Since 2007, the Armenian Atlantic Association has held a NATO Education Rally throughout the country. Its main aim is to overcome misunderstandings related to NATO as an international organization and to involve youth more in security and defense. Furthermore, it increases knowledge awareness and understanding of the Alliance, its values and its crucial role in safeguarding global security, even outside its own borders. On the occasion of NATO’s 70^th anniversary the Armenian Atlantic Association is organizing events throughout the country with activities in Vanadzor, Yeghegadzor, Gavar, Gyumri and with a final conference in Yerevan. These events aim to foster discussion and debate on the role and relevance of NATO as an Alliance for the 21st century, relevant to all generations, but especially young people. During the rally, AAA’s ‘NATO Handbook’ will be presented! This publication, available in Armenian, highlights the main purpose, role and successes of the Alliance! NATO forms the link between Europe and North America, protecting more than 1 Billion people in the North Atlantic region. Make sure to follow them on Facebook to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/Armenian-Atlantic-Association-AAA-181730808571810/

Security in the Black Sea Region will be the major focus of the ATA Council meeting and General Assembly that will be hosted in Bucharest on September 27-29 by the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania.

The Rīga Conference has become a unique venue for constructive dialogue on international security issues between leading global decision makers. The event is organized jointly by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. The ability to facilitate such debates at various levels and with the participation of high level politicians, diplomats, experts, as well as  local and international media is a proof of our ability to think and work in a global context attracting key players and facing the issues that affect our societies the most.

ATA Bureau and institutional meetings in Berlin, hosted by the German Atlantic Council.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Developing a Strategy to Deter Russian Nuclear ‘De-Escalation’ Strikes Strategy Workshop and Working Dinner  Trip Itinerary  Thursday, November 9, 2017  10:35 a.m.                             Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU)                                            Afternoon & Evening        Free Time Friday, November 10, 2017 Morning                              Breakfast at Hotel 9:00 - 9:15 a.m.                   Welcome and Introduction Magnus Nordenman, Director, Transatlantic Security Initiative; Deputy Director, Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, Atlantic Council Matthew Kroenig, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, Atlantic Council; Associate Professor, Edmun d A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University 9:15 – 9:30 a.m.                  Opening Briefing Presentation of Report Outline Matthew Kroenig 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.                Discussion One Deterring the Russian Nuclear Threat: Weighing NATO Response Options Moderator: Matthew Kroenig 10:30 – 10:45 a.m.              Coffee Break 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.              Discussion Two Developing a NATO Strategy Moderator: Matthew Kroenig 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.         Working Lunch Implications for NATO Posture and Declaratory Policy Moderator: Matthew Kroenig 12:00 – 1:45 p.m.             Closing Remarks Matthew Kroenig 1:45 p.m.                             Free Time Saturday, November 10, 2017 2:00 p.m.                         Flight from Brussels Airport (BRU)

