NATO’s core task is to preserve peace, to prevent conflict, and to protect our people. We do this by delivering strong deterrence and defence, by working closely with partners around the world, and by keeping the bond between Europe and North America rock-solid.

Analyse

The statement aligns with **Article 5** (collective defense) and **Article 4** (consultation) of the **North Atlantic Treaty (1949)**, as well as NATO’s **2022 Strategic Concept**, which emphasizes **deterrence, defense, and transatlantic unity** as central pillars. Stoltenberg’s mention of **global partnerships** (e.g., via the **Partnership for Peace** or **NATO 2030 initiative**) and the **Europe-North America bond** is consistent with NATO’s post-Cold War expansion and its repeated emphasis on cohesion, including in speeches and official documents. No contradictory evidence from NATO’s own sources or member states exists to undermine this characterization.

Achtergrond

NATO was founded in 1949 as a **collective defense alliance** to counter Soviet threats, but its mission has evolved to include **crisis management** (e.g., Balkans, Afghanistan) and **cooperative security** with non-member partners. The **2010 and 2022 Strategic Concepts** explicitly reaffirm deterrence, defense, and transatlantic solidarity as core priorities, while also addressing emerging challenges like cyber threats and hybrid warfare. Stoltenberg, as Secretary General (2014–2023), frequently reiterated these themes in speeches and press conferences.

Samenvatting verdict

Jens Stoltenberg’s 2019 statement accurately reflects NATO’s officially declared **core tasks** as outlined in its foundational treaties, strategic concepts, and public communications.

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