NATO Secretary General and President Macron discuss Madrid Summit preparations

Mr Stoltenberg and Mr Macron stressed the importance of NATO’s next Strategic Concept, which will be adopted by leaders in Madrid and will drive the Alliance’s future adaptation. At the Summit, which will take place from 28-30 June, Allied leaders will also take decisions to further bolster NATO deterrence and defence and support Ukraine for the longer term. Leaders are also set to discuss Finland and Sweden’s historic applications for NATO membership, and will meet with other close partners, including Ukraine, Georgia, and the European Union.

Secretary General Stoltenberg commended France for its key role in NATO. France leads NATO’s new battlegroup in Romania and contributes to battlegroups in Estonia and Lithuania, helping to deter any aggression against Allies. France has also deployed fighter jets for patrols over the eastern part of the Alliance, while the Charles de Gaulle carrier group helps to secure the Mediterranean. Mr Stoltenberg also thanked President Macron for France’s role in nuclear deterrence, and for leading by example on defence spending, the fight against terrorism, and further deepening NATO’s cooperation with the European Union.

French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna and Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu also participated in the meeting.