Keynote Session: Rethinking Alliance(s) – Fireside chat with Estonian and Belgium Defence Ministers

September 22, 17:45-18:15

The burden of conventional defence within NATO is shifting towards the European Allies. This session will consider the respective roles of the US and the other Allies under these new arrangements and examine how NATO can continue to increase military readiness for credible deterrence and collective defence while preserving cohesion. It will also explore some of the wider implications of the ‘Europeanisation’ of the Alliance.

Speakers

Theo Francken

Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade of Belgium

Martin Herem

Minister of Defence of Estonia

Moderator

Kristi Raik

Director of the ICDS

What are the priorities for and consequences of burden-shifting within NATO?

How can NATO strengthen military readiness and preserve political unity?

The respective roles of Europe and North America in long-term deterrence

What does Europeanising NATO entail

17:30 Opening speech by Prime Minister of Estonia

18:15 Keynote discussion