Agenda Sunday, 15 October 17:00 hrs Arrival of Speakers (Hotel Le Plaza Brussels, Boulevard Adolphe Max 118-126, 1000 Bruxelles) 18:30 hrs Meeting in the hotel lobby 19:00 hrs Welcome Dinner Monday, 16 October 09:30 hrs Meeting at hotel lobby and departure to NATO HQ for briefings and discussion (Meeting Room: Lange) 10.30 hrs Welcome Remarks followed by a Briefing and discussion on NATO’s Current Political Agenda Ambassador Tacan Ildem Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, NATO 11.30 hrs Briefing and discussion on NATO Partnerships Dr. Jaroslaw Skonieczka Senior Director, Integration, Partnerships and Cooperation Directorate, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO 12.30 hrs Lunch in NATO’s restaurant hosted by Mrs. Carmen Romero Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, NATO 14.00 hrs Briefing and discussion on NATO-Russia Relations Mr. Thomasz Chlon Engagements Section, Public Diplomacy Division, NATO 15.00 hrs Briefing and discussion on NATO – EU Relations Mr. Alexandros Papaioannou NATO and Multilateral Affairs, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO 16.00 hrs Departure to the hotel 17:30 hrs Meeting in the hotel lobby and departure to the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) (Rue des Petits Carmes 20, 1000 Bruxelles) 18:15 hrs Registration and welcome cocktail 18:45 hrs Welcome remarks by The Honorable Rose E. Gottemoeller Deputy Secretary General, NATO 19:00 hrs Panel Discussion “Creating Predictability in Asian and European Security Dynamics” Mr. Jason Wiseman Secretary General, Atlantic Treaty Association Panelists: Keynote speech by The Honorable Rose E. Gottemoeller Deputy Secretary General, NATO Prof. Robert Patman Head of Department of Politics, University of Otago, New Zealand Prof. Shen Dingli Vice Dean of the Institute of International Affairs, Fudan University, China Prof. Matake Kamiya National Defense Academy, Ministry of Defense, Japan Followed by Dinner Reception Tuesday, 17 October 8:00 hrs Meeting at hotel lobby and departure to NATO HQ for full-day closed-door Dialogue (Meeting Room: Brosio) 9:00 hrs Welcome Remarks Mr. Zsolt Rabai Programme Officer for Partners Across the Globe, Engagements Section, NATO Public Diplomacy Division Mr. Christian Echle Director Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung 9:15 hrs “Returning of Great Power Politics and Impact on NATO and the Asia-Pacific” Dr. Jamie Shea Deputy Assistant Secretary General, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO Prof. Matake Kamiya National Defense Academy, Ministry of Defense, Japan Prof. Hyun-Wook Kim Korea National Diplomatic Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea Dhruva Jaishankar Fellow in Foreign Policy Studies, Brookings, Republic of India 10:45 hrs Coffee 11:15 hrs “Projecting stability in crisis areas” Mr. James Mackey Head, Euro-Atlantic and Global Partnership, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, NATO Dr. Faramarz Tamanna Director General, Center for Strategic Studies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Simone Roworth Defence Policy Advisor, Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations and former Senior Advisor to the Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamic Republic of Pakistan 12:45 hrs Lunch in NATO’s restaurant hosted by Dr. Gerlinde Niehus Head, Engagements Section, Public Diplomacy Division, NATO 14:00 hrs “Cyber Security / Hybrid Warfare” Dr. Stefanie Babst (tbc) Head, Strategic Analysis Capability, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO Prof. Robert Patman Head of Department of Politics, University of Otago, New Zealand Dr Shashi Jayakumar Senior Fellow and Head of Centre of Excellence for National Security, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Republic of Singapore Colonel Sofian Bin Kamaruddin (ret.) Director, Institute of Executive Education (NIEEd) and Senior Fellow, Department of Strategic Studies, National Defence University of Malaysia, Malaysia 15:30 hrs Coffee 16:00 hrs “NATO’s Perception in the Asia Pacific” Mr. Vlad Vernygora Project Director of ‘Science for Peace and Security Programme Project: NATO Global Perceptions – Views from Asia-Pacific Region, Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia Dr. Gerlinde Niehus Head, Engagements Section, Public Diplomacy Division, Prof. Shen Dingli Vice Dean of the Institute of International Affairs, Fudan University, China Dr. Curie Mahrani Savitri Binus University, and advisor to the Ministry of Defense, Republic of Indonesia Byambakhand Luguusharav Senior Expert, Mongolian Institute for Strategic Studies, Mongolia 17:30 hrs Concluding Remarks Mr. Christian Echle Director Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Mr. Zsolt Rabai Programme Officer for Partners Across the Globe, Engagements Section, NATO Public Diplomacy Division 18:30 hrs Farewell Dinner

NATO: (Re)Acting in an Era of Transition

Brussels, ATA Headquarters, 24 May 2017 

 

Organized by The German Marshall Fund of the United States in cooperation with The Atlantic Treaty Association, Egmont, Raytheon and NATO.

