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A N N U A L R E P O R T

R E P O R T B Y

T H E A T L A N T I C T R E A T Y A S S O C I A T I O N

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A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8

A publication of

Atlantic Treaty Association Club Prince Albert

Rue des Petits Carmes, 20-24 B-1000 Bruxelles Tel: +32 2 502 31 60

Email: secretariat@atahq.org Web: www.atahq.org

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CONTENTS

MISSION & VISION

FOREWORDS ATA President

ATA Secretary General

NATO PUBLICATION

GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUCHAREST

ATA MEMBERS Albania Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria

Canada Croatia Estonia Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Israel

Italy Lithuania Montenegro Netherlands

North Macedonia Norway

Portugal Romania Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Ukraine

United States (US)

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MISSION & VISION

The Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) is an organization of 37 national chapters that, since 1954, has been conducting research, analyses, training, education, and information activities on foreign policy, security and defense issues relevant to the Atlantic Alliance.

Relying on its extended and highly qualified network, ATA produces top- notch knowledge on strategic themes and promotes a variety of programs and events. ATA initiatives draw together government and institutional authorities, political leaders, decision-makers, diplomats, civilian and military officers, academics, economic actors, media representatives, as well as young professionals and researchers, in an effort to further a cooperative approach to security and international relations.

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ATA has established cooperation programs with likeminded organizations in countries of the NATO Partnership for Peace, Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. ATA also engages likeminded partners in countries and regional entities which are not part of NATO formal partnership frameworks. ATA outreach extends to CentralEastern Europe and the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the broader Middle East region, the Caucasus and Asia.

ATA attributes special relevance to the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA), with a view to preparing the new generation of Atlanticist leaders to face the challenges and threats of the present and future security scenario. YATA organizes seminars, training courses and study visits, as an effective way to strengthen the skills, expertise and sense of identity of the new generation of Atlanticist leaders.

The ATA Secretariat is based in Brussels and coordinates the network of its 37 national Atlantic chapters and YATA activities.

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President Foreword: It is a pleasure to introduce the 2018 Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) Annual Report aimed to provide a comprehensive view on programs and activities carried out by the ATA in the past year. Since 1954, the ATA has promoted Atlantic values across generations and the civil societies of NATO Members and Partner Countries. Relying on its extended and highly qualified network of 37 Associations, the ATA is a multinational association able to translate security needs into concrete actions and cooperative security programmes. The ATA added value is represented by its role in bridging the divide between NATO and civil society throughout the Transatlantic region, with an impressive potential multiplier effect in reaching out to the wider public in different languages. The ATA offers information and educational programs pertaining to the Alliance’s activities to those who seek it. Furthermore, in 1996 the Youth ATA (YATA) was formed to create a space for the successor generation of policy-makers, diplomats and academics to begin to shape the Transatlantic Relationship.

ATA PRESIDENT FOREWORD

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ATA plays a pivotal role in fostering relationships between members and partner countries, and, as outlined in the Warsaw Summit Declaration, contributes "in promoting a better understanding of the Alliance among our nations." Going forward, the ATA continues its mission to expand the reach of the transatlantic ideals and to bring new people into the Atlantic family. While there is always more work to be done, our simultaneous top-down, bottom-up approach allows the inclusion of a much larger number of individuals than would otherwise be possible. By working with officials and industries to produce greater defense capabilities and closing the gaps in our security to better address key threats, such as terrorism, the ATA continues to make the difference in providing tangible solutions to decision makers. Looking at the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the Atlantic Alliance, the ATA is ready to complement the NATO 360-degree approach by adding a further degree of action. The ATA’s aim is to communicate the role of NATO and the Alliance’s enduring values to the public and successor generations. This represents a natural task for the ATA and its youth component (YATA), which strengthen the vital link between the Alliance and the civil societies of the Member Countries, promoting a highly transparent dialogue.

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I am pleased to present the Annual report of the ATA, a Brussels-based network facilitator working to strengthen the transatlantic dialogue.

I was elected ATA Secretary General on the occasion of the ATA General assembly in Bucharest, in September 2018 and I am pleased to present the work of the International Secretariat in order to provide a comprehensive view of its role and activities to support Members Associations during the past year.

Since the Bucharest General Assembly, the Secretariat has been working to improve both internal and external communication efforts. Two main initiatives are the “Hot topics of the week”, a weekly thematical communication to the Members on current NATO related event or issue that affects the Alliance and the monthly internal newsletter highlighting current events & activities, as well as funding opportunities and upcoming deadlines.

ATA HQ is working to make its internal and external communication more efficient, with the support of the integrated Communication Task Force. The association placed a sharper focus on the issues where the ATA’s involvement has a clear value added to the member associations and NATO, in relation to their further on-going processes and existing cooperation structures, whether at a national or regional level.

ATA SECRETARY GENERAL FOREWORD

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In the past ATA has increased its role in policy making, involving decision makers, military personnel, NATO and EU Officials, young professionals, media representatives and private companies. The ATA network disposes of a large intellectual reserve amongst individuals who make up the national chapters, as a variety of backgrounds and expertise make up these chapters, which can help transform the ATA into a proper think tank. For example, the ATA network added value is the possibility to engage in grassroots communications, which reaches a broader and wider audience than is typically reached through traditional approaches.

In fact, the ATA bridges between NATO, Governments and civil society for enhanced transatlantic relations providing a unique platform for developing transatlantic coordinated and coherent approaches for improving the state of the international security and defense. In particular, ATA focused on several items like NATO-EU Cooperation, Transatlantic Cooperation in Defence and Investment, NATO-Russia relations, Countering disinformation and fake news, Women, Peace and Security and Youth Engagement, etc.

Special focus has always been given to the successor generations, by increasing the financial support to YATA’ activities and assuring the partnership with the European Commission on YATA International meetings and providing additional public and private sponsors.

As part of the Working plan presented to the General Assembly, the ATA established Task Forces on topical subjects gathering together ATA and YATA Members. So far, three TF have been created: on Women, Peace and Security, which is dedicated to empowering women and supporting balanced gender inclusiveness in the field of Security and Defense; ATA & YATA Integrated Communication Task Force, which focuses on the development of a common communication strategy and on maintaining efficient communication; and the Task Force on Disinformation and Malign Influence, which focuses on detecting cases of disinformation and malign influence, as well as providing ATA and YATA chapters with the necessary training to detect such influence.

Thank you to all friends, colleagues and partners who have supported the Secretariat and its activities in the last months and I am confident our members and partners will support us in the future as well.

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Among the wide range of communication activities, the ATA official publication is a traditional commitment, accompanying and outlining the agenda of the NATO Summits.

In this respect, the 2018 edition titled "Strengthening Deterrence and Defense While Projecting Stability" assumes a special relevance as the Brussels Summit represents another milestone in NATO’s continuous adaptation to the evolving security environment.

The ATA Official Summit Publication is available on the ATA website (https://bit.ly/2J6tyIR), and can be found in the dedicated section of the official NATO Summit Side Event – NATO Engages.

Previous editions of the ATA Official Summit Publications are available on the ATA website.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUCHAREST

The 64th General Assembly took place on September 26th at the Palace of the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest. Present at the Assembly were many high-level civilian and military officials, academics, youth leaders, and experts from the private sector from 20 National Atlantic Councils and 17 YATA Chapters. In the morning session, several high-level speakers held a discussion with Romanian and international media representatives. The speakers consisted of the President of the Parliamentary Committee for Defense and National Security, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice President of the European Parliament, the Former

Chief of Defense Intelligence, the Former Minister of Defense, and the Former Foreign Minister. Representatives from the academic and private sector participated during the public session. The three- day meeting enabled ATA delegates, senior representatives from institutional, political and academic communities, and youth leaders to constructively interact in order to foster transatlantic and regional cooperation due to growing security challenges. Moreover, the General Assembly was an ideal platform for ATA and YATA delegates to discuss how to improve their cooperation looking forward to the 70th anniversary of the Alliance in 2019. The discussion was mainly focused on the growing security concerns of the Black Sea Region, the development of NATO’s partnerships in the Western Balkans and the relevance of ATA’s role in promoting

the understanding of NATO on social media. The overarching goal of the whole project was to increase NATO’s visibility and to raise awareness on the new wider tasks of Deterrence and Defense while Projecting Stability, as outlined by the NATO Brussels Summit. Finally, the 64th General Assembly approved the President’s Roadmap and the newly elected Secretary General’s Action Plan aimed at enhancing its role in supporting NATO’s strategic communication goals on the way to the 2019 celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Alliance. During

the assembly, Fabrizio W. Luciolli, the ATA President, stressed the importance of hosting the 64th ATA General Assembly in Romania. In his opinion, “this is the right place to be and this is also the right time to be here, 10 years after the NATO Bucharest Summit and in the year of the Romanian Presidency of the EU”. According to him, the ATA should raise awareness for the security concerns and better adapt its cooperation to complete these new wider tasks in the run up to the 70 Anniversary of the Alliance.

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MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

The Atlantic Council of Albania (ACA), previously known as The Albanian Atlantic Association, is a non-profit organization, founded on June 4th, 1994. The main activity of the Atlantic Council of Albania is its annual international conference. The 20th conference was held in May 2017. From November 14th to 16th 2011, the Atlantic Council of Albania hosted the 57th General Assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association for the first time in Albania. The Atlantic Council of Albania has extensive experience in undertaking studies on different issues of security. The ACA has organized three polls on the public's support of NATO in Albania. The ACA has also continuously organized public lectures, mostly

for the youth population. The youth sector of the ACA is the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Albania. The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA) of Albania is a network of young professionals and academics who are interested in international security policies.

National Activities “NATO Today” Project In the framework of the NATO Campaign on Defense and Security lunched as “WeAreNATO,” from January to June 2018 the Atlantic Council of Albania (ACA) organized the project “NATO Today” with the main target being youth. The development of this project was

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designed to be developed in the form of public lectures with students, professors from the top universities and high schools across the country, as well as with youth groups, including those living in the remote areas of Albania. During this period the groups of lecturers held lectures for NATO in 8 universities and 9 high schools across the country. Taking the number of the young people groups into consideration, the number of participants in the conferences reached about 3,000. At the beginning of all conferences the film “What is NATO” was broadcasted. After the conferences, the lecturers distributed educational and propaganda materials about NATO and the participation of the Albanian Air Force in NATO Missions. A small moving exhibition, with photos from NATO and the Armed Forces of Albania, was organized in all universities and high schools at the entrance to the conference halls. At the end of the project, ACA established a closer relationship with university libraries and began to use social media tools (Facebook, twitter, etc.) to maintain contact with students and professors.

Other Activities 2018 During the year of 2018, the President of the Atlantic Council of Albania, Dr. Arian Starova, participated as a speaker in international conferences in May 2018 in Skopje, and in October and November 2018 in Belgrade. The Executive Director of ACA Mr. Kristaq Birbo, Mrs. Juxhina Gjoni, President of YATA Albania as well as others members of the Steering Committee, have participated as speakers or participants in conferences, seminars, workshops and other relevant activities regarding peace and security-related issues in Albania and abroad.

Long Term & Future Projects Focus on NATO Anniversary For the Future Projects, in April 2019 the Atlantic Council of Albania will organize, in some different cities of the country, an exposition on the 70 Anniversary of NATO and the 10th Anniversary of the membership of Albania in NATO.

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The Armenian Atlantic Association (AAA) is a non-governmental organization established on October 30, 2001 that aims to foster Armenia’s links with NATO and promote better understanding within Armenia of NATO’s mission and activities in the changing international environment. To that end, AAA strives to correct misperceptions about NATO and its policies that exist among Armenia’s political elite and ordinary citizens. The Association adheres to the principles of equality, self- governance and public service. The Association does not pursue political aims and is not affiliated with any political group. AAA has established its Youth branch as the Armenian

Youth Atlantic Association (AYAA) to introduce Armenian youth to the NATO mission and policies as well as its upcoming goals for establishing strong links between the young leaders from NATO and PfP countries on the basis of mutual confidence and dignity. These actions are aimed at promoting regional cooperation, and facilitating the contact and dialogue between the AAA's national affiliates.

International Activities Brief the Briefers 6 December 2018 Speakers: Mr. Paul King, Programme Officer at the Engagements Section of NATO Public Diplomacy Division, Mr. Robert Rszczel, Senior Officer for Russia and Western Balkans at the Engagements Section of NATO Public

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Diplomacy Division, Mr. Michael Ruehle, Head of the Energy Security Section at NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division Description: On 6th December 2018 ATA organized a “Brief the Briefers” session with NATO speakers addressing ATA and YATA Members at ATA HQ, who spoke about NATO’s current political agenda after the Brussels Summit, spoke about NATO- Russia relations, and addressed the audience about the emerging security risks. AYAA‘s president Ms.Astghik Injeyan joined the event via online transmission and was actively involved in the discussions.

Riga Conference 2018 29 September 2018 Speakers: Vice President for the Euro and Social Dialogue of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, President of the Madrid Club, Vaira Vīķe Freiberga and Rt Hon Earl Howe, Minister of State for Defence in the United Kingdom.

Description: On 29th September 2018 AAA's President Mr.Tevan Poghosyan participated in the 13th annual high-level security and foreign policy The Riga Conference 2018. Over 700 participants attended two days of discussions that raised topics that are current to Latvia and the European Union. Among the main speakers were the Vice President for the Euro and Social Dialogue of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, President of the Madrid Club, Vaira Vīķe Freiberga and The Rt Hon Earl Howe, Minister of State for Defence in the United Kingdom. For more details and photos please visit AAA‘s Facebook page.

64th ATA and 22nd YATA General Assemblies in Bucharest Romania 26-29 September 2018

Description: On 26-29 September 2018 AYAA‘s president Ms. Astghik Injeyan participated in 64th ATA and 22nd YATA General Assemblies in Bucharest Romania. The new YATA

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Executive board was elected on 26th September 2018. On 27th September YATA representatives participated also in a NATO Simulation of the NAC Meeting in SRI National Intelligence Academy "Mihai Viteazul". The event was concluded by the Bucharest Security Conference, which brought together high level officials, parliamentarians, representatives of military, civil society organizations,media and academia. For more details and photos please visit AAA‘s Facebook page.

Long Term & Future Projects

“70 Years of Collective Security, Shared Values and Cooperation: NATO Educational Rally in Armenia" Project In Spring 2019 (dates TBC) AAA with its youth branch will organize a NATO Educational Rally in the Armenian regional universities. The NATO Educational Rally is a bus-trip and represents a major manifestation of the growing intention to overcome

misunderstandings regarding NATO as an international organization and its mission nowadays, particularly about the involvement of youth. The NATO Educational Rally will make a round trip of about 1500-kilometers through Armenia and will involve regional university students. During the NATO Rally presentations in each town, the participants will learn about NATO, the historical evolution and transformation of the Alliance, how NATO works, the role of NATO in security and peacebuilding, NATO- Armenia relations, the role of NATO Member and Partner Countries in international security and peace, as well as about currently emerging topics.

Women Peace and Security Task Force (WPS TF) AAA is an active member of the ATA‘s Women Peace and Security Task Force. The aim of the TF is to change the attitude of different countries all over the world that is not so important to involve women in security issues.

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For over 20 years, the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) has conducted research on various issues regarding the European Union and the European Integration Process. In doing so, the AIES's focus lies on European Security and Defence Policy with regards to the European Neighbourhood Policy, transatlantic relations as well as the Austrian Foreign-, European and Security Policy. The AIES not only conducts research on these subject areas, but also provides demand- oriented analyses and recommendations for contract partners. It is also organizing internal workshops, training courses and public discussions.

Between Defensive Realism and Economic Reforms: Quo Vadis, North Korea? 09.01.2018 Speakers: Rüdiger Frank, Professor of East Asian Economy and Society and Head of the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna

Afghanistan’s Future and Developments within the Wider Region 11.01.2018 Speakers: H.E. Hamid KARZAI, Former President of Afghanistan Description: Afghanistan's geopolitical position, the relations with the United States, Russia and Pakistan, as well as migration and the threat of extremism.

National Activities

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The Struggle for Global Leadership: China and the US in the Thucydides Trap 09.04.2018 Speakers: Dr. Nikolaus Scholik

ASEAN: The Strategic and Economic Importance of South East Asia 17.04.2018 Speakers: Songsak Saicheua (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand), Ganeson Sivagurunathan (Ambassador of Malaysia), Professor Alfred Gerstl, Klaus Wölfer (Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia 2007- 2011), Gabriele Meon-Tschürtz (Austrian Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Head of Asia and Pacific Division) Description: The development of ASEAN, relations with China, the US and the European Union as well as future expectations for the region.

The Struggle for Ukraine: Progress and Challenges in 2018 18.05.2018 Speakers: Orysia Lutsevych (Manager, Ukraine Forum), James Nixey (Head

of Russia and Eurasia Programme), Sergiy Solodkyy (Deputy Director, New Europe Centre) Description: After four years of post- Euromaidan governance, Ukraine continues to fight for its survival as an independent and viable state. Despite sealing the landmark EU association agreement, continuing to resist Russian military aggression, and delivering on policy reforms in a wide range of areas, Ukraine continues to face a number of challenges. Based on findings from the Chatham House report on Ukraine panelists will discuss prospects for Ukraine’s future and put forward suggestions for change among citizens, the economy and the political leadership.

Pakistan’s New Role Between China and Europe: Opportunities and Challenges of China’s Silk Road Projects 29.05.2018 Speakers: H.E. Sardar Masood Khan, President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Description: The topics ranged from Pakistan's neighbourhood in South Asia to the changing international Security Landscape. The guest speaker talked about the current developments and challenges regarding China's Belt and Road Initiative as well as the implications for Europe.

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50 Years since the Prague Spring 05.08.2018 Speakers: Václav Klaus, Pavol Dubček, Martin Eichtinger

The Future of Translatlantic Relations under the Trump Administration: Implications for the EU and NATO 01.10.2018 Speakers: Stanley Sloan Description: The US relations with the EU after Trump came to power and the consequences for the transatlantic relations.

European Forum 09.11.2018 Speakers: Wolfgang Schüssel (Former Federal Chancellor of Austria), Wolfgang Baumann (Secretary General, Austrian Ministry of Defence), Jorge Domecq (Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency), Esa Pulkkinen (Gen. Lt., Director General of the EU Military Staff), Geoffrey Van Orden (Vice- Chair of the EP Special Committee on Terrorism), Seyed Kamal Kharazi (Head of Iran‘s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs), Radmila Shekerinska (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Republic of North Macedonia), Igor Crnadak (Minister of Foreign Affairs, BiH), Jadranka Joksimovic (Minister of European Integration, Republic of Serbia).

In addition, we participated in several international conferences which took place outside of Austria.

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The Azerbaijani Atlantic Cooperation Association (AACA) joined ATA in Sofia in 1997. The goal of AACA is to educate the Azerbaijani public on NATO’s role in establishing peace, security and democracy in the world with the aim to promote Azerbaijani NATO membership. AACA believes that close cooperation with, and further integration into, NATO will bring peace, democracy, transparency and democratic development to Azerbaijan. AACA activities focus on educating people on NATO's policies via newspapers, TV interviews, and print materials. AACA organized a big international conference in Baku with the participation of top ATA and NATO officials on the occasion of NATO's

60th anniversary. AACA representatives participate at security related and pro-NATO conferences across the region and Euro-Atlantic area.

YATA Azerbaijan is the youth part of ATA Azerbaijan and has been involved in activities such as seminars and meetings with youth and students on topics such as: promoting integrated relations of Azerbaijan with NATO; explaining NATO's role in maintaining peace; stability and democracy around the world and the benefits Azerbaijan can get in democratic transformation by closer cooperation with NATO. YATA Azerbaijan representatives represent YATA Azerbaijan approaches at international forums.

National Activities In 2018, AACA organized several interviews, assessments in the press and regular local meetings.

International Activities “Reform of security institutions in the Caucasus and Black Sea region: Five year perspectives from now” 18-21 November,2018. Istanbul Speakers: ATA Chairman Dr. Fabrizio Luciolli, NATO‘s PFP Consortium Chairman Rahael Perl, NATO Liason

Officer in the Caucasus Dr. Rosaria Puglisi, Azerbaijani ATA Secretary General Elkhan Mehdiyev, Ukrainian, Georgian, Moldovan, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Bulgarian, Romanian security sector experts and scholars. Description: The idea was to support security communities of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and Republic of Moldova with an initiative to analyze and assess the existing situation of security sector reform in these countries emanating from NATO’s 2004 Istanbul Summit decisions on SSR in the former soviet space and suggest new ideas and proposals to promote the reform of these institutions in an effort to develop transparent, accountable security institutions based on good governance.

YATA Azerbaijan representatives participated at international seminars organized by national chapters and ATA.

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National Activities NATO School-Seventy strong years of NATO: Bosnia and Herzegovina‘s Accession Path 27-29 July 2018 Speakers: Prof.dr.Samra Medjedovic (University Mostar); Prof.dr.Dusko Vejnovic (Dean of Faculty Security and Criminology); Doc.dr.sc.Mario Karadza (University Banja luka); Dr.Brane Jankovic (former ambassador BiH to NATO, Banja luka); Retired General Mihajlo Vujovic (Former Military Atache BiH to NATO); Dr.sc.Admir Muslye (Centar for Learning and Development); Dr.Ivona Plenkovic (Chief of Split police(Croatia)); Dr.sc.Muhamed

Shemorki (University Macedonia and President for Community Dialogue(BiH)); Dr.sc.Nedzad Ahatovic (political-military analyst and Portal Index.ba); Doc.dr.sc.Bernardica Milicevic (Herzegovina University); Prof.dr.Mirko Pejanovic (Sarajevo University); Prof.dr.Ljubomir Zuber (Dean University Banja luka); Dr.sc.Celebie Tikvesc (Director Students Chamber Mostar); Doc.dr.sc.Semina Ajvaz (University Dzemal Bijedic); Doc.dr.sc.Seid Masnica (Director BHTV); Prof.dr.Nina Bijedic (University Mostar); Doc.sr.sc.Armin Krzalic (University of Sarajevo); Prof.dr.Dijana Gupta (President of Atlantic Coucil of BiH); Mr.sc.Manoj Kumar Gupta (Atlantic

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Council BiH); General Henriksen Morten (NATO-Sarajevo); Muamer Zukanovic (YATA BiH and president of Students Union); Prof.dr. Rasid Hadzovic (Minister of Education BiH); Dr. Zoran Galic (director of Border police of BiH); Mr.sc.Marija Ostojic (Human and womens rights Association-Citluk); Mr.sc.Goran Grbesic (economist-Ministry of Trade and Business BiH); Prof.Vladimir Stojanovic (Dean of Belgrade University); Prof.Vlado Markovic (University of Mostar) Participants: 60 students and 7 journalists and observers participated to the event. Description: The Summer School was a unique and powerful activity in the Bosnia and Herzegovina. We had all 3 ethnic groups on the event, including students from the Republic of Srpska. The participants who attended the event, as well as the wider audience all over the country, have been made aware that there is no alternative for the Balkans and especially for BiH without Euro- Atlantic integration.

