New Challenges - Better Capabilities

NATO Defence ministers will open the discussion on the issue of defence budgets that face unprecedented pressure in numerous countries based on the financial and economic crisis. Defence budgets are the first to be cut down, when it comes to reducing of public finances. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen assumes that the Bratislava meeting and the conference will at least partially give an answer to the questions of defence financing and common missions.

„The lack of money is a major problem. In fact we are short of means to meet the requirements regarding our operations and capabilities what makes the present situation unbearable“, as put by Rasmussen at press conference a few days ago. Furthermore, according to him, this issue is going to be of the key importance at the Bratislava meeting: „The gap between requirements on one side and the resources on the other is permanently deepening. This gap has to be bridged as soon as possible. Together with defence ministers we will be seeking to find the way to solve the situation by savings or profound re-evaluation of priorities. “ The conference „New Challenges-Better Capabilities“ will provide the space to the issue of European defence budgets that will be discussed by Slovenian Defence Minister Ljubica Jelušič and other experts coming from both sides of the Atlantic. The discussion will be moderated by esteemed journalist from the British Financial Times, Quentin Peel.

In number of cases as much as 80% defence budget resources is dedicated to maintenance of outdated and redundant structures and capabilities. The absence of the projects for modernization that would make European armies smaller in size, more flexible, professional and most of all less expensive and effective. Insufficient financing of European armies is not a brand new problem; the financial crisis has thereby made it even more visible. On the other hand it does not have solely a negative effect. The pressure which is being posed towards the defence budgets could urge restructuring that would otherwise not be accomplished.

Decline in European defence capabilities as well as the readiness to send soldiers abroad could have a negative effect on transatlantic links, what was indirectly suggested by Rasmussen: „In these difficult times, the US have to know and feel, that the alliance keeps together and contributes collectively. Unless we convince the United States that we are ready to share the burden of responsibility, there is a risk that large part of the US population will question Europe as an indeed security partner.“ 

Just a few hours prior to official opening of the Ministerial Meeting, the floor of the Slovak Atlantic Commission will be given to Rasmussen to take the advantage of this unique security conference „New challenges – better capabilities“ and to present his message to wider international community and media. Besides hundreds of honoured guests the conference will be broadcasted via Internet and TV networks to the domestic and international audience.

Bratislava, 20.9.2009
Slovak Atlantic Commission
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