EU's non-NATO members encouraged to take part in joint initiatives

EU's non-NATO members encouraged to take part in joint initiatives
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"Authoritarian actors challenge our interests, values and democratic principles using political, economic, technological and military means," a joint declaration by EU and NATO officials has said.

Top official of the European Union and NATO pledged on Tuesday to enhance their cooperation at a press conference in Brussels, following a joint EU-NATO declaration.

The press conference was attended by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

"The NATO-EU strategic partnership is founded on our shared values, our determination to tackle common challenges and our unequivocal commitment to promote and safeguard peace, freedom and prosperity in the Euro-Atlantic area, " the joint declaration stated.

Without naming particular states, it warned of "authoritarian actors," saying:

"Authoritarian actors challenge our interests, values and democratic principles using multiple means – political, economic, technological and military."

Stressing that NATO "remains the foundation of collective defense for its allies and essential for Euro Atlantic security," it continued:

"As the security threats and challenges we are confronted with are evolving in scope and magnitude, we will take our partnership to the next level on the basis of our long-standing cooperation."

It concluded:

"In signing this declaration we will take the NATO-EU partnership forward in close consultation and cooperation with all NATO Allies and EU Member States (...) We encourage the fullest possible involvement of the EU members that are not part of the Alliance in its initiatives."