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EU-NATO cooperation in the context of transatlantic relations (short presentation)
The report on the EU-NATO cooperation in the context of transatlantic relations could not be timely. Europe and North America face multiple common threats – threats to our democracies, climate change, pandemics, terrorism as well as challenges linked to cyber and hybrid threats. I would like to underline also information manipulation and coordinated disinformation campaigns, on which am preparing the report for the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union. All These challenges require a united and cooperative transatlantic approach bringing together our institutions and Members. A truly strategic EU-NATO partnership is essential to pool our strengths and foster our shared resilience. It is particularly important for Latvia and other Baltic states, which are facing the hybrid warfare, directed by revisionist Russia. Therefore, I fully welcome the call of the report for much more enhanced and strategic cooperation across Euro-Atlantic space. However, the transatlantic community can only protect its citizens if we live up to commitments and ensure adequate resources to deal with the known challenges. I also believe that the military competencies of NATO and the EU and expertise are complementary to address common challenges.