BELGIUM–(ENEWSPF)–2 February 2012. NATO Defence Ministers discussed in Brussels ways to make a maximum use of limited financial resources in times of economic austerity. At their first working sessions, NATO Defence Ministers gave their support to the goal to achieve a maximum effect and efficiency with funds allocated to defence, by cooperating more on multinational initiatives.
“Allies are discussing a number of projects which will deliver real improvements and make maximum use of the limited resources we have”, the Secretary General said. “By the time we meet in Chicago, I would expect us to have political agreement on a significant number of projects, as well as an approach for a longer term approach, which sees Smart Defence at the hub of the way we do business.”
Ministers agreed to look into areas where Smart Defence would make a difference, including surveillance and reconnaissance, logistics and training. They decided to continue working towards a longer term approach to Smart Defence by prioritising, specialising and identifying more projects suitable for enduring cooperation on key Alliance priorities.
Defence Ministers also reviewed progress on the NATO reform agenda, designed to make the Alliance more flexible, more effective and more efficient while implementing important manpower and financial savings for NATO and for nations.
Source: nato.int
