NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a meeting of the Party of European Socialists (PES) on Thursday (23 March 2023), where he emphasised the importance of continuing to support Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression, both now and for the long term.
Mr Stoltenberg outlined that sustaining support for Ukraine will involve ramping up production of weapons and ammunition, engaging with industry, and advancing joint procurement efforts. He stressed that he expected NATO Allies to agree an ambitious new defence investment pledge at the Vilnius Summit in July, with 2% of GDP as a minimum to be invested in defence.
The Secretary General welcomed progress on Finland and Sweden's path to NATO membership, including the upcoming ratification of Finland's accession by Hungary and Türkiye. He further reiterated his strong commitment to ensuring that Sweden's accession is also finalised as soon as possible.
The PES is meeting in Brussels ahead of the European Council. It brings together heads of state and government and other high-level political actors from the socialist, social democratic, labour and democratic parties in Europe.