PHOTO GALLERY  Welcome by the partners Dr. Ian Lesser, Vice President, German Marshall Fund Amb. Marc Otte, Director General, Egmont Royal Institute Prof. Fabrizio Luciolli, President, Atlantic Treaty Association Key Note Speech  Ms. Rose Gottemoeller, Deputy Secretary General, NATO *** The Strategic Environment One Year After the Warsaw Summit: What Has Changed?  The Warsaw NATO Summit has been an important milestone to align Alliance priorities with the realities of a rapidly changing security environment. Among other decisions, NATO reinforced its defence of the European hinterland, activated cyber space as an operational domain, and forged a new partnership with the European Union. How do we assess today the impact of these policy changes? Is NATO now better prepared to face the myriad of security threats and challenges? What is the next step in NATO’s adaptation?    SPEAKERS Amb. Kasia Nalecz, Director of Europe Program, Bator Foundation; former Polish Ambassador to Russia Gen. Knud Bartels, former Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Dr. Chris Chivvis, Associate Director, International Security and Defense Policy, RAND Corp. Dr. Sven Biscop, Director, Europe in the World Program, Egmont Royal Institute CHAIR Mr. Bruno Lété, Transatlantic Fellow for Security & Defence Policy, German Marshall Fund *** Power, Capability and Burdensharing The allocation of burden, capabilities and responsibilities within NATO has been a forefront issue since the formation of the alliance. Today, with new leaderships on both sides of the Atlantic the prominence of the debate has only increased. Is the 2 percent goal the best way forward to measure burden sharing? Is it a realistic benchmark? Can burden sharing also be measured in qualitative means, such as spending on development and humanitarian aid? Is Europe set to spend on defence? SPEAKERS Mr. Rini Goos, Deputy Chief Executive, European Defence Agency Mr. Paul Savereux, Director for Defence Planning, Defence Policy and Planning Division, NATO Gen. Jean-Paul Paloméros, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Mr. Christopher Lombardi, Vice President, European Business Development, Raytheon CHAIR Dr. Alexander Mattelaer, Director of the European Affairs Program, Egmont Royal Institute *** Dealing with conflict by other means - cyber, terrorism, and information warfare The security environment is continuously evolving. As the nature of the threat has changed NATO also needs to adapt to face modern challenges that combine conventional and non-conventional adversaries, in land, sea, air and cyber space. Is NATO ready to engage in civil-military crisis management? What is NATO’s strategy on issues ranging from hybrid warfare to terrorism to cyber security? Is there progress in the EU-NATO partnership? SPEAKERS Amb. Sorin Ducaru, Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, NATO Mr. Michael Daly, Chief Technology Officer, Intelligence and Information Systems, Raytheon Dr. Julian Lindley-French, Senior Fellow, Institute for Statecraft; Vice President, Atlantic Treaty Association CHAIR Mr. Jason Wiseman, Secretary General, Atlantic Treaty Association Closing Remarks Please find more information here.  

The Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association (EATA), in partnership with Estonian Ministry of Defence, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NATO,FRIEDRICH EBERT STIFTUNG,  RIIGIKOGU would like to welcome you to watch the live stream of the 5th NATO-EU Roundtable that takes place in Tallinn, Estonia. Watch the live stream at this link Find the program Here  

The Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association (EATA), in partnership with Estonian Ministry of Defence, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NATO,FRIEDRICH EBERT STIFTUNG,  RIIGIKOGU would like to welcome you to watch the live stream of the 5th NATO-EU Roundtable that takes place in Tallinn, Estonia. Watch the live stream at this link Find the program Here  

WWS Workshop “NAO-Russian Relations- Balkan Implications” was organized by the Atlantic Council of Montenegro in partnership with Atlantic Treaty Association and with the Support of U.S. Mission to NATO and the U.S Mission in Podgorica. Officials, policy makers Government Representatives and discussed on NATO-Russia relations impact on Balkans following the Warsaw Summit. ATA Secretary General moderated the Concluding Plenary Session, coordinating the interactive debate.

25th Annual International Symposium

CONTEMPORARY SECURITY CHALLENGES IN EUROPE, MEDITERRANEAN AND GREECE: THE ROLE OF NATO AND EU

Hellenic Armed Forces Officer’s Club, Athens Friday 9 December 2016

Organized by GREEK ASSOCIATION FOR ATLANTIC & EUROPEAN COOPERATION Member of ATLANTIC TREATY ASSOCIATION Supported by NATO Public Diplomacy Division

