support Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its resilience against hybrid threats, including through intensifying activities under the NATO-Ukraine Platform on Countering Hybrid Warfare.

2018-227: [We acknowledge Ukraine's interest in the enhanced opportunities within the Partnership Interoperability Initiative.] NATO will consider this in view of the decisions taken at the Wales and the Warsaw Summits.

2018-228: We will continue to work with Ukraine, a longstanding partner of the Alliance, based on the principles and values enshrined in the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine.

2018-229: We remain committed in our support for the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Armenia

2018-230: [We remain committed in our support for the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of] Azerbaijan

2018-231: [We remain committed in our support for the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of] Georgia

2018-232: [We remain committed in our support for the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of] the Republic of Moldova.

2018-233: In this context, we continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the South Caucasus … based upon these principles and the norms of international law, the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act.

2018-234: [In this context, we continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the] Republic of Moldova, [based upon these principles and the norms of international law, the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act.]

2018-235: In line with our Comprehensive Approach Action Plan, we will continue to pursue coherence within NATO's own tools and strands of work

2018-236: [In line with our Comprehensive Approach Action Plan, we will continue to pursue] concerted approaches with partner nations and organisations such as the UN, the EU, and the OSCE

2018-237: [In line with our Comprehensive Approach Action Plan, we will continue to pursue] further dialogue with non-governmental organisations.

2018-238: We will continue to further strengthen our strategic partnership in a spirit of full mutual openness, transparency, complementarity, and respect for the organisations' different mandates, decision-making autonomy and institutional integrity, and as agreed by the two organisations.

2018-239: We will continue to develop and deepen our cooperation by fully implementing the common set of 74 proposals, which contribute to the coherence and complementarity of our efforts.

2018-240: We remain committed to good governance of the defence sector

2018-241: [We remain committed to] promoting transparent and accountable defence institutions under democratic control, including through our Building Integrity Policy.

2018-242: NATO and its partners are committed to showing the leadership required to promote the full implementation of UNSCR 1325 and the subsequent WPS resolutions.

2018-243: The Alliance will continue to update its policy and broaden its operationalisation, taking into account best practices of the Resolute Support Mission.

2018-244: NATO and partners are committed to ensuring that all efforts are made to avoid, minimise, and mitigate the negative effects on civilians arising from NATO and NATO-led military operations and missions, as underscored in our new military concept for the Protection of Civilians.

2018-245: Consequently, we will continue regular Allied consultations on issues related to energy security.

2018-246: Allies will therefore continue to seek diversification of their energy supplies, in line with their needs and conditions.

2018-247: We will refine NATO's role in energy security in accordance with established principles and guidelines

2018-248: [We will] continue to develop NATO's capacity to support national authorities in protecting critical infrastructure, including against malicious hybrid and cyber activity.

2018-249: We will continue to enhance our strategic awareness, including through sharing intelligence and expanding our links with relevant international organisations, such as the International Energy Agency, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and the European Union, as appropriate.

2018-250: We will also further improve the energy efficiency of our military forces, including through the use of sustainable energy sources, when appropriate.

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