On 29th-30th June 2022 the heads of states and governments of the EU Member States met with NATO representatives during the Madrid Summit in order reinforce their aligned geopolitical interests in the face of global challenges.

The achievements of this reenforced partnership are notable:

· EU and NATO remain truly like-minded partners against the common threats and in line with common values.

· The reinforced transatlantic partnership will be enlarged by Finland and Sweden.

· The alliance is sharpened by a plan to strengthen the technological edge of its partners: the newly NATO Innovation Fund will develop start-up solutions most needed for collective defence in the EU and it the world.

· A stronger European defence -coupled with the Strategic Compass adopted in March 2022 and in close cooperation with NATO- means a stronger positioning against the Russian aggressions and strengthening the Eastern flank.

Thomas Sohst, President of the CESI expert commission ‘Defence’, reiterates: ‘In light of the NATO Madrid Summit and of the adoption of EU Strategic Compass, the Member States´ national armed forces need to be modernised and reinforced. More investments are required, not only looking for material, but also for the workforce. Quite a big challenge – but it has to be done!’