  PHOTO GALLERY SUMMARY On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of its activities and initiatives the Greek Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation (G.A.A.E.C.) organized the 25th Annual International Symposium in the context of “Contemporary Security Challenges in Europe, Mediterranean and Greece: the Role of NATO & EU”. The event took place on the 9th of December 2016 at the Officer’s Club, Riggilis 1 Athens, with participants and Representatives from the Political, Business, Military and Civil Society, along with many interested young professionals and university students. It is worth mentioning that a large number of the Greek Military hierarchy attended the Symposium. People such the Chief of Defense, Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, the Chief of the Hellenic Navy vice Admiral Mr. Georgios Giakoumakis, the 1st Deputy Chief of HAGS Lieutenant General Mr. Dimitrios Thomaidis, along with more than forty (40) Top Military Officials. Moreover, the Symposium attended the Director of the Military Attache/Office of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Airforce General Mr. Grigorios Prezarakos, representing H.E. Mr.Prokopis Pavlopoulos and also the Director General of the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Office Mr. Evangellos Kalpadakis. Furthermore, the General Director of Political and National Defense Ambassador Mr. Trifon Paraskeuopoulos, the General Director of the NATO division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mr. Nikolaos Pleksidas, Mrs. Despoina Lourbakou and Panagiotis Stournaras, each Director General of the UN and OSCE division respectively, along with many other Ad Honorem Greek Ambassadors. Finally, many Foreign Ambassadors and Embassy Representatives from countries such as, Jordan, Turkey, Poland, Croatia, Australia, Montenegro, the United States, France, Romania, Estonia, Denmark, Netherlands, Russia, Tunisia, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Serbia, Spain and UAE also honored us with their presence. Opening Session The first to hold the floor, welcoming the audience and signifying the start of the Symposium was Mr. Theodossis Georgiou, President of G.A.A.E.C. Mr. Georgiou highlighted the necessity of a closer strategic cooperation between the EU and NATO in the light of Contemporary Security Challenges stemming from the continuing crisis in the Middle East and the decision of the British electorate to leave the European Union (Brexit). Moreover, he stressed the diminishing tendency, of many countries to be integrated in the Euro-Atlantic Institutions, after the initial optimism coming from the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the demise of the Iron Curtain. Nevertheless, one fact remains straight, even after this ray of skepticism: “The European Unity and the Euro-Atlantic Cooperation remains inseparable and resilient”. Furthermore, he mentioned that the increased weight of Civil Society and its increasingly important role in the decision making of every Democratic Regime has also an impact in the Alliance, offering valuable democratic legitimacy, enhancing and promoting equal participation, open and free dialogue constituting a hub of intellectual interaction. This is what G.A.A.E.C. along with the respective Atlantic Associations in the NATO Member-States, as well as partnership countries strives to accomplice. The contribution of the Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) especially that of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA), underlined the Italian Professor and President of ATA Dr. Fabrizio Luciolli. Dr. Luciolli, also mentioned the privileged relationship between ATA and the NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division (PDD), which, for over 60 years with its programs, has significantly contributed to the Euro-Atlantic Security and Defense. In the same spirit, Ms. Ino Afentouli, Member of the NATO’s PDD, underscored the prospects of a closer Cooperation between NATO and the EU, in a tense geopolitical environment. ‘’NATO today, is more important than ever’’, she stated. Moreover, Ms. Afentouli characteristically mentioned that there are signs of fragility of the peace and stability of the last 25 years in the Eastern and Southern front of the Alliance. Additionally, she raised awareness on groups, like the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/DAESH), along with other Non-State Actors, raging havoc in our close neighborhood, even threating the security of European Citizens. Finally she focused on Greece and its central geostrategic role in this environment of uncertainty and instability. Greek citizens, although insufficiently informed in some degree about the Euro-Atlantic edifice, have endured hardships but stood tall to the occasion and their responsibilities to the Alliance, a major accomplishment of the Greek Political System. Special Session Mr. Andreas Lykourentzos, former Minister and a Founding Member of GAAEC presented the legacy and the contribution to the country of former Minister Mr. Ioannis Varvitsiotis. Also Mr. Lykourentzos stressed the necessity of cooperation between NATO and E.U, but with extreme attention to the probability of overlapping between the two organizations. During the Special Session the Minister of National Defense 1990-1993, Mr. Ioannis Varvitsiotis, who had delivered the Inaugural Address at the 1st Symposium of GAAEC in May 1991, cited two new forms of conflict: a) the economic war and b) the terrorism, in which the NATO must pay close attention. Furthermore, taking stand in the major contradictions that feed rivalries and political upheavals between States but also within international organizations, he pointed out the danger of deep crisis and disintegration of European Union. In addition, he strongly upholded that there is «a lack of leadership», in order to make an assertive step towards the «european integration», but there are also leaders that «bend to nationalism and populism». Commenting on the remarks of the former Minister of Defense Mr. Varvitsiotis, professor of History, Mr. Evanthis Hatzivasileiou, shared his insights. The professor supported the significant role NATO has assumed even after the end of the Cold war in an era of a wider security perception and not only the conventional military threat. NATO is an Alliance based on values of its Member-States; values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are tested to the current historic context and in a large extent define the field of their action and decision making. The American Perspective Dr. Aliki Mitsakos, Founding Member of GAAEC and Dean of the International Center for Leading Studies coordinated this session. The Guest Speaker was His Excellency, the recently appointed Ambassador of the United States to Greece Mr. Geoffrey Pyatt in one of his very few public appearances, expressing the American Perspective. Mr. Pyatt, emphasized that both countries share a strong and enduring partnership based on mutual commitment to core democratic values, which are the foundation of peace and security and prosperity for Europe. President Obama’s recent visit here to Greece, as he mentioned, underscores the importance of our alliance and reflects the value that the United States places on Greece – as a pillar of strength and stability in this region, as a NATO ally, and as an EU Member State. He also stressed the importance of NATO as a cornerstone for regional security and a starting point of dealing with key security challenges like ISIL. On the issue of Migration Flows he commended Greece on its “humane approach”. Moreover, NATO’s Maritime Activity in the Aegean under the Standing NATO Maritime Group II – or SNMG II – plays a key, stabilizing role to prevent the smuggling of migrants to Greece. Concerning Russia, he mentioned that “I hope we are very clear on the importance of the legal principle that international borders cannot be changed by force as Russia did when it invaded Crimea”. He furthermore expressed 3 billion dollar commitment of the United States in the area will continue through 2017. He strongly “applauded Greece’s regional leadership, one of the handful of countries that despite the economic challenges it faces, fulfilled the commitment of 2% of GDP investment in defense”. Especially, he underlined the potential of the country developing into a key energy hub. Moreover, he commended the strong bilateral defense relationship with countries like Greece, illustrated in the strong American Presence in the Souda bay at the island of Crete. He also assured the audience, that the U.S. will continue to support the cooperation with its NATO allies, “who remain our closest friends and most capable partners”. Greek Foreign & Defense Policy in a Changing International-Regional Environment:  Challenges and Opportunities The next session was moderated by the Senior Editor and Columnist of “Kathimerini”, Mr. Athanasios Ellis, who also offered his brief comments. In this session, the former Minister Mr. Evangelos