NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg received the Center for European Policy Analysis' (CEPA) 2021 Transatlantic Leadership Award on Wednesday (29 September 2021), given in recognition of his ''tireless dedication to advancing our common values and investing in the next generation of Atlanticists''. In a pre-recorded address, Mr. Stoltenberg thanked CEPA for its work to support transatlantic cooperation and resilience, stressing that the bond between Europe and North America remains ''vital for peace and security''.
Pointing to the unpredictable security environment, the Secretary General underlined the importance of "strengthening NATO as the indispensable forum for all issues that affect our security", adding that this is at the core of the NATO 2030 agenda and decisions taken at the Brussels Summit in June. He praised Allied efforts to reinforce their collective defence, increase defence investment, including in new technologies, and enhance their resilience. He further stressed NATO's key role to defend the international rules-based order, including through enhanced cooperation with like-minded nations and organisations around the world. NATO's next Strategic Concept, to be approved at the 2022 Summit in Madrid, will "chart a common course forward and recommit Allies to stand together", Mr. Stoltenberg concluded.
The other recipients of CEPA's 2021 Transatlantic Leadership Award were U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken; and the Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla.
