On 17th November, the Italian Delegation to NATO co-hosted, together with the US Delegation and the support of the German Marshall Fund in Brussels, an Away Day on the threats emanating from the Southern Flank and the related implications in terms of response by the Atlantic Alliance. A day of reflections and debates which, through a well-structured programme, involved the North Atlantic Council, the Deputy Permanent Representatives of Allied countries, as well as high-level officials of NATO International Staff and International Military Staff. A qualified group of experts outside NATO participated in the panel of the event, which took place at the Residence of the Italian Ambassador in Belgium. In his role of co-host, the Ambassador highlighted the significant position of Italy in the debate on security issues in the MENA region.
The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg opened the proceedings, which were subdivided into three panels. The first one was related to the so-called “mega-trends” – security, policy, economic-social issues in the region – with the contribution of significant speakers from Partner countries. The second panel was focused on the challenges and threats posed by this scenario for the Euro-Atlantic security. The third panel was aimed at identifying the possible responses by NATO. Afterwards, during a North Atlantic Council working lunch, participants had a chance to further examine the issues discussed during the seminar, with a particular emphasis on the current debate on Alliance’s strategic adaptation to the South.
