NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg farewell speech and conversation - September 19, 2024

Speech by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the German Marshall Fund event "Reflections on a Challenging Decade", 19 September 2024.
Speaking at an event hosted by the German Marshall Fund on Thursday (19 September 2024), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg shared five key lessons for NATO’s continued success following a decisive decade at the helm of NATO.
As part of his farewell speech, Mr Stoltenberg underlined the importance of continuing to increase defence spending and ensuring robust economic relations among Allies. He highlighted NATO’s steadfast support for Ukraine and how crucial this will be in helping to bring an end to Russia’s war. Reflecting on NATO’s experience in Afghanistan, the Secretary General also underlined on the need to clearly define the objectives of any future military operations beyond NATO’s borders.
Mr Stoltenberg concluded his speech by emphasising the importance of the transatlantic bond between Europe and North America, highlighting that “investing in the transatlantic relationship is the only winning way forward.”