Panel XVII, titled “Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum! NATO’s Defence Policy on the Eastern Flank,” was chaired by Lieutenant General (Ret.) Vasile TOADER, Member of Scientific Council of New Strategy Center, and former Deputy Chief of Defence of Romania, and included the following discussants: Mr. Angus LAPSLEY, NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Defence Policy and Planning from the UK, General Gheorghiță VLAD, Chief of Defence of Romania, General Dimitrios CHOUPIS, Chief of National Defence General Staff of Greece, Major General John MEAD, acting as Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, and Mr. Stephen COVINGTON, Strategic and International Affairs Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

The speakers provided valuable insights about the upcoming NATO Summit, addressing the topic of supporting Ukraine by all means, future investments in military capabilities and ammunition, several commitments to increasing the security of the Alliance, and joint planning to ensure interoperability and cooperation among its members. Remarkably, the example of NATO’s New Strategic Concept was evoked. Under its umbrella, military exercises such as Swift Response 24 and Steadfast Defender 24 were conducted with the participation of Romania as well. Additionally, clarifications about regional planning were provided along with the elements of NATO’s Asymmetry: out-fight, out-think, out-pace, out-excel, and out-partner.