International Activities

International Summer School 24-29 June 2018 - Sipcan, Croatia Participants: 3 members of YATA BiH participated in the event.

Long Term & Future Projects

Regional NATO-EU Conference on Women, Peace and Security in the western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia&Herzegovina, Kosovo, Skopje, Montenegro and Serbia) 4-5 March 2019 This conference will commemorate the anniversary of the UNSCR 1325 and, by tackling a number of questions, will explore ways to raise further awareness and advance positive narrative on WPS. The agenda seeks to encourage discussion on four broad topics:

1) Celebrating WPS and looking to the future: The WPS mandate and how NATO and the EU have incorporated it into their core tasks; foundational policies and UNCSR Resolutions; the interconnection between gender, war and peace, and women‘s resilience. 2) Gender perspective in countering violent extremism: understanding gender early worning in the application to violent extremism and terrorism; identifying threats and concerns how to integrate a gender perspective as a warning of conflict; developing prenative action.

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3) The Security sector and the increasing role and participation of women - using the "Three I’s” as a model (integration, inclusiveness and integrity). 4) Mapping the challenges ahead.

NATO SUMMER SCHOOL July 2019

Education activities related to the 70th anniversary of NATO in University about the value of NATO April 2019

70th Anniversary of NATO April 2019

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The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria was founded in August 1990 following a parliamentary speech by Dr. Solomon Passy MP, which foresaw Bulgaria’s future accession to NATO and came only months after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Thus the ACB became the first and only NGO formed in the Warsaw Pact with the aim of disbanding the Soviet-led Pact, as well as promoting NATO’s and the EU’s enlargement to the east. In 1992 the ACB joined the Atlantic Treaty Association, becoming the first non- NATO-country member of the ATA which opened its doors for dozens of members from New Europe.

As an advocacy organization and think-tank, the ACB has hosted

hundreds of Heads of States, Governments and international organizations, including UN, NATO, SHAPE, EU, OSCE, UNESCO, WEU, IAEA as well as Nobel winners, world opinion leaders, and spiritual leaders such as Pope John Paul II and the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet.

ACB currently promotes renewed emphasis on the trans-Atlantic bond and values, enhanced NATO military presence in the Black Sea Region, cyber war capacities, common EU defense, NATO’s post—Brexit globalization and establishment of NATO-China Council — including as a strategic balance in the West-Russia relations — antiterrorism and migration management; and first and foremost — NATO’s image in Europe.

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The Bulgarian Euro-Atlantic Youth Club (the Bulgarian YATA Member) was founded in 1996 aiming to unite young people from different walks of life around the Atlantic values and the European idea. It advises and supports youth organizations affiliated with different political parties in building bridges between them as well as among students’ communities, decision-makers in the Bulgarian state institutions and the public in general.

National Activities Ambassador Philip Reeker Speech 4 May 2018, National Palace of Culture

Description: Ambassador Reeker talked about the trans-Atlantic partnership between Bulgaria and the US, as well as Bulgaria’s key role in promoting peace and security in the Balkans; he pointed out the contribution of Bulgaria in KFOR and its dedication to NATO’s resolute support mission in Afghanistan. Ambassador Reeker added that there is a general appreciation and recognition of the skills that Bulgaria brings to NATO. He also

stated that Bulgaria's contribution to NATO can be relied upon. The US is committed to supporting Bulgaria’s modernization of the armed forces. The US also remains committed to Europe and European security.

Conference “Fake News of True Trolls” 9 November 2018, National Palace of Culture Description: The “Fake News of True Trolls” conference was the largest event on fake news in Bulgaria for 2018 and gathered journalists and representatives of European and local institutions, non-governmental organizations, and technology companies in one place. The conference focused on disinformation, fake news and international security, the challenges journalists face in the present-day media landscape and the role of social media users in spreading misleading information. Among the speakers were the Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova, the Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, Lilyana Pavlova, the EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and many other distinguished experts.

International Activities Fifth Summer School of NATO 3-9 June 2018, Smolyan, Bulgaria Description: This year’s seminar focused on addressing NATO’s top priority actions for dealing with the challenges in the changing

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international environment. More specifically, the key topics included: Bulgaria’s membership and priorities in NATO, #WEARENATO Campaign, the impact of BREXIT on the Common Foreign and Security policy of the EU, NATO-EU cooperation, the unpredictable behaviour of North Korea, the continuing fight against ISIS and terrorism in general, cybersecurity and cyber defense, the impact of fake news, NATO relations with Russia after the presidential elections in 2018, future enlargement of NATO, and the new role of NATO in Afghanistan among others.

Fundamental Readiness in Cyber Defence in the Balkans 17-19 October 2018, Belgrade, Serbia Description: The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria in cooperation with the Atlantic Council of Serbia and with the support of the NATO Science for Peace Program organized the international seminar “Fundamental Readiness in Cyber Defense in the Balkans (FRCDB)." Politicians, diplomats, and experts from more than 10 countries, international organizations (OSCE, OECD), as well

as NGOs in the area of cyber security participated in the project. The main goal of the project was to facilitate the importance of regional and abroad cooperation among the participants within NATO and partner countries in the SEE region. The workshop enhanced an essential component in building fundamental readiness for resilience to cyber threats and cyber terrorism by sifting the cyber defense capabilities in the Balkan region. The event focused on five main priorities: cyber defense situational awareness, critical information infrastructure protection, cyber security capacity, culture and policies building, and sharing the best practices through presenting new technology by the cyber security local and international industry.

Long Term & Future Projects Cyber Security Conference 7 February 2019, National Palace of Culture, Sofia Description: World-class content in series of visionary presentations and

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panels, and private expo area, in the area of Cyber Defence and protection from the constantly evolving cyberthreats. Companies and entrepreneurs would be able to showcase their products and find potential partners, customers and investors through face-to-face meetings with leading global companies. The event will gather policy makers from the European Commission and member states, representatives, innovators, global and regional leading companies in the field of cyber, start-ups, academia, consultants, etc. in one place.

International Summer School on NATO Defense and Security Issues 3-9 June 2019, Smolyan, Bulgaria Description: The Bulgarian Euro Atlantic Youth Club will organize, for the 6th time, the International Summer School in Bulgaria. The seminar will fulfill the NATO@70 Campaign and will cover more

students from the target group than the previous years, and there will be more interactive activities.

The objectives of this project will aim to:

Increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of NATO, its values and longstanding role in safeguarding global security in the rural area of Bulgaria; Present a view of NATO which connects with citizens on a personal level, sharing human stories and favouring innovative and non-traditional approaches; Produce content about NATO of enduring value, which can be shared widely within and outside traditional NATO and NGO networks; and Showcase NATO as an Alliance for the 21st century, relevant to all generations, but especially to young people.

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CANADA

The mission of the NATO Association of Canada (NAOC) is to promote peace, prosperity, and security through knowledge and understanding of the importance of NATO. The NAOC ensures that Canadian citizens are informed so they can contribute to discussions about Canada's role on the world stage. In 2018, the NAOC hosted exciting events across Canada to allow Canadians to engage with key figures in Canada's NATO relationship, including Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The Association also posted hundreds of articles in 2018 with over 2.5 million social media impressions.

The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Canada (YATA Canada) is Canada's youth organization of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA). Founded on the constitution of YATA International, YATA Canada is at arm's length with the NAOC. It is an organization driven by a network of young professionals, students, and academics willing to engage with topics relating to international security, NATO member state relations, and Canadian foreign policy. Its purpose is to promote values of democracy, rule of law, liberty, peace and security, and to reinforce the transatlantic link, as one of the two only transatlantic North American chapters.

National Activities Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch 27 February 2018, Toronto Speakers: Talip Kucukan, Resul Ata and Kilie Kanat Description: A roundtable on Operation Olive Branch

Shoulder to Shoulder: NATO Allies Working Together 1 March 2018, Toronto Speakers: LCol Chris Bowen, Major Howard Yu and Col Sonke Marahrens Description: A discussion about the challenges and advantages of NATO interoperability

#WeAreNATO Toronto Launch with Canada’s NATO Ambassador Kerry Buck 14 March 2018

Speakers: Her Excellency Kerry Buck Description: A Reception to launch the Canadian #WeAreNATO campaign in Toronto

Luncheon Reception for NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg 4 April 2018, Ottawa Speakers: SG Jens Stoltenberg, LGen (Ret’d) Andy Leslie, Leona Allesleve MP Description: A Luncheon to Host the Secretary General on Parliament Hill and Promote the #WeAreNATO campaign

What’s Up with Russia? 17 April 2018, Toronto Speakers: Col. Paul Taillon Description: An inside look at Russian Strategy

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Presentation on Operation Medusa 5 June 2018, Toronto Speakers: MGen (Ret’d) David Fraser Description: A discussion about this newly published book on the largest battle in NATO history: Operation Medusa.

Pridefully Serving: Transgender soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces 27 June 2018, Toronto Speakers: Dr Karen Davis, Maj. Kathryn Foss, Sgt. Kristina Melvin Description: An exploration of how the Canadian Armed Forces is dealing with transgender issues.

The Aftermath of Elections in Turkey 18 July 2018, Toronto Speakers: Kadir Ustun, Kilic B. Kanat Description: A discussion of the regional and global challenges and opportunities in the aftermath of the Turkish elections.

NATO Summer Soiree in Toronto 19 July 2018 Speakers: Leona Alleslev, MP and BGen Brian McPherson Description: A summer celebration of the NATO Alliance with local diplomats in Toronto

The Role of Reserve Forces in NATO 9 August 2018, Quebec City Speakers: Maj. Philippe-Andre Genest, LCol. Steve McCarthy, LCol. Charles Cote Description: A discussion of the unique capacities of the reserve and the ways NATO Reserve forces could be better used as Alliance resources.

Reception with US Consul to Toronto 11 September 2018 Speakers: Hon. Hugh Segal Description: A brief reception as part of our directors’ meeting to recognize the anniversary of September 11th and the invocation of Article 5.

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Toronto Conference on the Outcomes of the 2018 NATO Summit in Brussels 27 September 2018 Speakers: BGen Jay Janzen, Former Ambassador David Wright, Jack Cunningham Description: A discussion of the aftermath of the 2018 NATO Summit in Brussels

Roundtable on Humanitarian Diplomacy 28 September 2018, Toronto Speakers: Dr Mesut Ozcan and Dr. Ufuk Ulutas. Description: A discussion of how Humanitarian Diplomacy has impacted conflicts from Syria to Yemen.

Cross-Canada Virtual Model NATO 3 November 2018 Speakers: BGen Jay Janzen, James Bezan, MP Description: A virtual model NATO simulation hosted with participants from Halifax to Vancouver.

Presentation by Dr. Darrell Bricker 19 November 2018, Toronto Speakers: Dr. Darrell Bricker Description: An exploration of the impacts of demographic change on the global order

Presentation on Military History and the Battle of Arnhem 20 November 2018, Toronto Speakers: Sir Antony Beevor

Description: A presentation of the Battle of Arnham as described in Sir Antony’s recent book.

Roundtable on Ukraine’s 2019 Elections 29 November 2018, Toronto Speakers: Dr. Taras Kuzio Description: A discussion of the upcoming 2019 Elections in Ukraine and the factors at play.

International Activities NATO Association Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Fadi Dawood traveled to Hungary to address members of the ATA network on global challenges 14 February 2018 Speakers: Dr. Fadi Dawood Description: Conference

NATO Association Co-Editor-In-Chief Dr. James Poborsa Visited NATO HQ as part of an ATA Task Force on Strat-Com 26 February 2018 Speakers: Dr James Poborsa Description: Briefings on NATO Strategic Communications Strategy

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NATO Association President Robert Baines participated in the “NATO Engages” event with NATO Public Diplomacy. 7-8 July 2018 Speakers: Multiple Description: Side Conference about challenges facing the NATO Alliance

Long Term & Future Projects Massive Online Course Description: The NATO Association Massive Online Course is being developed to teach grade 10 students in Canada about NATO and the Rules Based International Order.

Centre for Disinformation Studies Description: The NATO Association is starting a Centre for Disinformation Studies to support and publish research about the challenges of disinformation to NATO and the Rules Based International Order.

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The Atlantic Council of Croatia (ACC) was founded on May 26, 2000 in Zagreb and it has been an associated member of the Atlantic Treaty Association since November 3, 2000. Its founders created the ACC to promote the idea of Euro-Atlantism, to educate Croatian citizens, and to help Croatia participate in the Euro- Atlantic structures. A group of intellectuals actively involved in scientific and practical work in the fields of national and foreign policy, headed by distinguished professor and president of the ACC, Dr. Radovan Vukadinović , recognized the need to establish firm cooperation with both domestic and foreign institutions in order to raise public awareness about the above issues.

They were also aware of the benefits of active cooperation with regional, European, and other international partners - important not only for Croatia but for the broader Euro- Atlantic community.

The main goal of the ACC is to observe activities and policies of NATO and to educate and inform the public in order to raise awareness about the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration. The ACC's most important aspect is to create a network between all these countries and institutions to promote easy fulfillment of joint goals and to promote a better and more secure place to live. To fulfill these tasks, the ACC organizes lectures, seminars and conferences on the

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national and international level to give people from different countries opportunities to meet each other and to invalidate stereotypes. Members of the ACC publish appropriate books and journals, as well as conduct research which gives the ACC direction on what to focus its work on. The ACC's efforts have shown satisfactory results that the council is proud of, and it intends to continue with its activities in the future with even more experience and knowledge.

Croatia became a NATO member state at the Kehl/Strasbourg summit in April 2009. For the Atlantic Council of Croatia this was partly a realization of its founding goals, but there is still a lot of work to do in terms of educating and informing the Croatian population about NATO membership, obligations and benefits resulting from it, historical development, transformation, as well as the current role of the Alliance.

YATA Croatia is Croatia's youth organization of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA).

National Activities

International scientific conference and a workshop ‘NATO Strategic Concept – Time for a New One?’, in cooperation with Hanns Seidel Stiftung in Zagreb Participants: young atlantists from Croatia and Serbia, members of national YATA

Lecture to Moscow University President of the Atlantic Council of Croatia prof. Radovan Vukadinović visited Moscow to hold a lecture to young students on the values of euro- atlanticism at the Moscow University

Scientific Conference “Russia and Euro-Atlantic Integration, stressing the important role of NATO in the contemporary international relations” The Center for International Studies and Libertas University co-organized an international scientific conference on the topic of 'Russia and Euro- Atlantic Integration,' stressing the important role of NATO in contemporary international relations

Participation at the 2BS Forum organized by the Atlantic Council of Montenegro

International Summer School This year the 17th International Summer School, with the title 'The role of NATO in the process of stabilization of Western Balkan countries,' was held in Šipan. It was supported by NATO PDD and in

cooperation with the International Institute from Vienna. A simulation on the topic ‘NATO in the Western Balkan as a stability factor – perspective and challenges’ was organized for the participating students, with the case study of North Macedonia in light of possible acknowledgment of new name. Held in June on the island Šipan, 20 speakers from around the world and 25 participants participated in the 5 days of activities organized by the Atlantic Council of Croatia. The ACC received positive responses through social media and other media.

ATA and YATA General Assemblies President of YATA Croatia participated in the general assemblies of ATA and YATA held in Bucharest

Conference ‘Energy Security and Western Balkan’

The Center for International Studies and Libertas University co-organized an international scientific conference on the topic ‘Energy Security and Western Balkan’ under the auspices of the City of Zagreb

Long Term & Future Projects

70th Anniversary of NATO Celebration The Atlantic Council of Croatia will organize a conference on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of NATO, which also marks 10 years of Croatian membership in NATO and the 19th anniversary of the Atlantic Council of Croatia. These activities are planned to be held in April in Zagreb. The ACC has also planned to hold a national YATA seminar on NATO and its role in the Western Balkans.

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National Seminar for High School Teachers Planned for May, Zagreb National seminar for high school teachers to raise the awareness of NATO and its global role in keeping peace and security.

Summer School Dates TBC, planned for June/July, island Šipan International Summer School on NATO related issues

Projects 2019

Continuing cooperation with the Center for International Studies in the applications for projects; Continuing cooperation with Hanns Seidel Stiftung in Zagreb and the International Institute for Peace in Vienna; Participation of selected schools and students in our seminars and workshops; and

Remaining open to partnerships in project proposals and applying under NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme and NATO PDD.

Together with these activities, the Atlantic Council of Croatia continues to work on networking with its members, as well as with potential members and other contacts, together with other associations that deal with promoting Euro-Atlantic values, in the country and abroad. The focus of the work of the ACC Board will also be on refreshing the website and handling the ACC's Facebook profile, which is especially important for younger members of the Atlantic Council of Croatia. The intention is to encourage more young colleagues from YATA Croatia to share ideas and to contribute more, especially in the 2019 year which marks many anniversaries important for Euro-Atlantic community.

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ESTONIA

The Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association (EATA) is a democratic and voluntary-based association founded on 2 February 2001 in Tallinn. The goals of the association are to contribute to the promotion of NATO and its goals and activities through seminars, training materials, educational programs, projects and other activities. In addition, it is important for the association to support the Republic of Estonia's membership of NATO, to develop contacts with NATO member states and other countries, to involve its members and the public in the development of foreign and security debates, and to inform the public about its foreign and security policy. Since its creation, the EATA has

focused its attention on young people and thus engaged in securing Estonia's future. The main goal of the association is to strengthen citizen's relationships with the state, contributing to raising the will of the people to defend their state and thereby strengthening sovereignty. YATA Estonia is the youth organization of the EATA.

National Activities Public discussion themed “The concept of civil protection and behavioural guidelines” Wabaduse Café in Tallinn on the 28th of March 2018 Description: In February 2018, the Estonian government approved a comprehensive approach to the development of civil protection. The concept of civilian protection provides the central actions needed

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to protect the lives and health of people from both civilian and military threats. The new approach emphasizes the importance of the preparedness of people in crisis situations and gives the public recommendations on how to behave in different crises. How people cope and react to crises depends on their awareness and skills on how to deal with crises and threats. The activity intends to introduce the topic to the public, raise their awareness, and give them an opportunity to ask questions from the experts of this concept and behavioural guidelines.

Opinion Festival 2018 Democracy area discussion “The rise of populism in Europe - a corrective force or a threat to democracy?” Paide Vallimägi on the 10th of August 2018 Description: The 6th annual Opinion Festival took place in Paide in order to provide an open platform for the general public to raise topics and join discussions on issues that are important to them. The Opinion Festival’s aim has always been to give people an opportunity to get new ideas, raise awareness about certain issues, or find inspiration on how to make the Estonian society better. As such, the EATA finds that the Opinion Festival is an important event where to organise a panel discussion on populism. Populism has risen significantly in both Europe and Estonia, and has started to pose challenge for Estonia's liberal order

and democracy. However, the very meaning and nature of populism are often unclear, as well as the possible threats it poses to open and liberal societies. As such, it is important to discuss the increasing popularity of populism, especially before the 2019 general elections in Estonia.

Opinion Festival 2018 Defence policy area discussion “NATO, guarantor of the future or a hostage of the past?” Paide Vallimägi on the 10th of August 2018 Description: The 6th annual Opinion Festival took place in Paide in order to provide an open platform for the general public to raise topics and join discussions on issues that are important to them. The Opinion Festival’s aim has always been to give people an opportunity to get new ideas, raise awareness about certain issues, or find inspiration on how to make the Estonian society better. As such, the EATA finds that the Opinion Festival is an important event where to organise a panel discussion on NATO. NATO’s position in today’s security environment is important to bring up and to discuss in public settings. Is the North Atlantic Alliance in good shape? Is it keeping up with time or has it fallen behind? President Trump has repeatedly accused Europe of living at the expense of the security provided by the US, although he was expected to confirm the US’s commitment to collective defence. The President of the Russian

Federation, Putin, accuses NATO for its aggressive plans and for surrounding Russia with its troops.

Teacher’s Summer School 2018 Pühajärve, Estonia, Estonian National Museum in Tartu on the 12th of August 2018 Description: The aim of the event was to bring attention to the ongoing situation in Georgia where the Russian troops have occupied parts of Georgia. In addition, this event was organised to raise awareness to the actuality of information warfare even 10 years after the start of the conflict.

Discussion and film night: “10 Years from the Russo-Georgian Conflict” Cinamon Tallinn Kosmos cinema on the 13th of September 2018 Description: The aim of the event was to bring attention to the continuing situation in Georgia where the Russian troops have occupied parts of

Georgia. In addition, this event was organised to be aware of the actuality of information warfare even 10 years after the start of the conflict.

State defence themed event for students at Jõhvi State Gymnasium 27 November 2018, Jõhvi State Gymnasium Description: The activity intended to introduce the topic of national defence to 10th grade students who are studying state defence in school, specifically to raise their awareness of the topic. These students were given the opportunity to ask questions to the experts who participated in the expert panel discussion. The main topics for the discussion were the current situation in Ukraine, the importance of NATO in the world and in Estonia and the allies of Estonia. After the discussion the students participated in a NATO quiz on the Kahoot! system.

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Discussion and film night “EATA’s last event of the year for its members and partners” 29 November 2018, Cinamon Tallinn Kosmos cinema Description: The discussion of the event was on the topic of “Eesti riigi tulevikuperspektiivid kaitses ja julgeolekus - millised on arengusuunad ning potentsiaalsed kaitsekoostöö võimalused” (“Estonia’s future perspectives in defence and security – what are the potential developments and opportunities for cooperation”). After the discussion there was a showing of a documentary called “21st Century Hackers.”

Visiting schools during the year to give NATO lectures to students 2018 Description: Throughout the year EATA team members visited various schools in Estonia (Estonian and Russian language schools). The main aim was to give lectures about NATO

and its principles and activities as well as to introduce its importance to Estonia and the current situations in security politics and foreign affairs. In 2018 the EATA reached around 450 students.

