NATO is preparing for its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, where leaders are expected to approve the alliance’s first comprehensive defence plans since the end of the Cold War. The plans, which run to 4,000 classified pages, have been developed by Chris Cavoli, the American general who serves as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The plans include regional strategies for the north, centre, and south, as well as sub-plans for space, cyber operations, and special forces. The main focus of the plans is deterrence, with Russia being a significant threat, but also with attention given to terrorist groups.
The summit will also address other important issues, such as Ukraine’s desire to join NATO and the alliance’s relationship with Asia. Ukraine is seeking detailed and substantial guarantees of long-term aid, and it remains to be seen how the allies will respond. Turkey’s veto of Sweden’s accession to NATO is another sticking point that will need to be addressed. Additionally, there are divisions within the alliance over how to respond to China’s increasing impact on European security, with a disagreement over whether to open a NATO office in Tokyo.
The planned overhaul of NATO’s military machinery is seen as the most significant item on the agenda. The defence reforms have been developed by General Chris Cavoli and include extensive regional plans and sub-plans for various threats. The primary goal of the plans is deterrence, particularly against Russia, but also against terrorist groups. The summit in Vilnius will be a crucial moment for NATO as it seeks to adapt to new security challenges and demonstrate its ability to effectively respond to them.
