Topic 2016

ABCD 2016

Bridge over Troubled Waters: The Future of the Euro-Atlantic Security

Europe is confronted with a ring of turmoil surrounding it from the East and the South. Conflicts and growing instability permeate the neighbourhood and our borders face increasing military and strategic peril. This volatile security environment presents complex challenges to our nations, it is stretching resources and defying cohesion among the Euro-Atlantic family of nations.

An assertive Russia continues to aggressively challenge and undermine the European security environment. Russia increasingly exercises its foreign policy through the use of military power and has been fuelling conflicts from Ukraine to Syria. Its policies and actions underline the need to ensure an effective NATO deterrence and defence posture and to counter Russia’s destabilising influence.

Instability continues to grow on the doorstep of the southern flank. The disintegration of states across the Mediterranean has resulted in a variety of transnational threats affecting Europe. The threat of terrorism is as acute as ever. At the same time, the unprecedented migration crisis has put European societies and the solidarity among European nations under serious strain.

In this situation the importance of a strengthened transatlantic alliance is as essential as ever. In July the Heads of State and Government of NATO member countries will meet in Warsaw to make important decisions concerning NATO’s strategic posture and capabilities. The Summit itself is no final station but merely a part of a continuous process to ensure the Alliance is up to the task.

The conference will start on the evening of Wednesday, September 28 with a welcoming reception. The conference day on Thursday, September 29 will begin with a keynote speech followed by three panels. In the course of the panel discussions ABCD 2016 will review the results of the Warsaw Summit and assess how it met the expectations. It will further elaborate on additional steps necessary for the adaptation of the NATO deterrence and defence posture in response to the Russian challenge. Finally, it will explore the situation on NATO’s southern flank and the options available for the Allies.