International Activities Women, Peace and Security Conference 2018 Estonian Ministry of Defence on March 1st, 2018 Description: the Women, Peace and Security Conference took place at the Estonian Ministry of Defence on March 1st, 2018. The aim of the conference was to introduce and review UN Security Council Resolution 1325, its impact on women in conflict, the valuable role women play in resolving conflict, peace building and the overall work of women peacekeepers in a global and national security framework. In 2018, the conference hosted two panel discussions from national and

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international perspectives. National panel discussion evaluated the progress of Estonia’s women, peace and security agenda and discussed how to integrate gender aspects into the security sector. The international panel discussion examined Nordic experiences and solutions on how to involve women in conflict prevention, participation in armed forces, conflict resolution and peace building processes. The conference gathered over 100 participants, including representatives from the Estonian Defence Forces, Estonian community leaders, key decision makers from the public and third sector, students, journalists and media.

NATO-EU Roundtable 2018, Tallinn & Saka, Estonia 2018 Description: The event took place at

Tallinn University and in Saka Manor. The event was coordinated by NATO Headquarters, Estonian MoD, MFA and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. There were over 100 participants from nearly 30 different countries, including ambassadors, experts, students and academics. The first day was held at Tallinn University, and the next two days were held in Saka Manor, where 54 young experts participated in a NATO work simulation. The event brought together more than 50 students who discussed important topics related to the work and cooperation of NATO and the EU. The goal of the event was to increase the knowledge of young people in foreign and security policy and to discuss the working principles of NATO. Participants were divided into four groups depending on their personal experience and choice in the application form.

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Baltic-Russia Youth Forum 2018 September 26-29 in Jurmala, Latvia Description: The Baltic-Russia Youth Forum was open to: young professionals from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia in the field of defense and security and international relations; bachelor`s, master’s and doctoral level students of the afore mentioned fields; as well as young scholars from think tanks and research institutions. The Baltic-Russia Youth Forum was organized by the EATA, the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO), the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and NATO Headquarters. The aim of the Forum was to bring together 45 young leaders and experts from the Baltic States and Russia to discuss together possible developments in Baltic-Russia relations. During the forum, participants had an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with different defense and security policy experts, as well as with post- graduates, PhD students and young researchers from the Baltic countries and Russia.

Long Term & Future Projects Brochure “15 Years and 15 accomplishments” This brochure is the informative basis of our series of events that is planned for celebrating 70 years of NATO as well as Estonia’s 15 years of membership in NATO. This brochure will be in three languages – Estonian, English and Russian. It can be used as an additional study material for NATO lectures in schools.

Creative Contest “70 years of NATO and 15 in Estonia - Create and Share Your Video and Make Your Contribution to Defence Education” This contest is for students aged 16- 19 who speak in Estonian or Russian and are living in Estonia. The aim is to make a team and create a NATO- themed video that would be suitable to eventually use in schools as study material.

“New Perspectives on Shared Security – NATO’s Next 70 Years” Workshop for Experts Description: The aim of the proposed activity it to organise a one-day Baltic region workshop in Tallinn, Estonia. The workshop is for leading security experts and opinion-formers from the three Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). It is important to generate proposals for

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policy change and adaptation on the topic of “Women, Peace and Security: Expanding and Integrating the Agenda,” as well as to generate proposals on NATO’s challenges and opportunities for the next 70 years, identifying the current challenges that the Alliance is facing today. The day will end with a public event for a diverse audience, which will include media (possibility to do a livestream). The outcome of the event will be a draft of a concise and clear analytical report with recommendations for NATO.

Teacher’s XII Summer School in Estonia Description: This is our annual event that will take place in Haapsalu, Tallinn in 2019. The aim of these seminars is to bring together teachers of history, civics and national defence from Russian- language high schools to discuss different interpretations of history and homogenize teaching of the aforementioned subjects all over

Estonia. To promote cross-national integration in Estonia and foster a common understanding of the country’s history, these seminars feature several well-known speakers, among whom are historians, politicians, diplomats and experts of security and defence policy, who give a new perspective on teaching Estonian history to teachers that come from a Russian background.

Public event celebrating NATO 70 years and Estonia 15 years in NATO This event will be taking place in Kalevi Sports Hall in Tallinn and will bring together the public of Estonia who can take part in celebrating this event.

Annual events As for every year we have our annual events that will take place in 2019, such as the “Women, Peace and Security” conference, NATO-EU Roundtable 2019 and Baltic-Russia Youth Forum 2019.

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GEORGIA

Atlantic Council of Georgia (ACG) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that was founded in 1996 and has since carried out its activities independently. It is an umbrella organization that brings together Georgian NGOs and experts supporting Georgia’s full integration into European and Euro-Atlantic space to work for transformation of the country into a state based on the ‘rule of law’, as well as to facilitate the protection of human rights, rapid development of democratic institutions and civil society.

The Council embraces the wider concept of security. The topics it focuses on vary from hard security issues to economic security, good

governance and democratic control. ACG firmly believes that institutionalization of democratic checks and balances in governance, constant and active engagement of civil society in public policy making process and proper civic control over its implementation are critical to national security.

Founded in 1997, YATA Georgia represents an independent, educational NGO that plays a catalyst role in the transformation of Georgia's youth population to the direction of liberal values, respect of human rights and rule of law.

YATA Georgia encourages independent thinking, sound debates and research on NATO-related issues, and supports other socio-political initiatives among young people.

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National Activities Preparing the curricula for National and Interntional Security Master‘s Degree Course in Georgia for 2019 November-December 2018 Lecturers: Vasil Sikharulidze, Chairman of the Atlantic Council of Georgia; Batu Kutelia, Vice-President of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Giorgi Muchaidze, Executive Director of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Description: ACG leadership, together with security sector experts, are drafting the course curricula for Georgia's first National and Interntional Security Master‘s Degree Course. The course accreditation is expected to be obtained in 2019 at the latest, and the course will start in autumn of the same year.

Strategic Communication Course 21-29 November 2018, Tbilisi, Georgia Speaker and Trainer from ACG: Giorgi Muchaidze, Executive Director of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Description: Training of Trainers Strategic Communication Course organized jointly by NATO StratCom Center of Excellence and Georgian Defence Institutions Building School.

Statecraft Lab seminars, trainings, local and international giest speaker events and conferences January-December 2018, Tbilisi, Georgia Speakers and founders from ACG: Vasil Sikharulidze, Chairman of the Atlantic Council of Georgia; Batu Kutelia, Vice-President of the

Atlantic Council of Georgia Giorgi Muchaidze, Executive Director of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Description: Atlantic Council of Georgia‘s leadership are the founders and active participants of Statecraft Lab platform. Statecraft Lab’s mission is to "Spread education and research for societal integration and leadership; Foster debate, generate and stimulate original ideas; Build the value-based citizen network; Find forward-looking solutions to inspire or influence public policy; Create the free space for distinct social groups, identify problems and initiatives; Lead towards the holistic understanding of the successful statecraft."

Workshops around Georgia on Countering Russian propaganda January-December 2018 Speakers from ACG: Vasil Sikharulidze, Chairman of the Atlantic Council of Georgia; Batu Kutelia, Vice-President of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Giorgi Muchaidze, Executive Director of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Description: Countering Russian propaganda via strategic communication workshops with local governments and populations in Georgian regions. It includes the identification and debunking of negative myths on western integration and proactive provision of information on tangible benefits and prospects of NATO and EU integration.

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Events

Public Lecture on "Defend yourself in an emergency situation“ and real life simulation. 1 and 4 March, 2018 (event) Speakers: Teimuraz Melqadze Description: The youth had the opportunity to receive information about civil defense and how to protect and act in an emergency situation.

Training about NATO in Lagodekhi 28 April (event) Speakers: Mariana Gelashvli Description: YATA Georgia organized trainings in the Georgian region of Lagodekhi.

YATA Georgia Debates 2018 1,2 and 4 June, 2018 (event) Description: 32 participants debated on Euro-Atlantic issues.

Film Screening 27 June, 2018 (event) Description: film screening of "Dr. Strangelove" or "How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb” and discussion.

Public lecture on ongoing situation in Syria. 28 June, 2018 (event) Speakers: Zura Batiashvili Description: Students had the possibility to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria.

EU Security - Student Conference 2018 19 December, 2018 (event) Description: Students were able to submit papers on EU security. The jury then revealed the best of them.

International Activities

Tbilisi International Conference September 11-12, 2018, Tbilisi, Georgia Speakers from ACG: Vasil Sikharulidze, Chairman of the Atlantic Council of Georgia; Batu Kutelia, Vice-President of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Description: The 4th Tbilisi International Conference: “World in 2018: Upside Down?” Conference brings together regional experts on security issues, along with Georgian policymakers, civil society activists, and members of the business community. The Conference focuses on keeping Georgia high on the transatlantic agenda, and keeping Georgia on track in its democratic progress and transatlantic aspirations.

Expert and Analyst Forum 6-9 September, Odessa, Ukraine Speakers from ACG: Giorgi Muchaidze, Executive Director of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Description: Expert and Analyst Forum - "Modern Wars and Conflicts of the Black Sea Region."

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Georgian-German Strategic Forum Meeting 4-5 July, 2018, Berlin, Germany Speakers from ACG: Vasil Sikharulidze, Chairman of the Atlantic Council of Georgia; Batu Kutelia, Vice-President of the Atlantic Council of Georgia Description: Informal platform founded by ACG and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung that brings together representatives of Government and Parliament as well as academia, think tanks and media from Germany and Georgia to discuss security policy-related issues, including pertinent topics of Euro- Atlantic Integration.

Events Estonian EU modeling 19 February, 2018 (event) Description: YATA Georgia members participated in EU modeling in Estonia.

Georgia and NATO - Noble Partner or Future Member? (Germany) 3 September, 2018 (Event) Speakers: Tamuna Jibuti Description: Despite intensive efforts, Georgia's membership, which was announced at the Bucharest NATO summit in 2008, still seems far away. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has repeatedly stressed that the door to membership will always be open to the country. During a visit to Georgia last year, US Vice

President Mike Pence assured that Georgia will "someday" be a member of NATO. NATO’s recent Brussels Summit Declaration reiterated its support of the Alliance for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and appreciates its contributions and reforms. The Declaration also clearly reaffirms the 2008 decision that Georgia will become a member of NATO. Will there now be any decisive progress towards Georgia's full membership, or will it remain a close partnership?

PAYS 2018 22-28 July, 2018

22nd YATA General Assembly 26 September, 2018

Long Term & Future Projects Further annual conduction of Georgian-German Strategic Forum Description: Informal platform founded by ACG and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung that brings together representatives of Government and Parliament as well as academia, think tanks and media from Germany and Georgia to discuss Security Policy related issues, Including pertinent topics of Euro- Atlantic Integration.

Digital Forensic Research Lab Caucasus Unit Description: Implementation of a

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joint project with the Atlantic Council of the United States aimed at building digital resilience in Georgia and the wider Caucasus region by establishing a long-term Digital Research Unit (DRU).

Conduction of National and International Security Master‘s Degree Course in Georgia Description: ACG leadership together with security sector experts are drafting the course curricula for Georgia's first National and International Security Master‘s Degree Course. The course accreditation is expected to be obtained in 2019 at the latest, and the course will start in autumn of the same year.

Continue implementing Statecraft Lab seminars, trainings, local and international guest speaker events and conferences Description: Atlantic Council of Georgia‘s leadership are the founders and active participants of Statecraft Lab platform. Statecraft Lab’s mission is to "Spread education and research for societal integration and leadership; Foster debate, generate and stimulate original ideas; Build the value-based citizen network; Find forward-looking solutions to inspire or influence public policy; Create the free space for distinct social groups, identify problems and

initiatives; Lead towards the holistic understanding of the successful statecraft."

Continue workshops around Georgia on Countering Russian propaganda Description: Countering Russian propaganda via strategic communication workshops with local governments and populations in Georgian regions. It includes the identification and debunking of negative myths on western integration and proactive provision of information on tangible benefits and prospects of NATO and EU integration.

Public Lectures and Trainings Description: Public lecture on ongoing situations and training about NATO in Georgian regions.

YATA Debates 2019 Description: 32 participants will debate on Euro-Atlantic issues.

YATA Conference 2019 Description: Students will submit papers on EU and NATO security. The jury will reveal the best of them.

YATA Academy 2019 Description: One month of training and lectures about NATO, EU, international relationships and security.

YATA NATO Modeling 2019

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The Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft (German Atlantic Association) is an independent cross-party organisation focussed on informing the public about NATO’s roles and policies. The Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft fosters the public discourse on Germany’s and the community of states’ security situation by means of lectures, seminars and conferences. The registered office is in Berlin with an administrative branch in Bonn. Almost 30 regional chapters manage the communication with the public. The Association has about 4000 members.

The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Germany is the junior forum of the German Atlantic Society. YATA Germany addresses a wide range of current issues through multiple

formats: conferences, symposiums, workshops, lectures and research.

National Activities “NATO TALK around the BRANDENBURGER TOR” Berlin Description: This talk was introduced a couple of years ago and has become a highly appreciated recurrent event, organised in cooperation with embassies and other capital representations. High ranking representatives from politics, diplomacy, science and the military discuss prevailing security issues.

Security Political Discussions The Prinz-Carl-Palais in Munich Description: these discussion were introduced a couple of years ago in cooperation with the Munich Security Conference. It attracts international

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speakers and many participants. The national chapters organised more than 100 events in the past year. Rising public concern in Germany about security issues as well asconstant groundwork in central areas of Germany caused the number of participants to increase, oftentimes exceeding capacities of venues.

International Activities The Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft developed closer bilateral relations with the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association and Jagello 2000 – Association for Euro- Atlantic Cooperation of the Czech Republic. Joint events with Estonians and Germans on the one hand and Czechs and Germans on the other hand impart knowledge about specific security issues in the light of recent global and European developments.

Long Term & Future Projects The Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft will continue its publicly well accepted activities as shortly outlined above. However, it will focus, preferably in cooperation with the Association's Czech and Estonian colleagues, on the future of the ATA. The Association has observed a limited interest in the ATA’s activities by its members. 25

out of 38 member associations took part in the Assembly and Council Meeting in Bucharest in September 18 and about 20 out of 38 national chapters paid their fees. A feedback request by the Secretary General for judging the Bucharest meetings was answered by only 14 national chapters. The US delegation shows a fairly remote interest in ATA and France is no longer a member.

The Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft thinks that the ATA must redefine its role and mission in the light of an ambitious China, an obvious decline of US interest in Europe, the deterioration of the NATO-Russian relationship, the EU’s role in security policy, and the Cyber challenge.

The Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft will support the revision of the ATA constitution and the discourse necessary to understand today’s and future challenges and answers to those.

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The Greek Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation (GAAEC) is a network of individuals who are convinced of the pivotal importance of effective Greek foreign policy and the cohesion of international relationships. From an internal perspective, the G.A.A.E.C. aims at building Programme Partnerships with European academic, civil society and economic institutions supporting initiatives on issues related to women, human rights and international security while suggesting an action plan. It also considers the improved role of citizens' society in decision-making, and in formatting developments in a rapidly changing environment. From

an external point of view, the G.A.A.E.C. is mostly focused on reinforcing the Greek contribution towards improving and reinforcing Euro-Atlantic cooperation. It also stimulates dialogue and discussions concerning critical international policy issues to enrich public debate and promote consensus in the Government, the corporate and non- profit sectors, the Greek media, and among leaders in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

The Youth Branch of the GAAEC (YATA Greece) was established in 1993, aiming to activate university and high-school students in Greece in the fields of expertise related to the operation of GAAEC. The activities of GAAEC provide the Youth Branch the

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necessary worldwide background to work effectively in today's world. In cooperation with its international partners and local universities, the Youth Branch of GAAEC brings together those students and young professionals who are interested and active in the field of international relations.

National Activities

The Honorable Rose Gottemoeller, Deputy Secretary General of NATO, in Public discussion with the Greek Civil Society and the younger generation 2 March 2018 Speakers: Honorable Rose Gottemoeller (Deputy Secretary General of NATO); Mr. Theodossis Georgiou (President of the GAAEC); Ambassador ad.h. Mr. Thrasyvoulos Stamatopoulos (former Assistant Secretary General of NATO); Mrs Zeta Makri (President of the Women Political Association, former member of Government and the Hellenic Parliament); Dr. Aliki Mitsakos (Dean of The International Center for Leading Studies (TICLS) representing WIIS–Hellas) Description: On the occasion of the Deputy Secretary General of NATO's first official visit to Greece, the Honorable Rose Gottemoeller, the GAAEC in cooperation with Women in International Security (WIIS)-Hellas organized a flashing event at the Ministry of Digital Policy Telecommunications and Media Conference Hall. Ms. Gottemoeller

had a speech about “The NATO you might not know-security and defense beyond the old basics” followed by a debate with the over 200 participants, of Government officials, Ambassadors from many countries and the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senior Officials of the Hellenic Armed Forces, Police and Coast Guard, representatives of Women Organizations, NGOs, University professors, but also a large number of University students and young military officers. The President of the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation, Mr. Theodossis Georgiou, welcomed the Deputy Secretary General, citing the role of GAAEC in providing a “forum” for discussion as “public support can provide legitimacy to the goals of the Alliance, but public support requires an educated and informed public, and this in one of the missions of GAAEC and our Atlantic Associations.’’

"ROAD SHOW FOR SECURITY" 2018 Description: Nowadays, the concept of Security is substantially changing: it actually includes basic concepts such as democracy, civil and political freedom but also equality. Therefore, it is considerably important to provide as much information as possible on the broader concept of security in line with modern data and improving the dialogue with Civil Society. For this purpose, the Greek

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Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation, in conjunction with the WIIS-Hellas, is organizing several workshops around several Greek cities in the framework of its annual activities. They are aimed at the general public and not necessarily on specialists. The papers will focus on the inclusive security for the citizen and the "potential" role of NATO and the EU as well as on the new forms of risks and threats such as terrorism, electronic and hybrid war, etc. which threaten both the internal and external security. They will also consider Greece's position in the current international environment, the effective participation of the country in the International Organizations, the role and cooperation between NATO, the European Union and other Regional Organizations.

International Activities Providing Security in Unsecure Times: Priorities and Prospects for NATO and the EU 20 September 2018 Speakers: Mr. Theodosis Georgiou (President of the GAAEC); Mr. Panagiotis Podimatas (President of the Organizing Committee for the Athens Flying Week 2018); Ms. Ino Afentouli (representor of the ΝΑΤΟ Public Diplomacy Division); Mr. Charalambos Karimalis (President of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Tourism Organization); Mr. Radu Valentin Metescu (Director of

the Blue-Air airlines Training); Mr. Harris Markopoulos (Manager of the Security and Crisis management section of Aegean Air); Mr. Athanasios Ellis (Director of Kathimerini (English Edition newspaper between the Members of Parliament)); Mr. Konstantinos Douzinas (President of the Parliamentary Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defense); Mr. George Koumoutsakos (New Democracy Coordinator for Foreign Policy); Mr. Andreas Loverdos (Parliamentary Representative of “Movement for Change”); Ambassador ΑdH George Kaklikis (Advisor to the President of “Potami” on Foreign Policy Issues); Captain Spyridon Papageorgiou (Director of the Hellenic Armed Forces General Staff Cyber Defense Division); Mr. Triantafyllos Karatrantos (Senior Researcher of the Center for Security Studies); Mr. Andreas Lykoyrentzos (Founding Member of GAAEC and former Minister); Ms. Ino Afentouli of the ΝΑΤΟ PDD (former Minister & Member of the Hellenic & European Parliament); Mr. Panayotis Tsakonas (Professor at the University of the Aegean and President of the KEMEA Board); Mr. Thanos Dokos (the ELIAMEP Director General); Dr. Aliki Mitsakos (the Chairperson of Women In International Security (WIIS)- Greece); Mr. Vasilis Kikilias (Member of Parliament); Mr. Nikos Evaggelatos (Former Minister of Public Order & Citizen Protection & National Defence Coordinator for

New Democracy); Ms. Vassiliki Souladaki (International relations speaker); Mr. Sakis Ioannides (Member of the Central Administration of the Economic Chamber of Greece); Mr. Petros Violakis (Vice President of KEDISA); Mr. Ilias Tasopoulos (Senior editor of the Center for Mediterranean, Middle East & Islamic Studies); Mr. Anestis Konstantinidis (former Professor at the Athens University of Economics & Business and Member of the GAAEC Education Committee); Mr. Zacharias Gikas (President of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry); Mr. Tasos Rozolis (SEKPY President); and Mr. Alexandros Taliadouris (Manager, Strategy & Business Development, CAE Defence & Security). Description: The Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation held the Conference on “Providing Security in Unsecure

Times: Priorities and Prospects for NATO and the EU” in cooperation with the Athens Flying Week 2018 and in collaboration with Women In International Security-Greece, with the kind support of the NATO Public Diplomacy Division. The Conference topics combined the Air flying industry with the broader Security and International Relations contemporary issues, following the 2018 NATO Summit. During the event, several panels discussions were attended, focusing on the topics of: "Tourism, Security and Development;" “Greek Foreign and Defence policy in a changing international & regional environment. Challenges & opportunities after the 2018 NATO Summit;” “New War Battlefields, Hybrid Threats;” “Perspectives & Challenges for European Security in the post 2018 NATO Summit era;”

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“EU ability to develop an independent defense identity with a special emphasis in the aviation industry”, “Inclusive Security – Aspects and effects for the citizens, PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST.”

64th ATA and 22nd YATA GENERAL ASSEMBLIES. "The Future of Transatlantic Security after the NATO Summit: A Black Sea Region perspective” 26-29 September 2018, Bucharest Welcome Address: Prof. Fabrizio W. LUCIOLLI (President of ATA); Prof. Remus PRICOPIE (Rector, SNSPA); and Mr. Alex ȘERBAN (Founding President EACR, former ATA Vice President) Speakers: Hon. Dorel CĂPRAR (President, Parliamentary Committee for Defence and National Security); H.E. Dan NECULĂESCU (State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Gen. Maj. Teodor INCICAȘ (Deputy Chief, General Staff of Romania); and Hon. Ioan Mircea PAȘCU (Vice President of the European Parliament, Former Minister of Defence). Discussion/Q&A session: Mr. Cristian Diaconescu (Former Foreign Minister, Former Justice Minister (Member EACR); Prof. Dan Dungaciu (President, Black Sea University Foundation (Member EACR)); Gen. Sergiu MEDAR (Former National Security Adviser, former Chief of Defence Intelligence); Mr. Rino BRUGGE (Director General, SN Damen Galati). Description: On Thursday the 27th of September, the 64th ATA General

Assembly was hosted at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest by the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania. Security in the Black Sea Region has been the major focus of the Public session titled “The Future of The Transatlantic Security After the NATO Summit: A Black Sea Region Perspective.” On September 28th, ATA Delegates participated at the International Event organized in partnership with the Bucharest Security Conference.