Venizelos talked about the cohesive foreign security and defense policy conducted forty two (42) years of ‘metapolitefsis’ with pioneers Mr. Konstantinos Karamanlis and Mr. Andreas Papandreou and consistent orientation to cooperation with NATO and the E.U. Also he raised questions as to the priorities of Trump’s government, such as whether to continue the US to bear 75% of the NATO budget or to change stance on issues as confronting the authoritarian regimes and how the Members-States of EU will act. As regards Erdogan’s rhetoric against Greece, he characterized it as the outcome of anxiety about the impending/imminent/ turbulence in Syria and Iraq. Additionally on the Cyprus Question, Mr. Venizelos warned/gave warning/ that we should not in any case to accept that it is a bilateral issue, neither to risk the legal recognition of the Cyprus Republic. In the same session, Mr. Georgios Koumoutsakos, Head of Foreign Affairs Department of “Nea Dimokratia”, alleged that the community solidarity recedes and the antagonisms escalate between the Member-states of EU. In addition to this he claimed/made the case/ that there is always the contingency/possibility/ to shift to the era of intra-family tensions and conflicts, nationalism and national ego and there may be other departures/withdrawal/ after Britain. In regard to the Cyprus Question, he warned that we must not go to a referendum without good preparation and a good deal. He also urged upon the good preparation in order to have a discussion with the Turkish leadership. European Security – Defense Strategy – non Conventional Threats: Unstable Economies and Security, Cyberwarfare, European Energy Security, Refugee/Migration Flows in the Mediterranean, Environment and Climate Change The next panel chaired Mrs. Marietta Giannakou, former Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Mrs. Giannakou defended the resilience of the European Edifice in times of widespread skepticism and concern about its future. First offered his remarks the President of the Political Party ‘’Union of Centrists’’ Mr. Vasilios Leventis. Mr. Leventis interpreted European Security, first and foremost as an issue of Justice, de jure equality and egalitarianism. He concluded, sharing his disappointment with many European Union enthusiasts in the past, about its policy decisions and shortsighted austerity measures. In the same panel, Mr. Spyros Danellis from the Political Party ‘’To Potami’’, introduced the context of human security in a changing environment, which unconventional challenges like Climate Change, Cyberwarfare and terrorism undermine and threaten to a great extent. To conclude, Mr. Georgios Kyrtsos, MEP, through a descriptive yet informative manner, listed some pressing European security challenges amplifying European insecurity, especially through the lens of Brexit, stemming from Islamic Terrorism, regional conflicts and the susceptibility of energy security, framing the field of action of each decision maker. Can the European Union Achieve an Autonomous Defense Identity? The Role of National Defense Industries Adding to the discussion, the next panel focused on showcasing the approach to European security from the perspective of European and International Defense Industries. The panel constituted Mr. Dennys Plessas, Representative of Development Initiatives for Lockheed Martin, the President of Greek Aerospace Industry (EAB) Mr. Ζαχαρίας Γκίκας, accompanied by Mr. Tasos Rozolis and Georgios Troullinos, President and CEO of SEKPY and Intracom Defense respectively, under the chairing of Aegen University Professor, and Chairman of the Center of Security Studies, Mr. Panagiotis Tsakonas. Every speaker highlighted the need of interoperability, compatibility and efficient use of the already scarce resources. After presenting the current institutional transparency context, they proclaimed enhanced competitiveness efficient utilization of Best Value Practices in order for the Greek and European Defense Industries to remain a credible choice in an era of rising powers. European Union – NATO Partnership Next to share his perspectives, was the General and Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, General Mikhail Kostarakos. The first point the General made was the Strategic Pivot of the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific. That new strategic context applied further pressure to the European Member-States of NATO and especially the wales Atlantic Council of 2014, to increase their commitment to defense at the 2% of their Gross Domestic Product. He questioned whether European States can shoulder the political cost of an increased military presence in their area of interest and commented on the discourse of completion and NATO in issues of security and defense as non-valid and lacking significant empirical basis. Furthermore, he stressed that the European Union is a normative power with its assets lying in human rights diplomacy and democratic values. What EU needs he stated is not replace NATO with a “Euro-Army”, such notions are epistemologically incorrect. What need to be done is to efficiently use our reduced resources to maintain with credible command and control interoperability the 1.5 million soldiers of the European Union States. In the light of the contemporary security challenges, he suggested a Comprehensive approach for “doing more with less”. The discussion framed Dr. Thanos Dokos, General Director of ELIAMEP, submitting his point of view, along with Ms. Ino Afentouli from the NATO’S PDD. The French Perspective His remarks on European Security offered His Excellency, Mr. Christophe Chantepy Ambassador of the French Republic to Greece. Mr. Chantepy urged for further integration in the area European Defense and Security. ‘’Practices such as an enhanced cooperation in the field of Intelligence sharing and interaction between security officials will strengthen the European Security Architecture, preventing tragedies of the recent past from occurring again’’. Quadranscentennial Session – Closing Address The conclusive commemorative session marked the honorary tribute to Admiral Mr. Vasilios Mitsakos (rtd) H.N., Founding Member of G.A.A.E.C. and WWII veteran. During the WWII the young trainee Vasilios Mitsakos tried to escape to Alexadria, Egypt to conclude his Studies on Maritime Affairs, got arrested but managed to escape the Axis’ soldiers only to find himself sentenced to death. Finally after many adversaries he, along with some of his colleagues, managed to reach their destination from Allepo Syria by foot. Vice Admiral Mitsakos, was one of the few Greeks Officers in NATO’S Standing Group, Washington. He also represented the Ministry of National Defense on the Negotiation the United Nations Charter for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in New York and Geneva, Switzerland. He has graduated from the Elite of Military Affairs Colleges in Greece and abroad, having many times been awarded for his exceptional service. To conclude, he was in the crew of the destroyer ship “Georgios Averov”, which transported the exiled Greek Government back to Greece. The awarding ceremony prefaced the Journalist/Political Scientist Mr. Theodoros Psalidopoulos. Mr. Psalidopoulos in a touching speech praised the virtues of the awardee and numbered three (3) fundamental reasons, why he believes that such a gesture is of particular importance. First of all for his contribution as one of the Founding Members of G.A.A.E.C., a Non-Governmental Organization true to its purpose for unbiased and democratic dialogue. Second, praising the virtues of Bravery and selfless Patriotism that led him to escape Greece and aid the fight against the German Occupation. And last but not least, such an award also symbolizes the contribution of the Hellenic Navy into the Historical Resilience, leading to the victory against the Nazism threat. Keynote Speaker: Dimitrios Vitsas, Deputy Minister of National Defense The award to the Admiral Mr. Mitsakos delivered the Deputy Minister of National Defense, Mr. Dimitrios Vitsas, sealing with his remarks the end of the 25th Annual International Symposium of G.A.A.E.C. Mr. Vitsas, offered his critique on the European Institutional context, which according to him is lacking the sufficient crisis resolution mechanisms. Moreover he underscored the paradox of increased military challenges into an era of deep economic recession and austerity policies. To conclude he proposed further “investment” into military Education, stratification, availability and logistical support in order Greece to maintain its significant military quality, highlighting the important role of the Council of Defense Research Technology in industry into shaping the Greek Defense Industrial Strategy. Finally, reflecting on the values of patriotism and bravery upon the awardee, he expressed his appreciation to the servicemen and servicewomen for their contribution towards safer and secure citizens of the Hellenic Republic.   Kristo Doni, University of Piraeus Konstantina Psomodoti, University of Peloponnese  

