NATO Parliamentary Assembly

The #NATOPA concluded its Spring Session. 🔹Hosted by the National Assembly of Bulgaria in Sofia, the session gathered around 190 lawmakers from the 32-nation NATO Alliance and its broad network of partners. 🔹The Session focused on Allied unity, firmly rooted in shared democratic values, the Assembly’s unwavering support for #Ukraine until victory and beyond, and NATO’s ongoing adaptation to the strategic reality of war in Europe. 🔹Two declarations were adopted.  - Declaration 489: Standing with Ukraine until victory ➡ https://lnkd.in/eQM2yWp9 - Declaration 490: shaping NATO for the next generations at the Washington Summit ➡https://lnkd.in/eN6VRa_C -Watch the plenary sitting ➡https://lnkd.in/e3x4rZ9Z 🔹During the plenary, members heard from with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on stepping up support to Ukraine. 🔹The plenary sitting marked Jens Stoltenberg’s last of what has been many addresses to the Assembly. NATO PA President Michal Szczerba presented him with an award for Outstanding Service to the Alliance. Full conclusions here ➡https://lnkd.in/ejyE4Nz2 Photos of the session ➡https://lnkd.in/ecqRYnZb

#NATOPASofia concluded with legislators stressing the critical need for unity and determination in shaping #NATO's future for generations to come. 🔹Leaders were urged to reaffirm their commitment to collective security and endorse #Ukraine's path towards membership. 🔹Emphasising the importance of military investment, legislators called for continued steps to meet the 2% GDP pledge for national military budgets. 🔹Recognising the ongoing threat from Russia, NATO leaders were urged to step up military assistance to Ukraine and develop a long-term strategy to counter the Russian threat in all dimensions. Read the full press release here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ehCXaxqd

At today's #NATOPASofia plenary sitting, #NATO legislators were urged to speed crucial weapon deliveries to #Ukraine to fight #Russia's aggression . Key takeaways: 🔹 The #Alliance called for lifting restrictions on the use of weapons provided by Allies against military targets inside Russia. 🔹 The upcoming #NATOSummit in Washington should enhance the Alliance's role in long-term military assistance for Ukraine. 🔹 Legislators emphasised that the Summit must send firm support for Ukraine until victory and beyond, and advance Ukraine’s NATO membership path. Read the full press release here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eFvNd6CP

🎖️ Today, at the #NATOPA Spring Session in Sofia, we honoured NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Award for Outstanding Service to the Alliance. His exceptional leadership is guiding #NATO and its #Allies through the most in-depth transformation of its collective defence since the end of the #ColdWar, and ensuring NATO stands firmly with #Ukraine on its irreversible path towards NATO. Under his leadership, NATO has grown stronger and more united. NATO PA thanks Jens Stoltenberg for his unwavering dedication and support.

Today's #NATOPASofia key highlights on global challenges and strategies for #NATO #Allies: 🔹NATO was urged to strengthen ties with the #GlobalSouth to resist rising Russian and Chinese influence, emphasising cooperation on security threats and practical concerns like food security and job creation. 🔹Protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones, including the development of comprehensive policies, robust legislation, and integration of protection principles into security forces' education and training were prioritised. 🔹The panel addressed conflict-related sexual violence, stressing the need for policies promoting gender equality, protecting civilians, and ensuring justice for survivors. 🔹Tackling water insecurity and its implications for social, economic, and military resilience, urging reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, national response capacity development, and resource allocation for disaster preparedness was emphasised. Read the full press release here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eWht3-CB

As #NATO prepares for its 75th anniversary summit, day 2 of #NATOPASofia, urged the #Alliance to strengthen long-term support for #Ukraine and boost capabilities against threats from Russia and global security challenges. Key highlights: 🔹Members stressed the necessity of reinforcing NATO’s defense and deterrence strategies and extending support to #Ukraine. 🔹Legislators said NATO's upcoming Washington Summit must step up support for Ukraine until victory and beyond. 🔹European nations should increase defense spending to ensure tangible military capability enhancements. 🔹NATO should increase engagement with #Moldova, #Georgia, and #BosniaHerzegovina to address threats to democratic institutions. Read the full press release here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eq8GSJdD

On day 1 of #NATOPASofia, #NATO Allies were urged to step up cooperation with democratic partners from the #WesternBalkans to the #AsiaPacific, countering efforts by authoritarian powers to extend their global influence and challenge the rules-based international order. Key highlights: 🔹The Assembly focused on challenges from 🇷🇺 and 🇨🇳 including efforts to undermine Allied unity and prevent #EuroAtlantic consolidation. 🔹To prevent rivals acquiring sensitive military technologies, Allies should call on to tighten trade restrictions, enhance counter-espionage measures, and implement secondary sanctions to stop backdoor supplies. 🔹Allies were encouraged to develop ethical #AI standards, engage with external stakeholders, and support innovation to maintain technological superiority in the military sphere. 🔹Lawmakers urged stronger ties with #IndoPacific partners to support democratic governance; they recommended a NATO liaison office in #Japan, enhanced tech and cyber cooperation, and joint military training to underpin regional stability. Read the full press release here ⬇️

#NATOPASofia in focus today: 🔹 NATO Allies were urged to urgently increase military, financial, and diplomatic support for #Ukraine to counter Russian aggression, emphasising the immediate need for weapons and enhanced training programs. 🔹 Reports highlighted Ukraine's critical needs for air defence systems, precision long-range weapons, artillery, tanks, and ammunition, and called for boosting defense industrial production to meet these demands. 🔹 NATO Allies were asked to tighten and enforce sanctions on #Russia, with consideration for secondary sanctions on non-compliant countries, and diplomatic efforts intensified to reduce strategic trade with Russia. 🔹 Discussions focused on the need to modernise and strengthen NATO’s air and missile defenses, requiring increased defence spending and integration of systems from various national suppliers. Read the full press release here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e--Kz9fE

#NATOPASofia kicks off tomorrow bringing together #Allied legislators from the 32 #NATO nations and partner countries to exchange on pressing issues at the forefront of the Euro-Atlantic defence and security agenda. Welcome message from #NATOPA President, Michał Szczerba ahead of the session. 🔗 Full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eaRBkVGw

As we kick off #NATOPASofia Spring Session this weekend, Daniel Mitov, head of the Bulgarian Delegation to the #NATOPA, extends a warm welcome to all members with a special video message. 🇧🇬also celebrate its 20th anniversary in #NATO, marking two decades of commitment to democracy and collective security. "During all these years, our country has proven to be a reliable NATO ally, contributing to the common security of over 1 billion people in 32 countries, one of which we are proud to be #Bulgaria."