Long Term & Future Projects NATO@70, Key Priorities for the Alliance – Greece Description: On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of NATO, the Greek Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation is organizing a discussion with H.E Amb. Tacan Ildem, Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy in Athens, Greece. A select diverse public of key decision makers will have the opportunity to discuss about the contemporary security challenges with the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy.

ATA – NATO DSG Meeting Description: On April 2019, the GAAEC will attend a meeting with the NATO Deputy Secretary General, H.E. Rose Gottemoeller and the ATA Bureau Members at NATO headquarters. The meeting will be

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mainly focused on the ATA program of activities for the 70th anniversary of the Alliance as well as the future initiatives to be planned. On this occasion, the ATA Representatives will also have the chance to meet the NATO Secretary General, H.E.

Jens Stoltenberg. The GAAEC will be represented by Dr. Thedossios Georgiou, former ATA President, Member of Committee for the Revision of the Constitution and actual President of the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation

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The Hungarian Atlantic Council was established as a non-profit, non- governmental organization in 1992. The mission of the Council was to promote Hungary’s accession to the Atlantic Community of nations and the wide acceptance of Euro- Atlantic principles and values in the Hungarian Society. Accession to NATO on 12 March 1999 was a significant milestone in Hungary’s history. Ever since, the Hungarian Atlantic Council has been active in conveying the voice of the Hungarian people in support of the government for maintaining our active membership in NATO. The youth organization of The Hungarian Atlantic Council is YATA Hungary.

Key Events of 2018

NATO Summit 11-12 July 2018, Brussels President of the Hungarian Atlantic Council Prof. Dr. E. Sylvester Vizi participated in the events of the Summit meeting.

NATO in the Schoolbag 20 Sep 2018, Budapest President of the Hungarian Atlantic Council Prof. Dr. E. Sylvester Vizi opened the “NATO in the schoolbag” conference and exhibition with State Secretary of MoD István Szabó (gen.) and President of the Hungarian Association of Military Science László Tömböl (gen. ret.) at the University of Public Service in Budapest.

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NATO Run 23 Sep 2018, Budapest The annual NATO Run was held in Budapest with over 5,000 participants, including the relay teams of high-ranking officers from the Hungarian Defence Forces General Staff and the HDF Joint Force Command, as well as a team of runners from the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Hungary.

YATA Hungary General Assembly 30 Oct 2018 MIAT – The Hungarian Youth Atlantic Council held its general assembly in the presence of the vice-presidents of the Hungarian Atlantic Council. Elections of officials of HYAC were held in the course of the meeting.

Round Table Discussion 21 November 2018 Round table discussion held with H.E. Ambassador Iain Lindsay focusing of the UK to address the timely international and defence policy issues and the implications of BREXIT.

Key Events of 2018

The Hungarian Atlantic Council and its youth chapter participated in 2018 in the international events below:

ATA General Assembly, Bucharest ATA Council Meetings, Budva and Brussels GLOBSEC Conference, Bratislava International Security Conference, Munich Turkish Atlantic Youth Seminar, Istanbul Foreign and Security Policy Conference, Budapest ATA-YATA Integrated Communication Task Force meeting, Brussels NATO Documentary Screening, Brussels YATA Sub-regional Meeting, Brussels

Long Term & Future Projects Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the foundation of NATO The Hungarian Atlantic Council will launch a series of events in the major university centers in Hungary

20th anniversary of Hungary’s joining NATO The Hungarian Atlantic Council will organize an international conference to present the positive changes brought by our NATO accession in our country and the region

Photo exhibition To commemorate the 20th anniversary, photographs would demonstrate the profound changes in the Hungarian defence forces, peacekeeping and education, an album could also be produced from the pictures.

Round table discussions To address the timely international and defence policy issued, from case to case by inviting the NATO ambassadors and military attaches accredited to Hungary.

ATA Network Active participation in the ATA and YATA council meetings, general assemblies and events.

Seminars In cooperation with the Research Centre of the General Staff of the Defence Forces

NATO RUN Participation in the NATO Run to be held in Budapest

Hungarian Atlantic Youth Seminar Late 2019 / 2020, Budapest The Hungarian Atlantic Council and the Hungarian Youth Atlantic Council jointly organize an international conference focusing on the challenging security threats.

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Key Events of 2018

Vardberg – Association on Western Cooperation and International Affairs – the Icelandic Atlantic Treaty Association was established 9 December 2010 when ATA Iceland (Samtök um vestræna samvinnu, 1958) and YATA Iceland (Varðberg 1961) merged.

The main aims of Vardberg are to organize debates on international affairs, with a special emphasis on security and defense developments in the High North, and to promote international cooperation, especially on the role and policies of NATO. To reach its aim Vardberg organizes at least four meeting each year.

The National Security Council - a new forum for consultation 15 February 2018 Speaker: Þórunn J. Hafstein, Secretary General of the National Security Council / Prime Minister's Office

Russia´s Arctic Policy – Impact on Iceland 12 April 2018 Speaker: Albert Jónsson, former Ambassador to Washington and Moscow

Changing Strategic Environment and Military Developments in the North Atlantic and NATO´s and Allies responses to that 16 October 2018 Speaker: Admiral James G. Foggo III

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commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

Seminar on NATO 27 October 2018 Speakers:

Albert Jónsson (former Ambassador): NATO and the Cold War; Gustav Pétursson (lecturer Univ. of Iceland): NATO since 1990; Anna Jóhannsdóttir (Iceland NATO Ambassador): Iceland in NATO; and Björn Bjarnason (former Cabinet Minister): Iceland and NATO since 1949.

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ISRAEL

The Atlantic Treaty Association of Israel consists of 3 bodies:

1) The Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya Hosted at Israel’s leading private university in which personal achievements go hand in hand with social responsibility, the Lauder School of Government’s faculty is composed of leading researchers and experts in their fields. The research areas themselves are innovative and groundbreaking, and they place the school at the forefront of academic research in the fields of terrorism and security, government and public

policy, decision-making, e- government, political marketing, public diplomacy and more.

2) The International Institute of Counter Terrorism (ICT) Hosted at IDC Herzliya, ICT is an independent think tank facilitating international cooperation and expertise in the global struggle against terrorism. Founded in 1996, ICT provides expertise in terrorism, counter-terrorism, homeland security, intelligence analysis, national security and defense policy.

3) The Institute for Policy & Strategy (IPS) Hosted at IDC Herzliya, IPS aspires to contribute to Israel's national security and resilience. The institute conducts integrative and comprehensive policy analysis on the challenges facing the

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nation, identifies opportunities and threats, produces policy recommendation for decision-makers and informs the public and policy discourse.

International Activities World Summit on Counter-Terrorism ICT's annual international conference is the largest and one of the most influential events in the field of counter-terrorism today. The conference is a vital opportunity for high-profile experts from diverse background of disciplines to establish professional relationships and serves as a platform for the formation of international cooperation. Over 1,000 top decision-makers, defense, intelligence and police officials, prominent academic scholars and security industry leaders from over 60 countries take part in the world summit on counter-terrorism. It aimed at discovering and analyzing solutions to the dilemmas that states face and struggle to address in their fight against terrorism.

Herzliya Conference International conference that deals with Israel's national security and national resilience, assesses key process shaping the Middle East and the Global Arena and identifies strategic opportunities to mitigate and offset critical threats and risks.

NATO ATC – Countering Terrorism and Urban Warfare The book presents is based on a ATC provided by ICT Experts where course participants from both the military and the civilian sectors shared theoretical and practical best practice in the countering of terrorism in an urban warfare context.

Day-long Seminar in NATO Selected graduate students from the Lauder School participated in a day- long seminar in NATO headquarters in Brussels (The Middle East & North Africa Section of NATO's Political Affairs and Security Policy Division). The students held meetings with NATO officials and learned about NATO’s Public and diplomacy, with an emphasis on NATO’s relations with Israel and NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue, in which Israel participates.

Long Term & Future Projects ICT Annual International Conference 2019 The conference will take place in September 2019. Over 1,400 senior officials and experts from Israel and around the world will discuss the central issues in the field of counter- terrorism. Themed under “Terrorism2020: Understand the Present, Prepare the Future,” the

conference will address the development of global jihad, the war on terror in the post-9/11 era, the terror threat to democracy, terrorism and diplomacy, and more. One of the events that may take place at the conference can be dedicated to NATO's 70 anniversary celebrations. The topic will be "NATO's contribution to counter-terrorism."

YATA Kickoff during ICT Annual International Conference 2019 A side event that can take place during the conference, which aims to promote discussion among youngsters on the subject of the "future leaders of counter terrorism"

International Decision-Making Simulations An online simulation which can be organized by ICT with ATA&YATA representatives from various chapters on the most relevant issues - Middle east, international security and counter terrorism.

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For over 60 years the Italian Atlantic Committee has promoted research, education and information activities on foreign affairs, security and defense issues relevant to the Atlantic Alliance, with a focus on Italy’s role in NATO. In the international field, the Italian Atlantic Committee represents Italy in the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) and is fully committed to support the Italian presidency of ATA, while conducting several international cooperation initiatives with NATO member countries and partners. At the national level, the Italian Atlantic Committee organizes educational and training

activities for civilian and military personnel, as well as conferences and debates in academic institutions and secondary schools. The Italian Atlantic Committee is present in the whole Italian territory through a network of regional and local Atlantic Clubs.

The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association Italy is the youth branch of the Italian Atlantic Committee. The aim of YATA Italy is to spread across the successor generation an informed knowledge on the enduring values of NATO and its role in the current security scenario. To this end, YATA Italy operates as a dialogue forum and places a strong emphasis on educational and cooperative security programs.

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National Activities

“Transatlantic Trauma” - Book presentation 10 April 2018 Speakers: Stanley Sloan & Leopoldo Nuti Description: YATA Italy, with the support of YATA US, organized the presentation of a book of Stanley Sloan – Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. The event took place at the University Rome 3.

The Evolution of NATO - Conference 9 April 2018 Speakers: Prof. Fabrizio W. Luciolli Description: Conference on the evolution of NATO’s Strategic Concept and the NATO Summit agenda, with the participation of all the military and civilian Officers of the Institute for Higher Defense Studies of the Italian Ministry of Defense.

“The Challenges for the Atlantic Alliance 70 Years After its Creation”, Conference. 16 June 2018 Speakers: Prof. Fabrizio W. Luciolli, Lt. Gen. Giorgio Battisti, Amb. Gabriele Checchia, Amb. Guido Lenzi, Hon. Dario Rivolta, Mr. Simone Zuccarelli Description: Conference in the run- up of the 70th anniversary of the Alliance, organized in Bologna by the local Atlantic Club to celebrate also its 30th anniversary.

“Wars and Peace” - Filmfestival 23-29 July 2018 Description: The Italian Atlantic Committee, with the support of the NATO PDD, promoted the 16th edition of the “Wars and Peace” Filmfestival at the Sangallo Fortress in Nettuno, a seaside town off of Rome. During the one-week program, films and documentaries were screened, and related public debates and book presentations on security issues took place. The subject of the Filmfestival was: “Inside the war.”

“NATO Council Simulation” - Simulation Exercise 2-3 October 2018 Directors of the Exercise: Prof. Fabrizio W. Luciolli & Adm. Cesare Ciocca Description: The Simulation Exercise was organized by YATA Italy, in cooperation with the local chapter in Milan, and the support of the Italian Atlantic Committee. The Simulation involved 33 students/delegates (29 member countries plus the Secretary General, the Political Advisor, the Military Advisor and a Press Officer). The Simulation was aimed at increasing the understanding of NATO's dynamics and role in defending the democratic values of the Atlantic community.

“NATO: an Indispensable Alliance” - Conference 22 November 2018 Speakers: B.Gen. Stefano Mannino,

B.Gen. Giuseppe Paglialonga, Lt. Gen. Giorgio Battisti, Hon. Guglielmo Picchi, Amb. Gabriele Checchia, Prof. Massimo de Leonardis, Prof. Fabrizio W. Luciolli, Lt.Gen. Roberto Perretti Description: The conference took place in the Military Academy of Modena in the run-up of the 70th anniversary of the Alliance and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Atlantic Club of Bologna (local branch of the Italian Atlantic Committee).

International Activities “NATO Hub for the South and the Future of Cooperative Security” - Conference 5 December 2018 Speakers: Amb. Gabriele Checchia, Prof. Alberto Carotenuto, Prof.

Francesco di Donato, Dr. Monica Buonanno, Dr. Fabio Nicolucci, Prof. Fabrizio W. Luciolli, B.Gen. Ignazio Lax, Prof. Matteo Gerlini, Prof. Maria Paradiso, Dr. Massimo Deandreis, Col. Franco Merlino, Adm. James G. Foggo III Description: The Italian Atlantic Committee, together with the Atlantic Club Naples (local branch of the Italian Atlantic Committee), organized the first public event of the new established NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub. The closing address was delivered by Admiral James G. Foggo III, Commander of JFC-Naples. The conference was aimed at promoting the NATO Hub among the civil society whilst discussing the NATO’s Hub role in addressing the challenges emerging from the South.

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Long Term & Future Projects NATO In Action (NIA) Program Description: Engage young people across Italy in exploring and understanding NATO security issues through conferences, web activities and simulation exercises. In 2019 ATA and YATA Italy will conduct NATO Simulation Exercises in over 10 Italian Universities.

ATA General Assembly Description: In November 2019, the Italian Atlantic Committee and YATA Italy are committed to host the ATA General Assembly in Genova, in conjunction with the Atlantic Forum on The Future of Atlantic Security.

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LITHUANIA

The Lithuanian Atlantic Treaty Association (LATA) was founded in the year 1995. Upon its creation, the main goals of the organization were to inform the general public about NATO's goals and activities and to support the state's efforts to become a full members of the Euro-Atlantic community. LATA was the first organization of its kind in the Baltic States.

The goals of the community have also changed over time. LATA is currently seeking to develop a civic and patriotic Lithuanian society, emphasizing the importance of democratic values and principles in the modern state. Currently, LATA

unites over three hundred members across Lithuania, with community divisions established in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Alytus and Taurage. In 2005 The LATA Youth Council was founded, which focuses its activities on youth.

The LATA seeks to gather the widest possible circle of minds, so the association is united by a wide range of people, from schoolchildren and students to prominent politicians, diplomats, military, academics. LATA constantly cooperates with Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, Division General Stasys Raštikis Soldiers' School, Public Institution "Institute of Democratic Politics", Association "Academic Political Club"; The community is willingly supported by the Ministry of

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Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Defense, municipalities, the NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the International Agency for Youth Cooperation, foreign diplomatic missions and others.

National Activities 69th Anniversary of NATO and 14th Anniversary of Lithuania's membership in NATO March 24, Kaunas City Hall

LATA meeting and President's election June 5, Vilnius

International Activities Participation on ATA/YATA General Assembly September 27, Bucharest

Participation on ATA/YATA seminar in Brussels December 5-6

Organization of Regional YATA meeting in Vilnius December 17-19

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MONTENEGRO

The Atlantic Council of Montenegro was founded in 2006 and since then has been a preeminent institution devoted to promoting Euro-Atlantic values and international security in Montenegro. The Atlantic Council of Montenegro established the 2BS Forum as a leading security forum in the region. The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic community in meeting the international challenges of the 21st century. The Atlantic Council stimulates dialogue and discussion about critical international issues with a view to enriching public debate and promoting consensus on

appropriate responses in the Government, the corporate and non- profit sectors, the media in Montenegro and among leaders in Europe and the USA.

The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association Montenegro is a very important pillar of the Atlantic Council, with its young members who participate in many activities in the country and abroad, including various visits to relevant institutions, meetings with ambassadors, attending schools and seminars, and participating in international conferences. YATA Montenegro is very active in promoting Euro- Atlantic ideas and values among Montenegrin society. YATA Montenegro contributes and works together with YATA International in order to raise youth’s interest in

issues of great importance for the world at large.

National Activities

2BS (TO BE SECURE) FORUM 21-23 May 2018 Speakers: Dr. Savo Kentera (President of the Atlantic Council of Montenegro); Matthew Palmer (Deputy Assistant Secretary of State); Duško Marković (Prime Minister of Montenegro); Milo Đukanović (the President of Montenegro); Hashim Thaçi (President of Kosovo), Stéphane Dion (Canadian ambassador to Germany and the Special Envoy to the Prime Minister to the EU and Europe) The first panel, under the title “WESTERN BALKANS BETWEEN UNRESOLVED PAST AND EMERGING CHALLENGES,” was moderated by Mr.

Ali Aslan (TV Presenter & Journalist), Deutsche Welle (TV, Germany), while the panelists were H.E. Ms. Marina Pendeš (Minister, Ministry of Defence, Bosnia and Herzegovina), H.E. Mr. Krasimir Karakachanov (Deputy Prime Minister for Public Order and Security and Minister of Defence, Bulgaria), H.E. Ms. Radmila Shekerinska-Jankovska (Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Macedonia), H.E. Mr. Predrag Bošković (Minister, Ministry of Defence, Montenegro) and Mr. Damon Wilson (Executive Vice President, Atlantic Council, USA).

The second panel, under the title “EUROPE RIGHT NOW?” was moderated by Ms. Carmen Valero (Senior Correspondent in Germany and Eastern Europe, El Mundo) and the panelists were The Hon.

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Stéphane Dion (Canada's Ambassador to Germany and Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe of the Prime Minister of Canada), Mr. Momčilo Radulović (President, European Movement in Montenegro), Mr. Radoslaw Sikorski (Senior Fellow, Center for European Studies at Harvard, Poland) and Mr. Roman Jakič (Former Minister of Defence, Slovenia).

The third panel , under the name “Has the U.S. Foreign Policy shifted under the Trump Administration?“ was moderated by Mr. Simon Shuster (Europe Correspondent for TIME Magazine), while the panelists were: Prof. Dr. Selmo Cikotić (Advisor to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Mr. Michal Baranowski (Director of the Warsaw Office of The German Marshall Fund of the United States, Poland), Mr. Dragan Šutanoviac (Former Minister of Defence of Serbia) and Dr. Michael R. Carpenter (Senior Director, Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, USA).

The fourth panel under the name “Disinformation is a New Information?” was moderated by Mr. Steffen Dobbert (Editor & Reporter, Die Zeit and Zeit Online from Germany), while the panelists were: Mr. Boris Reitschuster (Journalist from Germany), Mr. Robert Pszczel (Senior Officer for Russia and the Western Balkans, NATO PDD), Ms. Kateryna Kruk (Communications specialist from Ukraine) and Mr. Brian Whitmore (Senior Fellow and Director of the Russia Program, CEPA from USA).

The moderator of the fifth panel under the title: “EXPLORING THE RELIGION-POLICY/SECURITY NEXUS” was Dr. David Kirkham (Senior Fellow at the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at the BYU Law School and Academic Director of the BYU London Centre), while the panelists were: H.E. Mr. Igor Crnadak (Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Msgr. Dr. Tomo Vukšić (Military Bishop, Military Ordinate of

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Bosnia and Herzegovina), His Grace Kirilo Bojović (Bishop of Buenos Aires and South and Central America coming from Montenegro), Reis Rifat ef. Fejzić (Reis of the Islamic Community in Montenegro), Ms. Fatim-Zohra El Malki (Visiting Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations).

Description: The 2BS (To Be Secure) FORUM is an annual high-level politico-security forum, which is the leading International Forum in SEE. The 2BS Forum deals with issues of global, Euro-Atlantic security and security in SEE. The main characteristic of this Forum is the participation of numerous prominent academics and experts in the field of security policy, as well as senior officials from SEE and the transatlantic area

National Activities Digital Forensic Center (DFC) October 2018 Description: Digital Forensic Center is a project of the Atlantic Council of Montenegro with the main goals of countering the problem of disinformation and fake news as well as reducing problem of digital/media illiteracy through events, workshops, and lectures that will raise awareness of this issue. Description: The Atlantic Council of Montenegro has recognized the need for establishing Digital Forensic

Center that would be located in Montenegro with main goal to strengthen the civil-society groups and media sectors in Montenegro and neighboring countries as well with an aim to counter disinformation and misinformation campaigns that have had a goal of destabilizing the region’s politics and to prepare them to react on these concrete problems. That is why we want to place the foundation for digital hub that will fight new media and digital misinformation through the multi- sector (NGO, journalists, government) and multidisciplinary approach. DFC will focus its activities on accomplishing following objectives: countering the problem of misinformation and fake news through research of titles and articles content that seem to be propaganda and providing verified information based on the deeper investigation; creating Digital Intelligence Research Unit under DFC as a huge step in developing research activities in Western Balkans region, especially in terms of technology and internet and reducing problem of digital/new media illiteracy through events, workshops, and lectures that will raise awareness of this issue and will provide basic understanding and education for civil servants and journalists from the Western Balkans region.

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Workshop: “The Role of Youth against Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans” 19-21 November 2018 Speakers: Savo Kentera (President, Atlantic Council of Montenegro), Ema Kaluđerović (President of YATA Montenegro), Brian Ebel (Counsellor Political and Public Affairs, Embassy of Canada to Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro), Vlado Azinović (Professor, Faculty of Political Science, University of Sarajevo), Adam Deen (Former Extremist), Jessie Hronesova (Programme Manager for Western Balkans, Akis Strategy LTD), Veselin Veljović (Director, Police Administration of Montenegro), Vlado Azinović (Professor, Faculty of Political Science, University of Sarajevo), Boris Brajović (Professor, Archpriest-Stavrophor, Serbian Orthodox Church to Montenegro; University of Montenegro), Džemo Redžematović (the Main Imam, Islamic Community of Montenegro) Description: The Atlantic Council of Montenegro and YATA Montenegro recognized that the youth population is both the group most vulnerable to violent radicalization as well as the group that has the greatest potential to prevent and counter it. Knowing that, one of the main objectives was for young people to gain skills and the necessary knowledge to recognize and combat radicalization. We succeeded in our efforts to encourage significant discussion with a wide range of opinions regarding one of the most important

issues in the field of international security. All of the participants agreed that regardless of education, age and class anyone can undergo radicalization. The participants also agreed that terrorism and violent extremism are global problems and should not be linked to only one religion or group. The Workshop has managed to justify high standards set by our events and became the platform for critical discussion among the youth population.