MEDays, an international forum hosted in Tangier, Morocco's gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean, organized by the Amadeus Institute. MEDays Forum is a strategic platform for strengthening relations between the Northern and Southern countries, more precisely with the Maghreb, Mediterranean, African and Arab regions. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3O9lBKs_fI[/embed] ATA Secretary General delivered a speech on European and Middle East cooperation on counterterrorism in the Panel titled “The World under Terror: Building a New Intelligence and Defence Policy Model”.

FORWARD RESILIENCE: PROTECTING SOCIETY IN AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD Organized by the Atlantic Treaty Association in cooperation with the European Policy Centre, The Johns Hopkins University SAIS Center for Transatlantic Relations. The notion of ‘resilience’, in terms of a states capacity to anticipate, pre-empt and resolve disruptive challenges to vital societal functions, is gaining currency in European and Euro-Atlantic security policy discussions. The Conferenced focused on the EU and NATO engagement on resilience and their cooperation in that area of interest for both organizations. During the conference was launched the policy study “Forward Resilience: Protecting Society” in an Interconnected World conducted by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Transatlantic Relations, together with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the Swedish Atlantic Council and the Finnish Ministry of Defense. Moderator:  Giovanni GREVI Senior Fellow, European Policy Centre Speakers: Tim MANNING Deputy Administrator, US Federal Emergency Management Agency Lorenz MEYER-MINNEMANN Head, Civil Preparedness, NATO International Staff Eva-Maria ENGDAHL Head of Sector, Protection Crisis Management and Terrorism European Commission DG Migration and Home Affair Axel HAGELSTAM Counsellor, Civil Emergency Planning; Mission of Finland to NATO Vice-Chair, NATO Civil Protection Group Daniel HAMILTON Lead Author/Project Leader, Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Professor Executive Director, Johns Hopkins University SAIS Center for Transatlantic Relations

