In June 2020, in response to the evolving international security environment and questions about its relevance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched the NATO 2030 initiative. The COVID‑19 pandemic, the growing prevalence of disinformation, Russia’s military activities, the rise of China, and growing threats to democracy and human rights were among the trends prompting NATO to initiate this strategic reflection. Designed to strengthen NATO and its capacity to adapt quickly to emerging security challenges, the initiative is now progressing in the context of Russia’s most recent invasion of Ukraine, which NATO has characterized as “the gravest threat to Euro‑Atlantic security in decades.”
Part of the NATO 2030 initiative is a NATO 2030 agenda comprising eight proposals aimed at reinforcing NATO in various ways, including by deepening political consultations, strengthening deterrence and defence, enhancing resilience and combatting climate change. The proposals were informed by discussions among the NATO countries, and by consultations with civil society organizations, youth groups, the private sector, and an independent reflection group comprising 10 experts appointed by NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. As a founding country of NATO and active contributor to NATO’s operations, Canada has consistently stated and demonstrated its support for both the initiative and the agenda.
One of the NATO 2030 agenda’s proposals concerns the development of NATO’s next Strategic Concept, a guiding document that provides a security assessment and outlines NATO’s values and purpose. Set to be adopted by the NATO leaders at their June 2022 summit, the next Strategic Concept is expected to address current threats and challenges, as well as the re-emergence of geopolitical competition. The current security environment in Europe will also affect the next Strategic Concept, and guide NATO’s future political and military development.
Read the full text of the HillStudy: The NATO 2030 Initiative: Overview and Implications for Canada
By Anne-Marie Therrien-Tremblay, Library of Parliament
Categories: Executive summary, International affairs and defence