International Activities 64th ATA General Assembly 2018 27-29 September 2018, Romania Speakers: Prof. Fabrizio W. LUCIOLLI (President ATA); Prof. Remus PRICOPIE (Rector, SNSPA); Mr. Alex ȘERBAN (Founding President EACR, former ATA Vice President); Hon. Dorel CĂPRAR (President, Parliamentary Committee for Defence and National Security); H.E. Dan NECULĂESCU (State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Gen. Maj. Teodor INCICAȘ (Deputy Chief, General Staff of Romania); Hon. Ioan Mircea PAȘCU (Vice President of the European Parliament, Former Minister of Defence Panel II); Mr. Cristian DIACONESCU (Former Foreign Minister, Former Justice Minister, Member EACR); Prof. Dan DUNGACIU (President, Black Sea University Foundation, Member EACR); Gen. Sergiu MEDAR (Former National Security Adviser, former Chief of Defence Intelligence); Mr.

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Rino BRUGGE (Director General, SN Damen Galati) Description: The 64th ATA General Assembly was hosted at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest by the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania. Security in the Black Sea Region was the major focus of the Public session titled “The Future of The Transatlantic Security After the NATO Summit: A Black Sea Region Perspective.” On September 28th, ATA Delegates participated at the International Event organized in partnership with the Bucharest Security Conference.

SIXTH BELGRADE NATO WEEK 8-9 November 2018 Speakers: Mr. Ivica Dačić (Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia) is confirmed to be the key speaker from the Serbian officials side. Mr. James Appathurai (NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and NATO Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia) is confirmed to be the key speaker from the Alliance, as well as Robert Pszczel (Senior Officer for Russia and the Western Balkans, Public Diplomacy Division (PDD), NATO HQ). Among the confirmed speakers are experts such as Mr. Jeffrey Gedmin (senior fellow at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and nonresident senior fellow for the Future Europe Initiative at the Atlantic Council USA and former

President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty); Mr. Sven Sakkov (director of the International Centre for Defence and Security based in Tallinn, Estonia); Ms. Anna Wieslander (director for Northern Europe at the Atlantic Council USA); Ms. Elisabeth Braw (Director of the Modern Deterrence programme at RUSI); Mr. Edward P. Joseph (Adjunct Professor and Senior Fellow, John Hopkins, USA); Mr. Andrew Michta (Dean, College of International and Security Studies George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, Germany); Ambassador Stefano Stefanini (a nonresident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security of the Atlantic Council USA); Mr. Vladimir Marinković (Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia); Mr. Goran Matić (Director of the Office of the National Security Council and Classified Information Protection of the Republic of Serbia); Mr. Giampaolo Di Paola (Member of the Steering Committee and Former Chairman of NATO Military Committee, GLOBSEC NATO Adaptation Initiative, Italy); Mr. Ian Bond (Director of the Centre for European Reform, London, UK); Mr. David Patrikarakos (Contributing Editor at Daily Beast and Contributing Writer for Politico, as well as Poynter Fellow at Yale); Mr. Ivan Vejvoda (Director of Europe project and Permanent Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences IWM Vienna); and Mr. Bojan Klačar

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(Executive Director of the Center for Free Elections and Democracy, Serbia). Description: The Center for Euro- Atlantic Studies (CEAS) is an independent, socio-liberal think tank, founded in Belgrade, Serbia in 2007. CEAS is one of the most prominent organizations engaged in research on Serbia's Euro-Atlantic integration, its security sector reform, and the effects of Russian influence on its democratization. CEAS's best-known publications are:

"Kosovo First" "West Side Story" "Basic Instinct: The Case for More NATO in the Western Balkans" "Eyes Wide Shut: The Strengthening of Russian Soft Power in Serbia: Objectives, Instruments, and Effects" "Guide to Information Security in the Republic of Serbia" "In Step with Private Sector Security II" "The Missing Link: Security Sector Reform, 'Military Neutrality,' and Serbia's EU Integration: How the EU Can Best Use its Influence to Advocate Sustainable Reform"

CEAS is also recognized for its annual high-level international conference, "Belgrade NATO Week."

NATO Engages: The Brussels Summit Dialogue 11-12 July 2018 Description: Titled "NATO Engages: The Brussels Summit Dialogue" the event brought together current and

next-generation leaders in the spectacular setting of the new NATO Headquarters to discuss some of the Alliance's most pressing challenges. Key themes mirrored the official summit agenda, but also included broader transatlantic and global security issues.

Long Term & Future Projects 2BS (TO BE SECURE) FORUM MAY 30 - JUNE 01, 2019 Description: Throughout its existence, the To Be Secure (2BS) Forum has proved to be an outstanding and important South- East European framework for affiliating the Montenegrin, regional and international eminent leaders and distinguished representatives. As the century has passed since the end of World War I, the people, nations and countries of Europe and the world at large have faced great successes and great failures. Not all successes ended up victories and not all failures ended up losses. Despite all this, Europe itself and the Euro- Atlantic community as a whole, flying on the wings of shared values and common interest, managed to transform the order of international relations and create democratic and globalized state of play, not known to human history before. But you see, when marching on a fast-paced track you must leave behind those with slower or older engines. And the thing with the tracks is that they are

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never linear! So these slower engines end up broken every once in a while, and the fast-paced track suddenly, to the great surprise of all these western democracies marching forward, becomes jammed. Even as progressed as never before, and with all the great technology on our hand, we are still looking through our traditional lenses and there is greater need to look beyond these perceptions and to start unjamming the tracks at home. The 9th 2BS Forum will highlight several focal points that trouble current regional and global security frameworks and raise special concern across Euro- Atlantic community in order to reanalyze and reboot common goals and joint efforts to further strengthen and secure a sustainable and thriving future for SEE region and thus the wider Europe. It will search for the best approaches to do so through five main tracks.

WESTERN BALKANS TRANSFORMATIVE FRAMEWORK TRACK: The Western Balkan region has, together with the rest of Europe, been experiencing what many have identified as “the grand return of geopolitics,” with the growing influence of Russia, China and Turkey which are reasserting their role and influence in the region through a combination of economic and political initiatives, which seem to offer new formats to the Western Balkans. Within a region that has

shown signs of considerable improvement since the outbreak of war in the 90s to the European and Euro-Atlantic integrations, these improvements have not been sufficient enough. Having in mind that progress is still slow-moving, due to unresolved problems from the past, these external influences can have crucial impact in shaping the future of this region. Forum will serve as a platform for discussions on the growing importance and need for a more present role and a greater investment of Americans and Europeans in what it seems to be currently transformative framework for the Western Balkans. Will 2019 be the year of resolutions for the Western Balkans? What will be the new phase of Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue? Will Macedonia finally put a stamp on its name dispute? What does the near future hold for Bosnia and Herzegovina? And in the long run, can the EU and NATO, and the provision of joining these organizations, be enough of a stimulus for economic growth and a prosperous future of the region?

EUROPE’s POWER/AXIS SHIFT TRACK The steady rise of right-wing parties is weakening mainstream politics across the continent and shaking the pillars of the EU. In combination with the efforts of European countries to consolidate on the migration issue that has ruffled many feathers and revealed discord inside

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“unity,” a lot of challenges have yet to be resolved. With the legacy of Brexit and the UK trying to establish a new model of relations with the rest of the 27 members of the EU, it will inevitably have a significant impact on further inner power balance within the EU. Another important milestone in 2019 are the elections for the European Parliament, which will reveal the sentiments of hundreds of millions of EU citizens who will direct the Europe’s near track future. With UK leaving the Union and EU reforms at the top of the agenda, French- German duo is left to steer the wheel and reconcile distinct interests of all member states towards more united and prosperous future. Will there be a win-win solution or will the approach from the one of the axis prevail? On the other side, challenges arise not only from within but on the brink of the EU borders as well. Two crucial elections for Ukraine in 2019, the presidential in March and parliamentary in late autumn will put to test European and Transatlantic bond.

EUROPE'S POWER/AXIS SHIFT TRACK The steady rise of right-wing parties is weakening mainstream politics across the continent and shaking the pillars of the EU. In combination with the efforts of European countries to consolidate on the migration issue that has ruffled many feathers and revealed discord inside “unity,” a lot of challenges are yet to

be resolved. With the legacy of Brexit and the UK trying to establish a new model of relations with the rest of the 27 members, it will inevitably have a significant impact on further inner power balance within the EU. Another important milestone in 2019 (elections for European Parliament) will reveal the sentiment of hundreds of millions of EU citizens who will direct Europe’s near future. With the UK leaving the Union and EU reforms at the top of the agenda, the French-German duo is left to steer the wheel and reconcile distinct interests of all member states towards a more united and prosperous future. Will there be a win-win solution or will the approach from one of the axes prevail? On the other side, challenges arise not only from within but on the brink of the EU borders as well. Two crucial elections for Ukraine in 2019 (the presidential in March and the parliamentary in late autumn) will put the European and Transatlantic bond to the test.

SECURITY AND DEFENCE TRACK: NATO MORE VITAL THAN EVER We don’t need to look much further in the past than last century to see valuable history lessons. Two world wars taught us what horrific events and tragic losses derive when international relations are not grounded in commonly accepted rules and institutions. Even though NATO’s primary purpose was to safeguard against the Soviet Union,

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nowadays when we are about to mark its 70th anniversary, it seems unjust to qualify NATO only as the most successful military alliance in modern history because even though it certainly is, it is also much more than just a defensive shield. NATO is a political alliance as much as military one, in a sense that it requires political commitment of each member state to one another as allies. Today, when we face a wide range of complex challenges (on one side progressively eroded relations between Russia and the West, caused by dangerous Russian behavior, with military buildup, hybrid tactics against democratic processes of other countries, etc.; and reemergence of the nuclear and chemical threats on the other side) NATO’s role seems more vital than ever. With the US withdrawing from Syria and Afghanistan, it seems that we are in for a few very chaotic months, maybe even years, that will have long-term impact on international relations. In marking the 70th anniversary of NATO we must remind ourselves that strong solidarity and commitment based on shared values among allies is what keeps us united and resilient to the diverse and multiple challenges we face and will face for many decades to come.

DISINFORMATION ON TRACK RECORD There is no doubt that the fourth revolution has occurred – that is a digital revolution. Although, it does

not possess better technological and financial resources than the United States and Europe, Russia still succeeds in generating significant challenges during the extremely important processes. It is only that Russia anticipated before us that nowadays technology is keeping the world order. Free access to information, speed, anonymity and lack of geographical boundaries transcend traditional concepts of the state which makes Russian hybrid tactics and activities much more effective, visible and multilayered. The issue of disinformation is complex, global and borderless. It undermines core values of one’s society, placing distrust and disorder in each other, in our democratic systems and in institutions. On the other side, news outlets have dropped most fact checking and critical analysis steps in order to churn out news more cheaply and quickly. As a result daft and untrue stories are appearing in mainstream news. This also created space for social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms (Viber, WhatsApp) to become main informative tool which not only shape people’s opinions, beliefs and eventually values (which influence election campaigns) but they are also used to export political proclamations, agendas and sets of values and interests suitable to a certain country, group of people or individuals beyond traditional borders. Are these companies doing

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enough in countering such campaigns? Aren’t we lacking a prompt, structured, institutional answer against it? We all, individually and collectively, have the right to be informed as well as to exercise that right but also to bear the responsibility for the use and abuse of that right. Standing united, and calling for accountability of those who sow distrust, disinformation and distort the truth, is the only way to prevail.

KEEPING THE TRAIN OF DEMOCRACY ON TRACK We are living in an age of uncertainty, with growing distrust of people in their governments and institutions and a rise of populist and right wing parties that are surging across the European continent. At the same time, great technological progress has changed the way we interact, align, gather around certain ideas and values, and more importantly how we exercise our rights and will in democratic societies. Technology has transcended the traditional borders of state and allowed for citizens to be more engaged and involved. Like any progress through history it is followed by both great opportunities and great responsibility. This responsibility is best described through the words of Kofi Annan: “Technology does not free us of the need for leadership, it makes leadership even more important.” Ultimately, if we want technology to

be our partner and not our adversary, we need to start modeling it with people in mind. This grim picture needs to be a wakeup call. Democracy is not perfect. “Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…” It has taken a beating lately, but is it strong enough to win the match?

DFC Digital Forensic Center is a project of the Atlantic Council of Montenegro with the main goals of countering the problem of disinformation and fake news as well as reducing problem of digital/media illiteracy through events, workshops, and lectures that will raise awareness of this issue. The Atlantic Council of Montenegro has recognized the need for establishing a Digital Forensic Center that would be located in Montenegro with the main goal of strengthening the civil- society groups and media sectors in Montenegro and neighboring countries and with an aim to counter disinformation and misinformation campaigns that have had a goal of destabilizing the region’s politics and to prepare them to react on these concrete problems. That is why we want to place the foundation for a digital hub that will fight new media and digital misinformation through the multi-sector (NGO, journalists, government) and multidisciplinary approach.

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DFC will focus its activities on accomplishing the following objectives: countering the problem of misinformation and fake news through research of titles and articles content that seem to be propaganda and providing verified information based on the deeper investigation; and creating a Digital Intelligence Research Unit under DFC as a huge step in developing research activities in the Western Balkans region, especially in terms of technology and internet and reducing problem of digital/new media illiteracy through events, workshops, and lectures that will

raise awareness of this issue and will provide a basic understanding and education for civil servants and journalists from the Western Balkans region.

Winter Security Conference (WSC) Winter Security Conference (WSC) Montenegro will be an annual event during which participants will learn and discuss specific topics that concerns regional and international security issues both in NATO member countries and the Western Balkans with reputable speakers and experts. Further interaction will be possible through very active Q&A sessions.

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NETHERLANDS

Since its founding in 1952, the Netherlands Atlantic Association has been providing information on Transatlantic security issues and promoting the development of relations between Europe and the United States, NATO, and European Security. Within the framework of these objectives, the Netherlands Atlantic Association organizes national and international conferences, seminars, panel discussions and lectures for specific groups. These activities are supported by both ad hoc and permanent committees. The independence of the Netherlands Atlantic Association is safeguarded by the Board of the organization, in

which all the major political parties and relevant academic disciplines are represented. The Netherlands Atlantic Association cooperates actively with government institutions, non- governmental organizations and scientific and political institutions in the Netherlands and abroad. In addition, the Netherlands Atlantic Association assists others with the organization and implementation of projects relating to national and international security issues and, where appropriate, initiates the development of such projects. The Association is also active in the field of publishing. Among its publications are Atlantisch Perspectief, the periodical of the Association, conference and study reports, and educational brochures and study guides.

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Netherlands Atlantic Youth is the official Dutch member of the Young Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA). Since 2006, Netherlands Atlantic Youth has been a subcommittee of the Netherlands Atlantic Association. It aims to increase awareness among students and young professionals and to increase their involvement in common transatlantic security issues. Netherlands Atlantic Youth is a platform for dialogue on the future of NATO, not only for young people in the Netherlands, but also for those in other NATO and Partnership for Peace countries. In order to meet these goals, Netherlands Atlantic Youth organizes various national and international events that are aimed at a young audience (from 18–35 years), and it does so in cooperation with various partner organizations.

National Activities “The Defence White Paper. New Perspectives for the Armed Forces” 15 January 2018 - Press Centre 'Nieuwspoort,' The Hague Speakers: Mr. Ank Bijleveld (Minister of Defence); Ms. Sophie Derkzen

(moderator) Target Groups: Patrons, university lecturers, politicians, journalists, representatives of the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, students and others.

“The Future of the European Project. 'Alle Menschen werden Brüder?'” 15 February 2018 - University Hall, Utrecht Speakers: a.o. Hanco Jürgens (Germany Institute Amsterdam); Ms. Titia Ketelaar (NRC Handelsblad); Mr. Eric Storm (Leiden University); Mr. Joris Schapendonk (Radboud University); Ms. Albertine Bloemendal (Leiden University); Ms. Tanja Groenendijk (Atlantic Education Committee); Mr. Robert de Oude (Walburg College, Zwijndrecht, Atlantic Education Committee); Mr. Ferenc Zsolt Szabo (Capgemini); Mr. Hans Luyendijk (Chairman, Atlantic Education Committee) Target Groups: Secondary school teachers of geography, history and social studies; students and others.

Donald Trump's First Year 19 February 2018 - De Balie, Amsterdam Speakers: Mr. Matt Mayer (Opportunity Ohio (speaker)); Mr. Rick Nieman (journalist (moderator)) Target Audience: Patrons, university lecturers, politicians, journalists, representatives of the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, students and others.

“The Integration of Dutch-German Land Forces: An Example for Closer European Defence Cooperation?” 19 March 2018 - Press Centre Nieuwspoort, The Hague Speakers: Major General Markus Laubental; Brigadier General Jan Swillens; Mr. André Bosman (VV); Ms. Salima Belhaj (D66); Ms. Angelien Eijsink (Board Member, Netherlands Atlantic Association (moderator)) Target Audience: Patrons, university lecturers, politicians, journalists, representatives of the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, students and others.

International Activities “NATO's Repivot to Europe?” 23 April 2018 - Sociëteit De Witte, The Hague Speakers: Major General Timothy

McGuire; Brigadier General Nico Tak; Prof. dr. Jan Hoffenaar Target Audience: Patrons, university lecturers, politicians, journalists, representatives of the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, students and others

“The Marshall Plan and Its Role in Winning Hearts and Minds.” In collaboration with: Embassy of the United States, Utrecht University. 24 April 2018 - Agnietenkapel, Amsterdam Speakers: Ms. Karen Donfried (German Marshall Fund of the United States); Mr. Frank Mehring (Radboud University Nijmegen); Mr. Ruud van Dijk (University of Amsterdam); Mr. John Jacobs (Netherlands Atlantic Youth (moderator)) Target Audience: Students and young professionals.

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“Improving Today, Shaping Tomorrow, Bridging the Two.” In collaboration with: Jong Defensie. 9 July 2018 - Residence of the Ambassador of France, The Hague Speakers: Gen. Denis Mercier (NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation); Ms. Karlijn Jans (The Hague Center for Strategic Studies (moderator)) Target Audience: Students and young professionals.

“Continuing Commitment to Transatlantic Security: Canadian and Dutch Perspectives on NATO's eFP in the Baltics.” In collaboration with: Embassy of Canada. 3 October 2018 - Koninklijke Schouwburg, The Hague Speakers: Mr. Christian Leuprecht (Royal Military College of Canada); Mr. Ruud Lenoir (Royal Netherlands Army); H.E. Sabine Nölke

(Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of the Netherlands); Mr. Ton van Loon (Netherlands Atlantic Association, Royal Netherlands Army (moderator)) Target Audience: Patrons, university lecturers, politicians, journalists, representatives of the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, students and others.

MINUSMA, operation Barkhane and projecting stability in the Sahel region. In collaboration with: KVBK. 10 December 2018 - Ministry of Defence, Kalvermarkt 32, The Hague Speakers: Brigadier General Marc Ollier (Force Chief of Staff MINUSMA, French Army); Lieutenant General (ret.) Ton van Loon (Netherlands Atlantic Association, Royal Netherlands Army (moderator)) Target Audience: Patrons, university

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lecturers, politicians, journalists, representatives of the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, students and others.

Long Term & Future Projects Reflections on the Dutch membership of the United Nations Security Council Description: The Kingdom of the Netherlands is actually one of the 10 non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, and chair of said Council during the month of March. The Netherlands aim to focus particularly on ‘strengthening conflict prevention, modernizing peace operations, and promoting justice and accountability.’ PermRep Karel van Oosterom will reflect on the Dutch participation in the United Nations Security Council in 2018, especially focusing on how the Netherlands might contribute to the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole in the future.

“Security in Northern Europe” Description: On 28 March 2019, the Royal Netherlands Society for Military Art and Science (KVBK) and the Netherlands Atlantic Association

are going to organize a program themed "Security in Northern Europe." With NATO returning its focus to its core mission of deterrence and collective defence, certain regions have regained strategic prominence. One of the most important is Northern Europe, here defined as the twelve countries that constitute ‘The Northern Group.' In this program various national concerns and challenges will be examined, and possible actions to ensure that the region remains prosperous and safe will be discussed.

“NATO at 70” Description: On the occasion of NATO's 70th anniversary, the Netherlands Atlantic Association is organizing a program themed “NATO at 70.” This seminar will be focused on what we exactly celebrate with NATO’s seventieth anniversary, and if the answer to that question could be the same for every member. It will also underline which are the key questions for NATO to answer in the foreseeable future. During this seminar the (possible) answers to these questions will be discussed with the audience and a panel of experts.

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NORTH MACEDONIA

The Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia (EACM) is a non- governmental organization established in 1997 in Skopje, which covers the strategic area of the North Macedonia. The EACM promotes euro- atlantic integration, ideas, and values in society. In order to advance the political consensus on this issue, which is of state interest for North Macedonia, the EACM unites people from diverse national, political, intellectual and business profiles. The EACM has close relations with state institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the NATO Liaison Office in Skopje, the Cabinets of the President of North Macedonia and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, NGOs,

foundations, the media as well as the diplomatic representatives in the country. In a broader sense, through its activities the EACM promotes the full support of democracy, human rights, civil society and the rule of law in North Macedonia.

As a member of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA), the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia has constant cooperation with the ATA and its members, including the national associations as well as NATO and EU structures.

The Youth of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia (YATA Macedonia) is the the youth portion of EACM. YATA Macedonia was founded in 1999 by a group of ambitious students and young politicians who were interested in working on the Atlantic values.

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Goals

The EACM's goals include: the promotion of the euro-atlantic idea in North Macedonia; the exchange of knowledge and experiences for the euro-atlantic goals and values; cooperation with the euro-atlantic councils and associations abroad; working on projects for promotion of democratic values, security, and human rights; raising the public's awareness for the issues concerning the complexity of security and international relations.

The Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia actively participates in all of the ATA activities in regional and national initiatives, and actively participates in all the conferences, seminars and debates that are part of the activities of the Atlantic Association. It will continue its cooperation with the Government of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and other governmental institutions, diplomatic representatives and other elements relevant for the euro-atlantic integration of North Macedonia.

National Activities

Marking the Day of the Army of North Macedonia 18 August 2018 Speaker: Ms. Radmila SEKERINSKA JANKOVSKA, Vice-President of the Government / Minister of Defense of North Macedonia.

Description: On the occasion of the Day of the Army of North Macedonia, young people attended the official ceremony organized by the Ministry of Defense that took place at the Military Stadium in Skopje. The official ceremony was encompassed by an exhibition of combat vehicles, machinery and equipment, as well as many activities carried out by the members of the Army of North Macedonia.The program also included: a concert by the Military Orchestra, a display of medical equipment, a methodical demonstration of exercises (especially martial arts exercises), a demonstration of flight with a paraglide and helicopter, as well as a demonstration of the weapons, armament and other equipment of the Army of North Macedonia. More concretely, as part of the activity program, the students had a unique opportunity to see the combat skills of the members of the Special Force Battalion "Wolves" (part of the Special Operations Regiment), the “Exicir” Exercise of the Honorary Battalion, the methodical demonstration exercise with the dogs of the Army of North Macedonia and the flight of the Mi-8/17 helicopter. The participants had a chance to view the military exhibition with the displayed military equipment, arsenal and armored vehicles, as well as to see and enter in the military tanks and helicopters.