NATO – EU COOPERATION  AFTER THE WARSAW SUMMIT:  COUNTERING HYBRID WARFARE

Brussels, European Parliament, 16 November 2016, 16.15h  In coordination with  ATLANTIC TREATY ASSOCIATION and MUST & PARTNERS  Supported by  NATO PUBLIC DIPLOMACY DIVISION

PHOTO GALLERY PODCAST [audio mp3="http://atahq.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Audio-NATO-EU-Cooperation-Conference.mp3"][/audio] FRAMEWORK The current international security environment features new threats and challenges for both NATO and EU member countries, enhancing the need for greater partnership and cooperation between these organizations. With particular reference to the NATO Warsaw Summit and the recent NATO-EU Joint Declaration along with their standing agreements on cyber security, this conference will focus on how both organizations can best use their existing resources to develop a cooperative security strategy that will effectively counter the ongoing threat of Hybrid Warfare. OUTCOME This conference brought together experts, policy makers, officials, and industry representatives to analyze the impact and recent progress from the NATO-EU Joint Declaration and how the Warsaw Summit has enhanced NATO-EU cooperation. With a particular emphasis on resilience and the key areas where NATO-EU cooperation yields the highest added value, panelists and participants outlined a list of best practices for both institutions and the private sector that outlined a clear strategy of implementation for the NATO-EU Joint Declaration in areas where cooperation can be complementary. SEIZING MOMENTUM: HOW TO ADVANCE NATO-EU COOPERATION ON HYBRID WARFARE The NATO-EU Joint Declaration constitutes an “important milestone” and a unique opportunity to enhance cooperation between both organizations. At present, the Euro-Atlantic community must cope with threats and challenges originating with unprecedented speed from the East as well as from the South. Terrorism, cyber warfare, energy security and the refugee crisis, are among the most critical issues that need to be effectively addressed by an enhanced multilateral cooperation. The strengthening of NATO-EU cooperation is indeed key in countering Hybrid Warfare. To this end, reinforcing European defense industry by increasing the public-private partnership is a fundamental step. Panelists will debate on the way to address these threats and the opportunity to enhance practical cooperation in the new complex security environment. Welcome Remarks Michael GAHLER, MEP, Group of the European People's Party, Federal Republic of Germany Speech available here. Moderator Julian LINDLEY-FRENCH, Vice President, Atlantic Treaty Association Opening Address John MAAS, Senior Military Advisor, CMPD, European External Action Service Introduction Fabrizio W. LUCIOLLI, President of the Atlantic Treaty Association Speech available here. Key Note Address H.E. Amb. Tacan ILDEM, Assistant Secretary General, Public Diplomacy Division, NATO Speech available here. Remarks Andreas SCHWAB, MEP, Group of the European People's Party, Federal Republic of Germany Sarah TARRY, Head of Operational Preparedness Section, NATO Speech available here. Roland VAN REYBROECK, Director Cooperation Planning & Support, European Defence Agency Massimo CAPPELLI, Operations Planning Manager Global Cyber Security Center Speech available here. Jerzy BUZEK, MEP, Group of the European People's Party, Poland Avi Abraham BACHAR, Founder & CEO IsraTeam 98 LTD Conversation with the Experts Securing Cyberspace from Hybrid Threats David LUENGO, Director, INDRA Securing Energy Supply by Protecting Routes and Infrastructure Carlo BIFFANI, CEO, Security Consulting Group, Italy Concluding Remarks Julian LINDLEY-FRENCH, Vice President, Atlantic Treaty Association  

