| Public Discussion „NATO’s Future: A Baltic View” |
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Programme. June 1, 2010International Exhibition Centre “Ķīpsala” Ķīpsalas str. 8, Riga 14:30 – 14:35 Opening speech by Mrs. Vaira Paegle, Head of the Latvian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Video link with Vilnius and Tallinn 14:35 – 16:15 PANEL DISCUSSION I: What Baltics Expect from NATO’s New Strategic Concept? The last ten years have seen tremendous changes in the international security environment. The nature of threats has changed as well as the meaning of collective defence and deterrence in today’s environment. As NATO’s new Strategic Concept will guide the Alliance’s activities in the coming years, it is crucial that it accommodates security concerns of all the Allies. What are the concerns of the Baltic States? What should not NATO’s new Strategic Concept omit? Moderator: Dr. Andres Kasekamp, Director, Estonian Foreign Policy Institute Video link with Vilnius and Tallinn 16:15 – 16:45 Light dinner (snacks) 16:45 – 18:15 PANEL DISCUSSION II: Afghanistan – NATO’s solidarity test? The Baltic States are among the highest contributors to the NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan on a per capita basis, sending their troops without any caveats to places where they are most needed. Although the economies of the Baltic States have been hit hard by the global financial crisis, they continue to fulfill their commitments in Afghanistan. The reason for this is the need to uphold the principle of solidarity which is the bedrock of NATO. Experts warn that lack of solidarity among the Allies in Afghanistan might lead to NATO’s first operational failure. What should be done to prevent collective failure of will in the Alliance? How can we strengthen our unity and solidarity in order to achieve greater security and protection of our values? Moderator: Dr. Atis Lejiņš, Honorary Director of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs Video link with Vilnius and Tallinn |