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NATO Integration - Precondition For Security And Development 18 September 2018 Speakers: Mr. Talat XHAFERI (President of the Assembly of North Macedonia); Ms. Radmila SEKERINSKA JANKOVSKA (Vice- President of the Government / Minister of Defense of North Macedonia); H.E. Danijela BARISIC (Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in North Macedonia); Cap. Gorazd BARTOL (Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Skopje); Prof. Dr. Stevo PENDAROVSKI (National Coordinator for NATO); and Prof. Trajan GOCEVSKI (First Minister of Defense of North Macedonia). Description: On the occasion of the launch of the new project "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS," which is directly supported by the Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia and the NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the Euro- Atlantic Council of Macedonia held a one-day conference on September 18, 2018 at Stone Bridge Hotel entitled: "NATO INTEGRATION - PRECONDITION FOR SAFETY AND DEVELOPMENT."

Lecture by ACUS 27 September 2018 Speakers: Mr. Graham Brookie (Director and Managing Editor, Digital Forensic Research Lab) and Sarah Bedenbaugh (Associate Director, European Union and Special Initiatives)

Description: During the official visit of our partner organization, Atlantic Council of the United States, ATA Macedonia as part of the new project "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS," organized the first weekly lecture with Mr. Graham Brookie (Director and Managing Editor, Digital Forensic Research Lab) and Sarah Bedenbaugh (Associate Director, European Union and Special Initiatives). The topics of the lecture were: The US Atlantic Council’s work and how it impacts foreign policy (specifically on securing North Macedonia’s integration in NATO and EU); how to combat disinformation through open source research techniques; and awareness advocacy campaign in the policy sphere.

Lecture with the Ambassador of Croatia in Macedonia, H.E. Danijela Barisic 7 October 2018 Speakers: H.E. Danijela Barisic Description: As a part of the "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS," ATA Macedonia organized the second lecture with the Ambassador of Croatia in North Macedonia, H.E. Danijela

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Barisic, as well as the first official visit of the NATO Contact Point Embassy/ Embassy of Croatia in North Macedonia. The topics of the lecture included: Croatian experience on the way to NATO and the EU, how to act as a real diplomat, how to combat modern security challenges, regional policies and the role of the NATO Contact Point Embassy in North Macedonia. H.E. Danijela Barisic conveyed her reflections on North Macedonian integrative processes and discussed these important issues with the participants.

Description: During the visit of the Pilot Training Center, which is located in the barracks “Straso Pindzur” in Petrovec, the school participants had a unique opportunity to see the facilities where future pilots have their trainings, and to get acquainted with the technical possibilities of the training equipment and the concept of training for pilots. The first part of the visit included theoretical presentation of the capacities of the training center, the selection requirements for the candidates and the professional opportunities of being a pilot in North Macedonia. The second part was practical presentation of the facilities and the equipment, as well as the flight simulators for helicopters.

Lecture and official visit of the Pilot Training Center of the Army of North Macedonia 18 October 2018 Speakers: Head of the pilot training Center and other pilots Lecture and official visit of the

Military Academy “General Mihajlo Apostolski” and the Training Center "Dr. Joseph Kruzel" 24 October 2018 Speakers: Vice Dean, Colonel Prof. Dr. Mitko Bogdaniski, Major Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Petrovski, Colonel Prof. Dr. Rose Smilevski

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Description: Official visit of the Military Academy “General Mihajlo Apostolski” and the Training Center "Dr. Joseph Kruzel" within the barracks “Goce Delcev” Skopje was organized for the participants of the "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS." The participants had an opportunity to get acquainted with the criteria and conditions for studying at the Military Academy; the basic responsibilities of educating, training and improving staff for the needs of MOD, ARM, Crisis Management System and Protection and Rescue System; the organizational structure and the opportunities for improvements of the cadets.

Lecture and Official visit of the “Ilinden” Barracks in Skopje 25 October 2018 Speakers: The heads of the battalions within the “Ilinden” Barracks and other Army personnel Description: The participants of the school had the opportunity to visit the “Ilinden” Barracks with the

Battalions located in the barracks (including the Special Operations Regiment, the Military Police Battalion and the Battalion for Communications) and to talk with ARM officers, as well as to attend presentations and to discuss the topics. The presentation at the Special Operations Regiment provided a historic and informational overview of the regiment, its structure, mission and general tasks, as well as the challenges of being part of the Special Forces. In addition, the participants visited the Military Police Battalion where they were acquainted with its role, responsibilities and main challenges. The last part of the official visit was focused on the Battalion for Communications where the school participants were introduced with their work and their technical equipment.

Lecture and Official visit of the “PARC” Training Center in Skopje 26 October 2018 Speakers: Heads of the “PARC” Training Center in Skopje Description: As part of the "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS," a visit of the Public Affairs Regional Center “PARC” was organized. PARC is a national education and training centre that trains national and international PA personnel (not only from the Armed forces and the Ministries of Defense but also from other State administration institutions) to

develop their Communication skills and techniques and to provide them with the necessary expertise in Public Affairs. The participants had the opportunity to ask questions, hold discussions and see the facilities equipped for trainings.

Lecture on Security Sector Reform 15 November 2018 Speakers: Col. Ljube Dukoski, PhD, Vice president of ATA Macedonia Description: As part of the "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS," a lecture on Security Sector Reform was organized. The lecture covered important topics related to Security Sector Reform including the implementation process, the security sector oversight, the role of the civil society, comparative experiences and the progress of the reforms in the security sector.

Lecture on Gender and Security 25 November 2018 Speaker: Cap. Selma Biberovic, Member, YATA Macedonia / Army of North Macedonia Description: The participants of the "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS" had the opportunity to attend a lecture on Gender and Security. The lecture covered topics associated with the role and influence of women in security structures, Resolution 1325 and its implementation and effects in the Army of North Macedonia, and the general representation of women in the security sector. Captain Bieberovic shared some of her experiences as a woman in the army, including everyday challenges and experiences she had while receiving her education at the Military Academy in Skopje.

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Lecture and Official Visit of NATO Liaison Office in Skopje 29 November 2018 Speakers: Chief of the NATO Liaison Office, Colonel Zoran Jankovic Description: The participants of the "SCHOOL OF DEFENSE, SECURITY AND NATO INTEGRATIONS" had the unique opportunity to visit the NATO Liaison Office in Skopje. The lecture covered topics such as the structure of NATO; politics, operations and decision-making within NATO; NATO and the new security challenges; North Macedonia's path to NATO (participation in missions, important steps, dates, etc.); and the role of the NATO Office in North Macedonia with regards to NATO integrations.

International Activities Countering disinformation in Central and Eastern Europe: Mapping needs, building capacity, and generating civic activism January – December 2018 Description: The aims of the project are directed at identifying the gaps in skills and tools of civic society organisations (CSOs) that they need to counter the spread of disinformation, and identifying the media consumption habits of young people (15-24), mainly disinformation narratives and the usage of social medial platforms. The project consists of three phases and encompasses desk research, mapping of the needs of civil society organizations, qualitative analysis of

4 focus groups, a two-day training for organizations led by top US experts, as well as international competition and public campaign.

ATA Communication Task Force training in the NATO Headquarters 27–28 February 2018 Speakers: Representatives from most of the sections of NATO Description: The aim of this visit was to build capacity among members of the ATA/YATA network in the NATO political agenda and strategies, social media and outreach, straightening the network among the participants, and straightening the network between ATA/YATA and NATO in the light of the upcoming NATO Summit in Brussels. The event was organized by ATA International.

NATO DAY 2018: NATO and YOU 4 April 2018 Speakers: Mr. Fabrizio Luciolli (president of ATA, national coordinator for NATO), Mr. Stevo Pendarovski (president of ATA Macedonia), Ismet Ramadani, Mrs. Radmila Sekerinska (Minister of Defense and Vice President of the Government of North Macedonia), Mr. Dragan Tevdovski (Minister of Finance), HE Mr. Jess Bailey (US Ambassador in North Macedonia), HE Mrs. Danijela Barisic (Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in North Macedonia), Captain Gorazd Bartol (Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Skopje), and Mr. Ilija Djugumanov (President of ATA Macedonia)

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Description: The Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia, the Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia, the NATO Liaison Office in Skopje and the Croatian Embassy in Skopje, organized a conference titled "NATO and you" on the occasion of the official celebration of NATO Day, which marks the founding of NATO and the signing of the Washington Treaty, as well as on the occassion of the visit of the President of the World ATA, Mr. Fabrizio Luciolli. Besides the conference, a series of other activities were organized by the Ministry of Defense.

Macedonia in the eyes of NATO Brussels Summit 27th April 2018 Speakers: Dr. Bekim Maksuti (Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Defence), Mr. Stevo Pendarovski (National Coordinator for NATO), Mr. Ismet Ramadani (President of the Euro- Atlantic Council of Macedonia), Navy Captain Gorazd Bartol (the Head of NATO Liaison Office in Skopje), and Mr. Ilija Djugumanov (President of the youth of the Euro-Atlantic Council (YATA Macedonia)). Description: Given the success and the large interest for the past student simulations and all events of its type in the country, the Euro- Atlantic Council of Macedonia organized the 7th NATO Student Simulation on the topic: "Macedonia in the eyes of NATO Brussels Summit." The event was practically a youth summit where the students simulated a NATO Summit Meeting

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assuming the roles of Head of States and Governments and media representatives. The event was highly educational because it allowed students closer and deeper to learn about the issues of NATO, security and international politics, this time in the anticipation of Brussels Summit.

98th Rose-Roth Seminar 27–29 June 2018 Speakers: Prime Minister Zaev, President of the Parliament Talat Xhaferi, former US Ambassador James Pardew, Bekim Maksuti (Deputy Minister of Defence), Stevo Pendarovski (National Coordinator for the preparation for NATO membership), Josip Brkic (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina), ATA Macedonia President Mr. Ismet Ramadani, other government officials, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and additional experts. The speakers addressed the ongoing reform processes occurring across all government sectors. Description: Less than two weeks after the historic agreement between Prime Ministers Alexis Tsipras and Zoran Zaev, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly members met in Skopje from the 27th to the 29th of June for its 98th Rose-Roth Seminar. The Seminar was organized at a critical time for the future of the Western Balkans as a whole.

NATO Engages: The Brussels Summit Dialogue

11–12 July 2018 Speakers: many state representatives Description: During the NATO Brussels Summit, Mr, Ismet Ramadani (ATA Macedonia President) participated at the event: “NATO Engages: The Brussels Summit Dialogue” was organized by NATO, the Atlantic Council (US), the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and Women in International Security (WIIS).

Training in Communication Skills 20th and 21st September 2018 Speakers: Olga Chizhova (communications director, "Ukrainian Prism"); Mark Flyifl (President and CEO, Off the Record Strategies); and Franak Viacorca (Creative Director, RFE / RL's Belarusian Service). Description: Two-day capacity- building training for civil society organizations.

“Youth Outreach” Workshop 29–31 October 2018, Belgrade Speakers: Brigadier General Cesare Marinelli, Chief of NATO Military Liaison Office Belgrade and other experts Description: Members of ATA Macedonia attended a Youth Workshop entitled “Youth Outreach.” The event which was held in Belgrade hosted participants from North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, and the main goal was the exchange of thought and knowledge about

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current security threats in the region and the position of young people.

"The Role of Youth Against Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans” 19–21 November 2018, Montenegro Speakers: Mr. Brian Ebel (chargé d’affaires and political advisor of the Embassy of Canada for Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro); Mr. Vlado Azinovic (professor of political science at the University of Sarajevo); Mr. Adam Deen (former extremist); Ms. Jessie Hronešova (Program Manager for the Western Balkans at Aktis Strategy and associate at South East European Studies Oxford (SEESOX)) and other experts. Description: Members of ATA Macedonia attended a workshop titled "The Role of Youth Against Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans.” The event hosted participants from the Western Balkans countries in a two day workshop with the goal of introducing these current threats.

Long Term & Future Projects Conducting research project: "Exposing Russian Information Operations in Frontline States" The project is a cooperation effort between GLOBSEC and several partner countries, including the Euro- Atlantic Council of Macedonia. The project is a research activity which will last for two years.

Conducting a cooperative project with Bulgaria: "Empowerment of the youth for active participation in the decision-making process" The project has several goals: to engage and foster youth participation in democratic life; to connect young people and increase mobility; to empower the youth through quality, innovation and recognition of their work. Given the membership of Bulgaria in the EU and NATO, and its practical experience in the process of decision making in those institutions, we can learn through cooperation and shared experience.

Marking the official NATO Day, 4th of April International conference about North Macedonia's path to NATO as part of the official celebration of NATO Day which marks the founding of NATO and the signing of the Washington Treaty.

“Effective Biological Risk Governance for Enhanced Preparedness: Strengthening Inter- Agency Coordination and Regional Collaboration” The proposed workshop seeks, inter alia, to promote an understanding of the need for multi-stakeholder engagement and inter-agency coordination in the area of biological risk reduction, in order to improve national and regional biological resilience capacities.

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The Norwegian Atlantic Committee (DNAK) was founded in 1955 upon the initiative of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Norwegian Parliament. DNAK is politically independent and the Committee aims to promote knowledge and discussion about Norwegian foreign, defence and security policy, with an emphasis on transatlantic relations. The Committee organizes large conferences, seminars, roundtables, courses in international politics and study trips, as well as publishes a variety of publications. The main target groups are members of the media, armed forces, politicians, civil servants, diplomats, researchers, students and teachers. Furthermore, the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association

organization for students and young professionals, subordinated to DNAK and part of the YATA International network.

National Activities In 2018, the Norwegian Atlantic Committee arranged 50 events (conferences, seminars, roundtables and courses), 5 study trips, and participated at a range of conferences and seminars both in Norway and abroad. Below are some highlights:

Leangkollen Security Conference 2018: A Diverging West? External Forces and Internal Crises 5–6 February Speakers: Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg; Norwegian Minister

Norway (YATA Norway) is an

of Foreign Affairs, Ine Eriksen Søreide; Norwegian Minister of Defence, Frank Bakke Jensen; Professor at Johns Hopkins University, Hal Brands; and a range of international and Norwegian experts. Description: Leangkollen Security Conference is the Norwegian Atlantic Committee‘s annual flagship conference. In 2018, the various panels discussed the ongoing transformation of the old world order, including changes in great power constellations and consequences of populism, nationalism and authoritarianism.

Roundtable with Atlantic Council US 22 May Speakers: Ambassador Torgeir Larsen (Norwegian MFA), Associate Professor Geir Flikke (University of Oslo), Professor Rolf Tamnes (Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies), and Senior Research Fellow

Arild Moe (Fridtjof Nansen Institute). Description: The committee hosted a closed roundtable for a delegation of American experts on security and defence policy led by the Atlantic Council US. The speakers discussed topics such as Norwegian defence and security policy, the Arctic security landscape and Russian defence and security policy.

The Ambassador Week August 21 – September 6 Speakers: Norway‘s ambassadors to the US, the UN in New York, Iran, Germany, France, Horn of Africa and Russia. Description: The Ambassador Week is an annual event that takes place in the latter half of August. The Committee invites distinguished Norwegian ambassadors to give an update on the political status and developments at their respective posts. This is one of the Committee‘s most popular events.

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A Day Without Satellites 25 September Speakers: The Norwegian Minister of Defence, Frank Bakke-Jensen; State Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Communication, Brage Baklien; State Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Daniel Bjarmann-Simonsen; State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Thor Kleppen Sættem; Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Defence, Major General Inge Kampenes; Director General at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, John-Mikal Størdal; and a range of other civil and military experts. Description: In cooperation with the Ministry of Defence's Program Space, the Norwegian Atlantic Committee arranged a one-day conference, focusing on the the importance of satellites for the functioning of our society. The overarching question "What would a day without satellites be like?" guided the various dicussions, ranging from topics such as security and defence, civil and

public security, and communication and transport.

Trident Juncture: Why does NATO excercise in Norway? 22 October Speakers:

First panel: Commander of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, Lieutenant General Rune Jakobsen; Commander of the Norwegian Home Guard, Major General Eirik Kristoffersen; Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Defence, Major General Inge Kampenes; Cheif Executive Officer of the Defence Logistics Organization, Petter Jansen; and Deputy Director of the Directorat for Civil Protection, Per Brekke. Second panel: Senior Advisor Karsten Friis; Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Katarzyna Zysk; Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies, Professor Øystein Tunsjø; Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies, and Professor Janne Haaland Matlary, University of Oslo.

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Description: The Committee hosted a public breakfast meeting with the Norwegian security community. The aim of the open meeting was to inform the public about the upcoming NATO exercise and provide the audience with the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Generals and security experts. The panelists discussed the aim, planning and implementation of the NATO exercise Trident Juncture 2018 in Norway, including the role of the Total Defence, and the security policy consequences of hosting the exercise in Norway. The public meeting was streamed.

International Activities

Study trip to Washington D.C. 23 – 25 April The Committee arranged a three-day trip to Washington D.C. with a small group of experts from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the media and academia. During the trip, the group visited Norway‘s Embassy in the U.S., the Pentagon, State Department, as well as CSIS and the Atlantic Council US.

NATO Engages 10 – 12 July Secretary General Kate Hansen Bundt participated at NATO Engages, the side event during the NATO Summit in Brussels. A range of state leaders and ministers from NATO member states spoke at the two-day event, hosted by Atlantic Council US, Munich Security Conference, German Marshall Fund and NATO PDD.

The Riga Conference 28 – 29 September Adviser Karen-Anna Eggen participated at The Riga Conference 2018. During the conference, topics such as security in the Baltic region, transatlantic relations, the development in Europe, and Russia's role in the world were discussed.

Study trip to Brussels 21 – 23 November The Committee arranged a two-day study trip to Brussels with representatives from several Norwegian ministries, political parties, the media, research institutes and think tanks. During the visit, the group met with experts at NATO Headquarters, the Norwegian delegation to NATO, the Norwegian Military Mission to NATO and Norway‘s delegation to the EU.

The European Defence and Security Dimension in Northern Europe 11 December Speakers: Dr. Andrew Michta, Professor Dr. Julian Lindley-French, Dr. Maris Andzans, Dr. Teija Tiilikainen. Description: Secretary General Kate Hansen Bundt moderated a session with the title EU Defence or European

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Defence? Franco-German visions and ambitions during the conference hosted in Stockholm, Sweden by Atlantic Council US and Konrad- Adenauer-Stiftung.

Long Term & Future Projects Leangkollen Security Conference 2019: The Future of Transatlantic Relations: Security, Policy and Technology 4–5 February 2019 The 2019 Conference will focus on the challenges facing the multilateral order and transatlantic relations, and how the current revolution in civil-military technologies is changing the power dynamics on the international stage. Among the speakers are: NATO's Deputy Secretary General, Rose Gottemoeller; the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ine Eriksen Søreide; State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Tone Skogen; and Nonresident Senior Fellow at ACUS, August Cole.

Security Policy Seminar Series (Sikkerhetspolitisk dypdykk) During 2019, the Committee will arrange a series of seminars structured as a one to two hour(s) in-

depth conversation with a central actor in the Norwegian security and defence community. So far, two seminars are planned: one with the Norwegian Minister of Defence, Frank Bakke Jensen, and professor Olav Lysne on digital border defence, and the other with the U.S. ambassador to Norway, Rear Admiral Kenneth J. Braithwaite.

Courses in international politics Each year, the Committee arranges a series of courses in international politics. Together with four experts, we visit the seven largest cities in Norway. These include Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, Bodø and Tromsø. The main target groups include, among others, students, teachers, researchers, the media, the police and army personell.. The primary aim of these courses is to provide information and knowledge on important international topics to areas outside Oslo. Futhermore, by visiting the various cities, the Committee maintains important contacts with key regional universtities and security policy actors. Among the topics to be thaught this year are Brexit and the future of EU, European defence cooperation and Russian security policy.

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The Portuguese Atlantic Commission is a nongovernmental and non profit association, constituted under the provisions of Portuguese law. Founded in 1960, it was totally restructured in 1975 by the Portuguese political parties supporting Portugal’s presence in the Atlantic Alliance. The Portuguese Atlantic Committee ensures Portuguese representation within the ATA, where it is one of its most active members. Throughout the years, members of its Board of Directors have held the offices of President, Secretary General, Treasurer and Vice President of the ATA, as well as President of the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA). In Portugal, the Portuguese

Atlantic Commission's political interest is also acknowledged by the high level of its members.

In 1995 the Portuguese Atlantic Committee launched the logistical support for a youth structure, the Portuguese Atlantic Youth Association (AJPA) , which has been extremely active and very successful ever since.

National Activities Congress Globalisation XXI: Connected Societies 3-7 April 2018, Universidade Nova de Lisboa Description: Within this congress, on the 4th of April, we organised a day to commemorate NATO‘s anniversary, where we had the opportunity to talk

about NATO and our own organisation.

Escalade of Global Tensions – Current Conflicts 24 April 2018 Speakers: Prof. Felipe Pathé Duarte and Prof. Diana Soller Description: Conference held at Institiuto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas on current conflicts in international relations and NATO‘s role in those conflicts.

International Activities

NATO 4.0: Collective Security in a Time of Uncertainty 21-28 July 2018 Speakers: Minister of Defense, Armed Forces General Chief of Staff, other military speakers, politicians (members of Parliament, members of European Parliament, and several academics) Description: Week-long seminar

comprised of conferences with high- level speakers, a policy paper workshop, and visits to Parliament, military facilities and night talks. In 2018 the seminar was held for the 23rd consecutive year and counted on the participation of 40 participants from 26 countries.

Long Term & Future Projects Commemoration of NATO‘s 70th anniversary Description: Series of 5 conferences held in 5 different international relations and political science universities on various NATO related themes.

24th Portuguese Atlantic Youth Seminar Description: Organisation for the 24th consecutive year of our flagship international event.

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The Euro Atlantic Council of Romania – created in 2002 as a consortium on NGO’s – was formally recognized by the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) as a full member and national chapter of the ATA when Romania became a member of NATO. A non- governmental, non-profit umbrella, the Council seeks to bring together Romanian NGO/s, think tanks, universities and researchers, to promote the central role of the Euro- Atlantic community in the contemporary world context, through a better understanding of traditions and values, and of current structures and policies of the Atlantic community institutions. The Council's mission is rooted in the concept that “the journey is as

important as the destination.” As Romania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and became one of its strategic members in the Eastern flank, it became obvious that the path towards future objective offers an experience that creates unique opportunities for national growth, learning, and self- knowledge. Through its publications and series of events, through conferences and seminars, through research and education programs, through youth programs and the Young Atlantic Treaty Organization (YATA Romania) , the Council aims to be a catalyst throughout this crucial process. Romania focuses heavily on educating and promoting cooperation among youth in NATO Allied and Partner countries, striving

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to draw together young leaders of today and tomorrow to bridge the gap between the policy level and the social level.