The “Impact of global security challenges on Europe and Western Balkans and ways to cope” Conference outlines the global security challenges on Europe and Western Balkans and how the European Union should address the following problems. ATA provided two speakers for the conference and ATA’s President gave the opening speech outlining the mechanisms by which problems should be addressed, improving regional cooperation, and integration strategies.

On the occasion of the distinguished visit of the Minister of Interior of Morocco, Mr. Mohamed Hassad, ATA facilitated a panel discussion in partnership with the European Parliament among various MEP’s, NATO officials and distinguished guests to highlight the areas of mutual cooperation between Morocco and different EU & NATO members. ATA Secretary General moderated the discussion while ATA President Fabrizio Luciolli provided remarks as a panellist. The presentations provided focused on the role of Moroccan authorities in facing the increasing threat environment within the Euro-Atlantic and MENA regions, namely, the ongoing challenge of radical jihadi terrorism and the spread of ISIS combined with a continued migration crisis. ATA SG Remarks is available here.

On October7th, the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) in partnership with the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center and NATO-Ukraine Civic League, and with the support of NATO Public Diplomacy Division, organized a conference “Counter-balancing Information War in Ukraine” held in Odesa Province State Administration. The conference gathered regional key stakeholders to discuss the influence of pro-separatist propaganda in local media and design an effective strategy to promote media objectiveness. The conference gathered participants from local media, representatives of Odesa Province State Administration, local NGOs, civil society activists, professors of political science and journalism, volunteers engaged in an active debate on the topic. The conference culminated with the briefing given by Odesa Governor’s deputy and advisors, who shared their insights on the steps which should be taken in order to promote media objectiveness in the Odesa region.

Speakers

Dmytro Raiskyi – Ukraine Project Manager at the Atlantic Treaty Association Serhiy Dzherdzh – Head of the NATO-Ukraine Civic League Tetyana Kolosova – Project Manager at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center Yulia Marushevskaya – Odesa Governor’s Deputy Yulia Kurokhtina – Odesa Governor’s Advisor Solomiya Bobrovskaya – Odesa Governor’s Advisor Olekasndr Salabay – Official Representative of Ukraine’s State Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting Iryna Matsishina – Professor of Journalism at Mechikov State University Svitlana Bondar – Professor of Journalism at Mechnikov State University Inna Tereschenko – Conflict Studies Expert at Odesa State Mediation Group Pavlo Kolotvin – Director of Odesa Institute of Political Information Tetyana Kryvosheya – Candidate of Social Science, Ukraine Peacekeeping School

---

   

MEDIA COVERAGE 

  Odesskiy Oblasnoi Telekanal (TV channel) Krug (TV Channel) http://krug.com.ua/news/24881 Grad (TV Channel) http://grad.ua/programmy-tv/tv-novosti/60928-novosti-07102015.html Vazhno (web-based news portal) http://vazhno.com.ua/news/2015/10/07/mezhdunarodnaya-konferentsiya-protiv-informatsionnoy-voyni-proshla-v-odesse/ Informer (web-based news portal) http://informer.od.ua/news/v-odesse-proshel-seminar-po-problemam-informacionnoj-bezopasnosti-pod-egidoj-nato/ Topor (web-based news portal) http://topor.od.ua/v-odesse-obsudili-problem-informatsionnoy-voyn/ Timer Odesa (web-based news portal) https://timer-odessa.net/news/v_odesskoy_oga_soveschalis_o_tom_kak_pobedit_putina_890.html Ukrpohliad (web-based news portal) http://ukrpohliad.org/news/v-odesi-obgovoryly-strategiyu-protydiyi-rosijskij-informatsijnij-agresiyi.html Printed Press: SP-Press, Dumskaya Gazette, Slovo Prodnestroviya, Odesskiy Vestnik, Ukrainskyi Poglyad