EU, NATO sign declaration on cooperation

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) signed the third Joint Declaration on cooperation on Tuesday that aims to further expand their strategic partnership collaboration and strengthen collective European defense, reported Xinhua.

"We have just signed the third EU-NATO joint declaration ... This is more important than ever," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference following the signing ceremony at the military alliance's headquarters in Brussels.

The declaration was signed by European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who lauded the agreement, saying it will deepen the already excellent cooperation between the Union and the alliance.

Von der Leyen stated that Europe's security was "challenged" and "under threat" by the conflict in Ukraine.

She warned that the EU will impose new sanctions on Belarus and extend measures to those countries that support Russia.

Stoltenberg emphasized that the transatlantic partnership and support for Ukraine will continue to strengthen in 2023.

He highlighted the importance of the declaration, stressing the crucial role of NATO in Euro-Atlantic security. He noted that this declaration builds upon two previous joint declarations in 2016 and 2018.

Stoltenberg touched upon the prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO, stating that this would result in the alliance protecting 96 percent of EU citizens.