National Activities Romanian-Polish Cooperation in the Eastern Europe 28 March 2018 Speakers from the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania: Sergiu Celac (New Strategy Center); Teodor Meleșcanu (Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, member of the Honorary Council) Description: The Romanian-Polish Cooperation in the Eastern Europe conference was organized on March 28th in Bucharest by the New Strategy Center, a member of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania. The conference joined Romanian and Polish experts and officials to discuss the B9 format cooperation for a safer Europe, as well as the economic development of the region through the Three Seas Initiative.

Bucharest Security Conference Dialogues 24 April 2018 Speakers: Hon. Ioan Mircea Pascu (Vice President of the European Parliament, Member of the EACR Honorary Council) Description: The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) organized the Bucharest Security Conference Dialogue, a pre-event of the Bucharest Security Conference 2018 that will take place on the B9 Cooperation Format. The event approached topics of interest for Romania and Poland, such as strengthening the resilience in the context of security threats, interconnectivity, and energy security.

Securing NATO’s Eastern Frontier and its Neighbouring Regions 4 December 2018 Speakers from the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania: Iulian Chifu (Centre for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning) Description: The Centre for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning held a public debate regarding the security of NATO’s Eastern Frontier and its neighbouring regions. This conference of transatlantic importance has brought together European security and defense officials (Germany, UK, Ukraine, Romania and Moldova) to discuss the imminent exit of the United

Kingdom, the wave of populism and extremism, public disinformation campaigns, the increasingly divergent opinions on Russia and involvement in Eastern Europe, and the push for the creation of a European army.

Romania and the US in the Centennial Year 20 November 2018 Speakers from the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania: Dan Dungaciu (The Black Sea University Foundation) Description: The conference about Romania and the US in the Centennial Year presented the first survey conducted simultaneously in the two countries by The Polling Company (US) and INSCOP (Romania), to show the common values, perceptions and representations of the populations from Romania and the United States of America, 100 years after the Great Union of Romanians and the 14 points presented by President Woodrow Wilson.

International Activities The 64th ATA General Assembly 26-29 September 2018 Speakers from the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania: Alex Serban (Atlantic Council, Founding President of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania); Hon. Ioan Mircea Pascu (Vice President of the European Parliament, Member of the EACR Honorary Council); Dan Dungaciu (Black Sea University Foundation) Description: The Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania had the most distinguished honor to organize the 64th Atlantic Treaty Association General Assembly (ATA GA), held in Bucharest on September 26-29. The General Assembly represented the first major international gathering after the 2018 NATO Brussels Summit, paving the way to the 70th anniversary of the Atlantic Alliance. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the 2008 Bucharest

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NATO Summit, bringing together Delegations, youth leaders and media representatives from all 38 ATA National Atlantic Councils to discuss how to enhance the ATA’s role in support of NATO’s strategic communication goals as well as to fulfill the ATA’s statutory duties. On Thursday 27th September, the 64th ATA General Assembly was hosted at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest by the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania. Security in the Black Sea Region has been the major focus of the Public session titled “The Future of The Transatlantic Security After the NATO Summit: A Black Sea Region Perspective." On September 28th, ATA Delegates participated at the International Event organized in partnership with the Bucharest Security Conference.

Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum (2nd edition) 14-16 June 2018 Speakers from the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania: Mr. Sergiu Celac (New Strategy Center); Ambassador Sorin Ducaru; Theodor Melescanu (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Member of the Honorary Board) Description: The second edition of the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum was held in Constanta, Romania from the 14-16 of June. The main organizer of the event was the New Strategy Center, member of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania. During the three conference days,

more than 70 senior officials from NATO, Romania, Moldova, Poland, Georgia, and Ukraine joined to debate main security challenges in the area such as: hybrid, cyber threats, the militarization of the Black Sea, energy or societal security and economical or financial challenges.

The New Geopolitical Environment in the Middle East: between Fighting Terrorism and the Future of the Region 5 July 2018 Speakers: Flavius Caba-Maria (MEPEI); Florin Luca (the Titulescu European Foundation) Description: The Middle East Political and Economic Institute (MEPEI) organized the international conference “The New Geopolitical Environment in the Middle East: between Fighting Terrorism and the Future of the Region” (The Fourth Forum), in cooperation with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Romania, and the EURISC Foundation, in partnership with the Institute for Political and International Studies (MoFA, Iran), the Institute for Middle East Strategic Studies (Tehran, Iran) and

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the Chamber of Commercial Diplomacy with Iran, to address the salient international affairs in the Middle East.

Bucharest Security Conference 27-29 September 2018 Speakers from the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania: Remus Pricopie (SNSPA); Hon. Ioan Mircea Pascu (Vice President of the European Parliament, Member of the EACR Honorary Council); Liviu Muresan (EURISC); Radu Magdin (Strategikon)

Description: The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) organized the third edition of the Bucharest Security Conference on 27-29 September 2018. It is the largest international conference in Romania that addresses the most recent security developments and evolving threats on the Euro- Atlantic frontier, as well as NATO’s decisions to respond to them.

Emerging Importance of Wider Black Sea Area Security 1-2 June 2018

Speakers: Silviu Nate (Global Studies Center) Description: Under the high patronage of the Romanian President, with the support of the Embassy of Romania to the United States of America, and co-financed by the Sibiu City Hall, the Global Studies Center (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu) involves experts and institutional representatives from Romania, Europe, the US and from the eastern neighbourhood of the Alliance (e.g. Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova) to discuss and deliver analyses, with the aim of identifying sustainable solutions for the Wider Black Sea Region.

Long Term & Future Projects The Future of Europe Description: With the occasion of Romania’s rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union (January 1st – June 30th, 2019), member associations of the Euro- Atlantic Council of Romania have

been thoroughly focused on the cohesive Europe and the construction formats of the European Union, analyzing the ambitions of the EU and trying to find solutions to turn today’s great challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. To this regard this sense, the Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning, the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, the German Marshall Fund, and the Atlantic Council joined together in a conference called “The

Future of Europe. Perspectives of Contemporary Developments," held under the High Patronage of the President of Romania and in the margins of the Informal Summit of Heads of State or Government of the European Union. The activity of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Romania will continue to focus on the future challenges faced by the continent following the European Parliament elections, analyzing the continuous shift of power and the Brexit effects on the cohesion of the EU.

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SERBIA

The Atlantic Council of Serbia was established on June 13th 2001. Among the founders of the Council are well-established figures from the fields of diplomacy, business, political analysis, law, journalism and marketing, as well as military analysts, police, members of universities and other prominent individuals from public life. The founders were driven by their belief that the inclusion of Serbia into Euro-Atlantic integration was in the best interest of the nation. This lead to establishment of the Atlantic Council of Serbia. The Council's main interest is to establish lasting peace and stability in the region and thus promote conditions for economic recovery. The only way to achieve

this hard task is the inclusion into the Euro-Atlantic community.

National Activities

Conference - “Shaping the Future of Serbia in the Era of Uncertainty” Speakers: Mr. Zoran Dragišić (Professor at the Faculty of Security Studies), Mr. Nikola Tanić (Professor Dr.), Mr. Aleksandar Radić (Military analyst), Mr. Jakša Šćekić (Journalist) Description: Speakers and other participants concluded that this issue is extremely important and therefore decided to tackle it from our local level. The topic “Shaping the Future of the Balkans” was approached from four standpoints that have been singled out by our colleagues in Washington, DC. One of

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the most important topics was “The historic reconciliation between Serbia and the US.” Other topics that were discussed are “Return of the US to this region and its participation in finding solutions to complex issues regarding relationship between Athens and Skopje and between Belgrade and Pristina,” “US military presence in Southeastern Europe”, as well as the “Issue of young people entrepreneurship.” Mr. Šćekić reminded the participants that “In 1980’s the former Yugoslavia and Serbia were just a step away from EU. However, during 1990’s we became mentally destroyed nation and our foreign policy changes every five minutes”. Mr. Šćekić emphasized that there is a real danger that the world loses its patience waiting Serbia to make up its mind, and push Serbia to back track. The Atlantic Council of Serbia sent information on upcoming meeting to all media outlets and news agencies. During the meeting reporters from Voice of American

and TV “BN” attended the event. They also announced the conference several days ahead. The same did “Army info forum” portal.

Conference - “Cooperation between Serbian Army and military forces of NATO member countries” Atlantic Council of Serbia under the auspices of the US Embassy in Belgrade organized a conference under the title “Cooperation between Serbian Army and military forces of NATO member countries”. This event was held on September 20th 2018. in Belgrade, in Crowne Plaza hotel, conference room Baltic. The conference was attended by prominent representatives from political, social and non-governmental sectors as well as by foreign military attaches. Mr. Vladan Živulović the President of Atlantic Council of Serbia gave the introductory remarks. After introduction the following participants spoke on the following topics:

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Colonel Milan Ranković (Head of Department for International Military Cooperation, Sector for Defense Policy in Ministry of Defense of Republic of Serbia)

In his exposé Colonel Ranković offered information on Serbian Army cooperation with more than 60 national armies in the world. Mr. Ranković said that 279 members of Serbian Army participate in international operations under the auspice of EU and UN. He also said that it is significant to note participation of Serbian Army medical staff in joint military exercises. Colonel Ranković conveyed information that the focus of Serbian Department of Defense is on maintaining and expanding cooperation with strategic national partners like the US.

Brigadier General Cesare Marinelli (Chief of NATO Military Liaison Office in Belgrade)

Mr. Marinelli said that NATO has 29 member countries that offer knowledge, technology and their experience to Republic of Serbia as much as Republic of Serbia is ready to accept it. He stressed that NATO does not push Serbia in any way to become a member of the alliance. In that context he clarified that Serbia has cooperation with NATO through IPAP program. He added that NATO cooperates with countries like Switzerland and Finland

which are not members of the alliance.

Colonel Douglas Faherty (Military Attache at the US Embassy in Belgrade)

Mr. Faherty said that military cooperation with Serbia is extremely important to the USA. As a good example of military cooperation between these two nations, he mentioned joint military exercise “Double eagle” that took place in Serbia on November 16th 2017. The exercise included US Army and Serbian Army paratroopers. Mr. Faherty also said that military office of the US Embassy in Belgrade is making great effort and that the results are obvious, for example, various trainings for Military Academy students, and donations to Serbian Army.

Mr. David Gehrenbeck (Political Counselor at the US Embassy in Belgrade)

Mr. Gehrenbeck, also reiterated the importance of cooperation between Serbia and NATO. He spoke about his work experience in NATO in Brussels, which he is going to implement in his work in Serbia, aiming to improve cooperation between Serbia and US.

Mr. Dragan Šormaz (Representative in Serbian Parliament)

Mr. Šormaz emphasized the

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importance of continuous expanding of cooperation between Serbia and US. He said that Serbia’s priority in coming years is to become credible, loyal and reliable partner to the US. He believes that it would contribute to resolving issues between Serbia and Kosovo in a positive way.

The conference was also attended by Military Attaches from Embassy of Belarus, Austria, Albania, Canada, Croatia, France, Great Britain, Norway, Romania, Russia, Turkey and non-governmental Sector such as Belgrade Fund For Political Excellence, Institute for European Affairs , CEAS, East West Bridge International, the President of the National Group Member, member of the Trilateral Commission, East West Bridge International –National Group Chairman, member of the Executive Committee of the Trilateral Commission.

The Atlantic Council of Serbia is extremely happy with the conference results and with the media coverage that was larger and better than ever. It is also significant that for the first time in a year Serbian Army sent its representatives to a meeting organized by a non-governmental sector.

International Activities Conference - “Fundamental Readiness in Cyber Defense in the Balkans” Description: The Advanced Research

Workshop organized by Atlantic Club of Bulgaria and Atlantic Council of Serbia with the support of NATO Science for Peace and Security Program. This event took place in Queen’s Astoria Design hotel in Belgrade, from October 17th till October 19th. The conference provided the participation of many politicians, diplomats, and experts from various European countries as well as international organizations (OSCE, OECD) foundations (GCSP) and NGOs in the area of the cyber security. There were two days of discussions with the abundance of suggestions on how to improve the current situation in this field. The main goal of this project was to support the development of cyber defense capabilities in the Balkan region and its surrounding. The event focused on five main priorities, such as: Cyber defense situation awareness, Critical infrastructure protection, Capacity and security culture and policies building, Sharing of best practices and presentation of new technology by the cyber security local and international industry.

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Workshop "Youth Outreach“ Description: Atlantic Council of Serbia (ACS) and the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Serbia, under the auspices of the US Embassy in Belgrade and NATO Public Diplomacy Division, from October 29th till October 31st 2018. organizied workshop by title “Youth Outreach” . This project was oriented on young people from the region, who are our future and future decision makers. Participants of this workshop were young members from Atlantic Councils of North Macedonia, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and from Kosovo. The aim was to strengthen the ties between them and exchanging the thoughts about current security risks and threats in Western Balkan. On 29 Oct. 2018, in the premises of the Atlantic Council of Serbia in Belgrade, by the keynote speech, participants were addressed by:

Brigadier General Cesare Marinelli (Chief of the NATO Military Liaison Office in Belgrade) Mr. lija Djugomanov (President of the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Macedonia) Mr. Ismet Ramadani (Prime Minister’s Assistant in North Macedonia for NATO Integrations) Mr. Luka Jušić (President Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Croatia) Miss Ema Kaludjerović (President of Youth Atlantic Treaty Association

of Montenegro) Mr. Savo Kentera (President of the Atlantic Council of Montenegro)

Mr. Herdi Katundi (member of Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Albania) Mr. Besim Salihu (President of Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Kosovo) Mr. Svetislav Vlajnić (President of Youth Atlantic Treaty Association of Serbia) Mr. Vladan Živulović (President of the Atlantic Council of Serbia) Mr. Arian Starova (President of the Atlantic Council of Albania) Col. Douglas Faherty (Military Attache in the Embassy of the United States of America in Belgrade) Mr. Dragan Šormaz (member of the European Integration Committee in the Parliament of the Republic of Serbia)

Topics that were discussed were: "Official Name and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Macedonia;" “Positive and Negative Sides of NATO Membership in Croatia, Montenegro and Albania;" “Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo;” and how to achieve stability in the Western Balkans, what the obstacles are, what the goals of the youth are and what the situation of the region is. The Atlantic Council of Serbia is particularly satisfied with the outcome and media coverage of the conference, as the media responded as never before. Cooperation between YATA Kosovo and YATA Serbia was also seen for the first time, which resulted in an agreement for further cooperation in various

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areas. The Atlantic Council of Serbia is also particularly proud of the fact that this conference and the workshops gathered youth from the entire territory of the Western Balkans.

"Educate the Educators" Project Description: Organized under the auspices of the Embassy of the United States of America in Belgrade, the project has been designed by the Atlantic Council of Serbia as a continuation of, and in the same format as, the project "The NATO summer school" that had been implemented in the previous period. However, while "The NATO summer school" had a target group of students, with the aim of enhancing their knowledge on Euro Atlantic values, the target group of the "Educate the Educators" project was young university teachers and assistant professors who were already dealing with this topic on a professional basis. The Project activities were implemented in Belgrade and in Fruska Gora in December 2018. A one-day conference on ACS premises in Belgrade gathered 40 university professors on December 21st, 2018. The aim of the conference was to open a discussion with and among participants on the geopolitical importance of mostly technical state of affairs in the field of Russian v/s USA nuclear weaponry, as well as the geopolitical influence of this ratio on the world in general and our region in particular.

The second phase of the "Educate the educators" project took place at the Conference center "Ceptor" in Fruška Gora, near Novi Sad, on December 28th and 29th 2018. The participants were comprised of 60 young researchers, teachers, assistant professors and professors from both Belgrade and Novi Sad Universities. The following topics were on the Agenda the first day of the conference:

Relationship between Serbia and the NATO; Sustainability of Serbia’s neutrality at the present time; What could the NATO offer through the cooperation between Serbian professors and the organization?

Military analyst, Mr. Aleksandar Radić , warned that the Serbian government must (re)consider the military neutrality of the country of North Macedonia and Bosnia Herzegovina join NATO next after Montenegro in 2017. The Head of delegation in the NATO parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Dragan Šormaz, said that the cooperation with NATO is excellent, and that it is

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in the best interest of Serbia to be a part of the European security system asserting that the Alliance does not interfere in our relationship with Russia. Mr. Aleksa Ratarac, teaching associate of “Petnica Science Center,” informed about the possibilities of cooperation with NATO within the framework of the “Science for Peace” programme, namely on how to apply and possibly receive the project grant. Mr.Milivoj Mihajlović , journalist, said that the problem is not in the status of Kosovo but in how to bring two peoples closer together, something that nobody does. On the contrary, hatred against Albanians as well as against Serbs has been continuously encouraged. In Kosovo, Albanians are homogeneous because they strive for independence.

Long Term & Future Projects The Atlantic Council of Serbia propagates Euro-Atlantic ideas and values, as they are the prerequisite for Serbia's incorporation into the Euro-Atlantic integration process. Public, economic, and political circles; the entire non-governmental sector; and all citizens of Serbia must be informed of the advantages of membership in the Euro-Atlantic community. They must also be acquainted with the principles of organization, functioning, and action of Euro-Atlantic structures and institutions. This is an essential

precondition for further incorporation of Serbia into the family of European people and states. The Council develops a special program promoting Euro- Atlantic ideas, which may be realized in cooperation with all the relevant pro-European organizations in Serbia, the entire region, as well as with the media and research institutions.

PROJECT NATO@70 Description: The Atlantic council of Serbia, together with YATA Serbia, has applied for the NATO PDD program NATO@70, with a project called “THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF KFOR FOR SERBS AND ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO." This particular project is seen as futuristic, taboo-breaking and the most important project of ATA&YATA Serbia of the year 2019. The objectives of the project "THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF KFOR FOR SERBS AND ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO" are to promote the NATO alliance in Serbia, to inform the public about NATO’s basic principles (such as protection of human rights and freedoms), as well as about NATO's role in preserving peace worldwide. Another specific objective of the project is to raise public awareness in Serbia and Kosovo about the importance of KFOR’s presence in the territory of Kosovo with a special focus on human touch stories told by both Serbian and Albanian residents of Kosovo who rely on the protection

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of NATO for the protection of Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo. Each phase of the project will focus on one of the three target groups with a special emphasis on establishing cooperation between Serbian and Kosovo media. The security situation which prevails between the Albanian and Serbian communities in Kosovo adversely effects the overall development. We believe that laying a foundation for cooperation between Serbian and Kosovo media will help improve reporting to become more realistic, thus avoiding a one-sided approach. The project seeks to promote the image of NATO and KFOR as guardians of peace and stability in the region, as well as to lay the ground for cooperation between students, media representatives, IT experts and young entrepreneurs from Kosovo and Serbia.

SCIENCE FOR PEACE Description: The Atlantic Council of Serbia plans to work more on projects within the scientific domain of security issues with the help of some prominent professors and young scientists from Serbia. The Atlantic council of Serbia and Serbia's YATA strive to share transatlantic values through future projects, especially among the youth in Serbia, while creating a more positive public opinion on NATO topics. ATA and YATA will continue to promote its two main goals through 2019:

The promotion of Euro-Atlantic ideas and encouragement of activities which support the development and incorporation of our country into Euro-Atlantic integration. The promotion of interests of Serbia within the Euro-Atlantic community, which correspondingly supports the foreign policy orientation of our country.

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SLOVAKIA

GLOBSEC is a global think-tank committed to enhancing security, prosperity and sustainability in Europe and throughout the world. Its mission is to influence the future by generating new ideas and solutions for a better and safer world. GLOBSEC believes it can change the world by putting together the right stakeholders at the right time for a free exchange of ideas. The international environment is becoming less predictable and more complex. Technological innovation is quickly disrupting the old frameworks of economies, societies and political order. GLOBSEC helps to provide a better understanding of global trends and their consequences

for society, economy and security. In an interconnected world, GLOBSEC stimulates public-private dialogue to shape agendas for the future. With global ambitions in mind, and building on its Central European legacy, GLOBSEC seeks to contribute to agendas which are critical for Europe. GLOBSEC acts in the spirit of European values and international cooperation.

The GLOBSEC Policy Institute is a policy-oriented think-tank analysing foreign policy and international environment. While being an integral part of the GLOBSEC organisation, it focuses on research which is relevant to decision-makers, business leaders and all concerned citizens. search fellows from GLOBSEC Policy Institute publish regular analyses,

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policy papers and publications responding to current challenges rising in the political realm with significant impact. During the last year Policy Institute hosted around 50 events. Activities within this think tank are devoted to research in five programme areas: Cyber Resilience, Defence & Security, Strategic Communication, Future of Europe and European Neighbourhood.

National Activities Two 2-day workshops on Communication and Digital for the NGOs in Bratislava and Skopje 17-21 September 2018 Speakers: Olga Chyzhova (Communications Director, Ukrainian Prism), Mark Pfeifle (President and CEO, Off the Record Strategies) and Francisak Viacorka (Creative Director, RFE/RL’s Belarusian Service) Description: Communication workshop for the Civil Society organizations from the CEE region organized in Skopje and Bratislava. Experts on communication taught the participants from 8 countries how to sharpen their communication strategy in the digital era.

“Quo vadis, Slovakia?” GLOBSEC City Talks Event 4 October 2018 Speakers: Katarína Klingová (Research Fellow, GLOBSEC), Miroslav Wlachovský (MFA SK), Pavol Demes (Foreign Policy Analyst), and Magda Vasaryova (former Slovak

Politician and Ambassador) Moderator: Gabriela Kajtárová (news reporter, TV Markíza, Bratislava) Description: In the last year Slovakia celebrated several milestone anniversaries, such as the 100th anniversary of establishing the first Czechoslovak Republic. Where Slovak democracy stands now, and where it is heading, were the main topics of the discussion which was organized under the umbrella GLOBSEC City Talks in Žilina.

