NATO marks 75th anniversary in Brussels ceremony

NATO has marked its 75th anniversary with a ceremony at the organization's headquarters in Brussels.

‌Officials and foreign ministers came together to mark the occasion. It provided a chance to reflect on the history of the defensive alliance, and reaffirm its goals for the decades ahead.

The man in charge used the occasion to promote his belief in greater unity between NATO members.

In a speech, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said:

"Through NATO, the United States has more friends and more allies than any other major power. I don't believe in America alone, just as I don't believe in Europe alone. I believe in America and Europe together in NATO, because we are stronger and safer together."

A history of expansion

NATO was founded with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington DC in 1949.

It aimed to provide members with collective security against the perceived threat of the Soviet Union. Central to that aim is Article 5, which states that an attack against one member is an attack against all.

NATO quickly grew bigger than its 12 founding nations. In 1952 Greece and Turkiye joined, and last month, Sweden became the 32nd member country.

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The years may pass, but the reasons behind NATO's formation continue to drive the organization's expansion.

Ukraine's foreign minister was at the summit in Brussels, keen to secure long term commitments in the face of political uncertainty… especially if Donald Trump regains the White House.

NATO is now seeking greater control in the coordination of aid and weapons for Ukraine. But the plan isn't universally popular, as some fear it's too aggressive.

‌Behind-the-scenes discussions to reach an agreement have already started, ahead of the NATO leaders summit in Washington DC in July.

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