“Are We Europe?” 28 November 2018 Speakers: Jan Gordulic (commentator and comedian), Viera Zuborova (executive director, Bratislava Policy Institute), Simon Sicko (CEO, Pixel Federation) and Miro Kollar (mayor of city of Hlohovec and a journalist) Moderator: Marta Janckarova (journalist and moderator, RTVS) Description: The discussion was under the umbrella of what is next for Slovakians and young Slovakians in the EU? What have been the positives, e.g. defense and security, economic growth, freedom of movement, etc. and what needs to be improved in the future, e.g. convergence, social development,

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political culture, etc. The event had a direct audience of over 60 people, and it was live streamed and watched by over 80 people.

"What Europe Do We Want?" 30 November 2018 Speakers: Frantisek Ruzicka (State Secretary for European Affairs, Slovakia), Jakub Wisniewski (Director, GLOBSEC Policy Institute), Ladislav Miko (Head, EC Representation in Slovakia), and Alena Kudzko (Deputy Director, GLOBSEC Policy Institute) Moderators: Vladislava Gubalova (research fellow, GLOBSEC Policy Institute) and Kinga Brudzinska (senior research fellow, GLOBSEC Policy Institute) Description: This whole day event united 37 young European leaders and experts from 9 countries, where discussions were held in a roundtable style as well as in smaller working groups. The challenges and opportunities for Europeans within the topics of education, defense and security, foreign affairs, environment/sustainability and social affairs were some of the topics discussed. Based on the discussions, policy recommendations were drafted and presented to European and national policymakers.

“Chateau Bela 2018 Working Round- table: Assessing the State of Cybersecurity in Slovakia” 7 December 2018 Participants: Jan Majtan (Deputy

Prime Minister’s Office for Investments and Informatisation, Slovakia), Lukas Hlavicka (Director, Governmental CSIRT unit, Slovakia), Rastislav Janota (Director, Slovak NSA) Moderator: Anushka Kaushik (research fellow and program head, Cyber Resilience Programme, GLOBSEC Policy Institute) Description: The GLOBSEC Policy Institute, in association with the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for Investments and Informatization, organized a round- table on the state of cybersecurity in Slovakia. Held as part of the GLOBSEC Chateau Bela Forum 2018, the working round-table facilitated a dialogue between representatives of the government, private sector, technical community, and civil society with the aim of critically assessing the sphere of cybersecurity in Slovakia. During the first half of the discussion, the current mechanisms to protect the state against cyber threats and the level of investment in the field in Slovakia were critically assessed. Deliberation

also took place on the degree of awareness that cybersecurity, as both a responsibility of the state and the individual user. An aspect that all stakeholders agreed on was the need to incentivize young Slovaks to study and work in the field of cybersecurity, to address the lack of awareness on the subject, and to decrease levels of digital illiteracy.

International Activities GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum 2018 17-19 May 2018 Speakers: Joseph Nye, Anwar Gargash, Arnaud Danjean, Catherine Ashton, Jefrey Sachs and Carl Bildt Description: In the thirteen years of its existence, GLOBSEC Forum has grown into one of the top strategic forums worldwide for connecting the realms of politics, academia, the non-government sector, and business. Indeed, political and social developments in the transatlantic area, Middle East, and other regions

underline the need for a truly global policy-making platform.

Tatra Summit 2018 5-6 October 2018 Speakers: Margrethe Vestager, Olaf Scholz, Bruno Le Maire, Andreas Treichl and Ángel Gurría Description: From Central Europe’s highest peaks, finance ministers, commissioners, business leaders and top thinkers shared common visions and launched collaborative actions to sharpen Europe’s competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global economy. Gathering at GLOBSEC Tatra Summit 2018 in Štrbské Pleso, top business and policy makers took up today’s toughest issues and brainstormed new approaches to the continent’s most serious challenges, including increasing regional investment, the future of Europe’s labour force, strengthening the EU’s entrepreneurial environment and embodying European values in policy and practice.

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Château Béla Central European Strategic Forum 7-9 December 2018 Speakers: Gen John Allen, Miroslav Lajčák, Rosen Plevneliev, Laura Rosenberger and Gen Petr Pavel Description: The 10th annual Château Béla Central European Strategic Forum is a cause for celebration in every sense of the word. Over the past decade, GLOBSEC has consistently attracted leading political figures, experts from influential public and private

sector organisations and renowned academics to discuss Europe’s present and future.

Shaping the Future of Europe: Citizens Consultation with President Macron 26 October 2018 Speakers: Emmanuel Macron and Peter Pellegrini Description: The event was one of the series of discussions that President Macron holds with citizens of fellow EU countries. During the discussion, the president addressed several issues currently facing the EU. After the discussion, GLOBSEC Chairman Ambassador Rastislav Káčer and the CEO and co-founder of Jagello 2000, Zbyňek Pavlačík, bestowed upon the French president a special award to mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of Czechoslovakia.

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Long Term & Future Projects

Public discussions with world leaders and personalities Description: Besides the annual conferences such as Bratislava Forum, Tatra Summit and Chateau Bela, GLOBSEC would like to continue the public discussions with leaders on specific topics of European and global impact. In February, we are organizing two events of this kind.

Increasing Capacities and Preparedness of Public Administration for Hybrid Threats Aims:

Support the development of public policies linked to prevention and elimination of hybrid threats (processes, experience-sharing, mapping, recommendations, creation of platforms); Support expert and analytical capacities of public administration in the areas of monitoring, evaluation and elimination of hybrid threats; Increase overall awareness of public administration about hybrid threats.

Activities: Monitoring and analytical activities which offer a review of existing structures and public policies linked to hybrid threats and examining the effectiveness of public administration in fight against hybrid threats.

Activities aimed at supporting the development of effective public policies and structures of public administration, which will be based on analyses and data while including various actors into the process of public policies creation with an overall result of increased quality and impact. Activities focused on awareness- raising and building of expert capacities within public administration in hybrid threats.

EXPOSING RUSSIAN INFORMATION OPERATIONS IN FRONTLINE STATES: Automated analysis, monitoring and vulnerability assessment Aims:

Development of an AI-driven tool to bring new, modern and timely techniques to the research on propaganda and disinformation. Conduct comprehensive mapping of online disinformation scene and sources spreading pro-Russian and disinformation narratives, Identify groups most susceptible and vulnerable towards Russian propaganda and disinformation Develop complex analysis in the format of a “Vulnerability Index” ranking the countries’ vulnerability towards Russian adversarial efforts.

Activities: Human-AI Disinformation Extraction and Analysis System (HADES) Complex analytical assessment of public attitudes and societal vulnerabilities

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Vulnerability Index Presentations and briefings to relevant stakeholders and decision-makers

Strenghtening Resilience of the Youth against Radicalisation in the Western Balkans Description: The overall goal of the project is to raise awareness of youth against radicalisation through promoting shared values and social cohesion (interfaith, interethnic and intercultural dialogues). The project has an ambition to contribute to addressing the youth radicalisation that has been a problem in the Western Balkans for a few years. The project will be implemented in three project countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, which all experience this phenomenon. The main idea of the project is to mobilize active young people that are interested in improving the lives of young people in their communities through addressing radicalisation. The project will first map the problem of youth radicalisation in each of the project countries based on field research done through focus groups at high schools, interviews with key moral authorities in communities (e.g. imams, priests, teachers, CSOs dealing with youth issues etc. …), internet research and social media. Within this process supporters of the project from among the key opinion-shapers as well as active young people will be

identified. The project has ambition to work with young leaders in communities who are capable and willing to advocate against radicalisation and with natural authorities to address the radicalisation.

EUact– “EP Elections and Beyond: Active Participation of EU Citizens at All Levels”

Aims: We aim to encourage sustained and active engagement of the citizens, especially young people, in the decision- making process of the EU. And, we aim to enhance the democratic legitimacy of the EU by offering valuable recommendations to EU policymakers. Activities: Conducting focus groups Drafting policies and practical solutions with young leaders’ involvement Creating “get out and vote” videos, geared towards young people Organizing public debates Introducing our recommendations to EU policymakers

Within EUact, there will be 28 deliverables, involving young people, experts, EU policymakers, representatives of NGOs, media, primarily but not only from Bulgaria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. The direct participation for all events will be at minimum 540 people, with indirect reach around 500 000 people.

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The Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia was established in 1993 as a voluntary, non-profit and non- governmental interest and expert association. The Council advocates for the strengthening of cooperation between the EU, NATO and NATO's member states, especially emphasizing regional security issues in the Western Balkans. The Council focuses on education, research, the exchange of knowledge, policy making, public debate, etc. Its main activities continue to focus on broader regional and global security and political situations, putting great emphasis on improving cooperation with EU, its cross-Atlantic partnership, fostering regional

security and cooperation and providing a platform for public debate on security related issues.

The Youth Section of the Euro- Atlantic Council of Slovenia, YATA Slovenia , was established in 1998 as an informal structure within the Council and brings together young members of the organization. The Youth Section focuses on the interests of younger populations regarding national and international security and cooperation, aiming to increase the interest for security issues among younger populations. The Youth Section aims to bridge the gap between the policy level and civil society through dynamic youth engagement. It also aims to promote

knowledge about the EU, NATO and other international organizations and the roles they play in guaranteeing and maintaining peace and security.

National Activities Excursion to the AVIANO American - Italian Air Force Base 24 May 2018 Participants: Students of Political and Defense Science. Description: The Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia organized a one-day professional excursion to the American - Italian Air Force Base in AVIANO, Italy, in cooperation with the Society of Defense Students of Slovenia.

Rising Dragon and the Euro-Atlantic Security Paradigm 9 July 2018 Description: The Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia, in cooperation with the Centre for European Perspective, organized a round table discussion entitled "Rising Dragon and the Euro- Atlantic Security Paradigm," at the City Museum in Ljubljana.

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UK-EU Security and Defense Cooperation post-Brexit 13 September 2018 Description: In cooperation with British Embassies and the Centre for European Perspective, The Euro- Atlantic Council of Slovenia co-

organized the conference "UK-EU Security and Defense Cooperation post-Brexit," where Dr. Anton Bebler, President of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia, acted as a speaker and moderator.

Balkan SAYS - Security Architecture Youth Seminar 10-13 October 2018 Participants: Young professionals. Description: The Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia, with support of NATO PDD, conducted an international youth seminar on security in the Western Balkans "Balkan SAYS - Security Architecture Youth Seminar" in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

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SPAIN

Since1982, the Spanish Atlantic Association (Asociación Atlántica Española) has evolved, although it has always maintained the same focus: to maintain a permanent contact with the Alliance and to publicize its evolution, initiatives, debates and work within a multidisciplinary and multiparty environment. The forums and seminars of the Spanish Atlantic Association are intended to disseminate the culture of defense and to discuss and reflect on issues of security and defense.

The Atlantic Youth Spanish Council (COAJE) pursues the same goals as the Spanish Atlantic Association.

Since 2014, the COAJE has annually organized the "Youth Mediterranean Dialogue" in Madrid, which is attended by more than one hundred young people from allied countries and southern Mediterranean countries.

In 2018 The Asociación Atlántica Española (ATA Spain) was very productive, holding 10 board- meetings and several conferences and visits.

National Activities

OTAN 360: EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN THE FLANKS? 3 December 2018 Speakers: Mr. Pedro Argüelles Salaverría (President of the Spanish Atlantic Association); D. Francisco

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Javier García-Arnáiz (General of the Air. Member of the AAE Board of Directors); Mr. Antonio Fonfría Mesa (Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the Complutense University of Madrid, member of the Group of Experts on the Spanish National Security Strategy); Mr. Emilio Juan Gracia Cirugeda (G.D. Deputy Military Representative NATO and EU); Mr. Lucas Manuel Muñoz Bronchales (G.D. Head of the Strategy Division of the EMAD); Mr. Jose Antonio Sabadell Carnicero (Director of the Analysis and Forecast Office of the MAEC); Mr. Gonzalo Ceballos Watling (Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism; Member of the AAE Board of Directors); Mr. Nicolás de Pedro (Member of the Board of the Atlantic Committee of the United Kingdom); Mr. Fabrizio W. Luciolli (President of the Italian Atlantic Committee); and D. Juan Francisco Martínez Nuñez (Admiral, Secretary General of Defense Policy). Description: The Alliance is at the decisive moment to begin to implement the decisions made at the Brussels summit in July 2018. The strategic line of Deterrence and Defense seems to have found its way through numerous initiatives. However, the nature of the threats - diffusive and that do not directly affect the existence of the Alliance itself - and the lack of recent historical precedents on how to undertake these challenges, pose a

multidirectional scenario. This is where the Spanish Atlantic Association, together with the analogous ones of Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, can play an important role. These five allies are the most committed to both declared flanks of NATO, the east and the south, and provide the bulk of European capabilities to achieve the level of ambition of the Alliance and are also those who participate mostly in all its real operations. The ideas that emerge from this seminar will help to influence the implementation of the decisions adopted at the last NATO summit.

VISIT TO MAESMA AND MUSEUM OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS 29 October 2018 Description: Visit to the Maestranza Aérea de Madrid (MAESMA) and presentation of the same in the Assembly Hall of Leadership, Visit to several MAESMA workshops, Visit to the Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics

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What is Europe facing to? 16 July 2018 Speakers: Mr. Pedro Argüelles Salaverría (President of the Spanish Atlantic Association); Mr. Alejandro Alvargonzález San Martín (Deputy Secretary General for NATO Political and Security Affairs); Mr. Santiago Mora-Figueroa (Marqués de Tamarón, former Ambassador of Spain to the United Kingdom); Mr. Arturo Alfonso Meiriño (GD. Director of the Joint Organization for Cooperation in the Matter of Armament(OCCAR)); Mr. Félix Arteaga Martín (Principal investigator of the Elcano Institute); Mr. Diego Rubio (Professor of the Practice of Applied History & Globa Governance at ie SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS); Mr. Pedro Argüelles Salaverría (President of the Spanish Atlantic Association) Description: The European Union, its current reality and projection of the future. Trade, development aid, human rights, justice, diplomacy and security and defense, which includes border control, Brexit, repercussions and problems when setting contributions, PESCO and NATO. Industrial Aspects of Defense, Incidents of the next budgets 2017- 2021. Case of Spain. Convince our societies and citizens about the responsibilities and price required, not only to make the European Union safer and more effective, but also to continue improvement in areas such as the fight against youth unemployment, support for small and

medium-sized businesses companies, R + D + i, Erasmus.

Visit to National Institute of Aerospace Technology 17 May 2018 Speakers: Lieutenant General of the EA Mr. José María Salom Piqueres, General Director of INTA Description: INTA capabilities presentation and Institutional video, Visit Facilities: National Plan for Earth Observation by Satellite, Turbojet Test Bench, Test Center of the Arianne Program, UAVS.

Visit to the Command of Special Operations, Joint Command of Special Operations and Joint Cyber Defense Command 5 April 2018 Description: Conference "The MOPS. Current Operations ", Visit to the MCOE, Visit to the MCCD

ROLE OF THE RESERVIST FACING THE NEW NATO STRATEGIC CHALLENGES 22 January 2018 Speakers: Mr. Gabino Puche Rodríguez-Acosta (Senator President of the Senate Defense Committee); Mr. Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez (Admiral Secretary General of Defense Policy); Mr. Emilio Álvarez Villazán (Senator Vice President Spanish Atlantic Association (AAE)); Mr. Alfonso Carlos Gómez Fernández de Córdoba (Rear Admiral, Deputy Director General of Recruitment and Labor Guidance); Mr. Amable Sarto

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Ferreruela (Coronel et. Head of Human Resources. EMAD); Mr. Luis Placencia Porrero (President of the Federation of Reservist Organizations of Spain (FORE)); Mr. Juan Ros Salas (VP of the Confederation of Reservisory Officers (CIOR)); Mr. Michael J. Silva (Brigadier General (OF-6) (R)); US CIOR VP); Dr. Guillaume Lasconjarias (Researcher in Security Studies, NATO Defense College, Rome); Mr. Sascha Rahn (Korvettenkapitan (OF-3), VP of Communication German Association of Reservists of the Armed Forces); Mr. Andre Lilleleht, Kapten ((OF-2), President of the Association of Officers of the Estonian Reserve, EST CIOR VP); D. Phillip M. Churn (Major General (OF-7), Assistant to the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Reserve matters); Mr. Ignacio Cosidó Gutiérrez (Senator, Vice President of the Spanish Atlantic Association (AAE)); Mr. Luis Placencia Porrero (President of the Federation of Reservist Organizations of Spain (FORE)); Mr. Pedro Argüelles Salaverría (President of the Spanish Atlantic Association (AAE)); Mr. Agustín Conde Bajén (Secretary of State for Defense)

Description: Reservists are a fundamental factor in the Spanish Defense, both to equip our Armed Forces with professional capabilities additional, as for the prominence that reservists they play in the development of a defense culture in our society. Although this reserve model has had positive effects it presents some deficiencies that do not allow to obtain from this collective all its potential. At the NATO level, this is a resource with solid implementation and increased use. This activity took place in Spanish Senado whit the colaboration of two senators members of AAE.

Future Projects

Visit to NASA's Satellite Center in Spain

Visit to the naval museum on the occasion of the commemoration of the 5th Centenary of the first round the world

SEMINAR: "THE EUROPEAN INTERVENTION INITIATIVE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH NATO"

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UKRAINE

The Atlantic Council of Ukraine (ACU), registered by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine in April 1995 as a non-governmental, non-profit organization, has been an associated member of the Atlantic Treaty Association since the Ottawa ATA GA in October 1995. The ACU became the first All-Ukrainian pro-Atlantic association aiming to bring together Ukrainian politicians, state officials, academics, military and civilian experts, teachers, students and international partners to promote the ATA mission in Ukraine. In 2003, the ACU was co-founder of the Ukraine- NATO Civic League, which now unites 70 NGOs in all regions of Ukraine through joint efforts to increase understanding of the NATO-

Ukraine partnership and perspective. In the last 5 years the ACU and Ukraine-NATO Civic League have carried out their efforts to promote the cooperation with NATO under the new hybrid conditions resulting from the aggression of the Russian Federation. YATA Ukraine is the youth sector of the ACU.

The annual events devoted to the NATO – Ukraine partnership are based on the 1997 Charter on a Distinctive Partnership , which established a formal basis for the development of relations between Ukraine and NATO. This partnership was organized by the NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine, the NATO Liaison Office, the NATO Contact Embassy of Poland in Ukraine and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in

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cooperation with the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration and representatives of the Ukrainian community, ACU, and the NATO Civic League Ukraine.

ACU participated in numerous national and international projects and events initiated by Ukrainian institutions, international institutions and research centers. Among the main topics of the events were:

NATO–Ukraine Partnership in the context of the Russian hybrid war and their approaches and evaluation of those challenges, problems, and experiences. NATO and EU current transformation and further enlargement perspective: options and implications for Ukraine (Georgia, Moldova). Ukraine–NATO cooperation, achievements, challenges, implications and prospects. The PfP Program: Ukraine`s experience and contribution. Ukraine–NATO Constructive Partnership current developments and challenges: practical political, military and public dimensions. A new system of European and Euro-Atlantic Security vision after the Russian aggression against Ukraine: global and regional challenges and implications for Ukraine and Europe. The Armed Forces and the Security sector reform in NATO countries

and Ukraine in the context of Ukraine's European choice and cooperation with NATO, OSCE, EC. Discussion on "How to overcome "gray zone" of the Russian threat and to promote prospects for Ukraine to join NATO-EU?"

National Activities Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum Description: aiming to promote the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement (DCFTA) which included the preparation and discussion of the European Integration index for Eastern Partnership countries' reports sponsored by the International Renaissance Foundation in cooperation with the Open Society Foundation.

Special Educational Courses on the Role of NATO in the Modern World and NATO-EU Enlargement February-May 2018, Central–European University Description: By O.Kokoshynskyi. These courses included a special textbook for the school’s students titled: “NATO and the Ukraine`s National Security,” which was based on cooperation with the author of the similar publications of sister- associations in Latvia and Georgia.

Involvement in Mass Media 2018 Active participation in TV-Radio

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programs and mass media publications related to NATO–EU cooperation issues in Kyiv and regions (on monthly even weekly basis by V.Grechaninov, S.Dzherdzh, O.Kokoshinskyi, O.Hryhorieva others) and the daily press-briefings of the Ukrainian crisis media center.

IX National Expert’s Forum "Security, Reforms, Digital Agenda" 7 June 2018, Kyiv

Special Studies Presentations and Discussions Devoted to the NATO Brussel's Summit June–3 July 2018, media–center str. Pirogova 3 The special studies presentations and discussions were devoted to the NATO Brussels’s Summit to analyze the situation on the eve and the summit results and implications for Ukraine. The NATO summit in Brussels adopted the resolution which confirm the membership perspective which was declared by the NATO Bucharest summit.

15th Annual Ukraine-NATO Civic League Assembly 27 September 2018, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania Participants: 80 delegates, 10 media representatives Description: The Assembly discussed the Annual Ukraine-NATO National Program (ANP) 2018's implementation and the Statement for the support of the Constitutional

changes to include the European and Euro-Atlantic integration was approved. The event took place with the support and the representation of the NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Kyiv.

Participation in the Discussion: "The Results of Civic Monitoring of the Ukraine – EU Cooperation in Security Sphere: Analytical Report" 29 March 2018 This discussion was initiated by the Euro - Atlantic Cooperation Institute with support of the Renaissance foundation and the EU. There was a presentation and discussion on the following issues: what obligations the Ukraine takes in the security sphere to meet the Association Agreement requirements and how the Russian aggression influences military cooperation with the EU members.

Presentation of the Annual SIPRI- 2015 May 2018 Description : This presentation was organized by the Razumkov Centre and was followed by a discussion.

Conference-Hall "DEPO" 6 July 2018, Kyiv

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Discussion "The Priorities of the EU support of Ukraine" Description: This discussion was organized by the Institute for the economic studies and the political consultation.

Reform of the Democratic Control in Ukraine 31 July 2018 Description: analytical report (Ukrinform).

Discussion on Security and Euro integration in the East of Ukraine (Center Nеw Europe) 12 September 2018, Ukrainian crisis center (Chreschatic. 2)

International IT - Conference SOFTICO 2018/19 24 October, Kyiv Description: A View To The Future, Conference-hall "DEPO"

ХІІ Congress of the Ukrainian European Studies Association 26 October 2018, Kyiv (Museum of the NaUKMA, Skovorody Str. 2) Speakers: Roman Petrov (President of (YAES)); Paolo Kasaka (ex–member of the European Parliament); and the regional members and partners (80 participants in total) Description: The topic of the event was "Challenges of European Studies in the context of the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement." The special stress was done on participation and role of

scholars, educators and experts: "The road map for Ukraine: European studies as a part of integration to EU" was analyzed.

"National Human Rights Non- Conference titled “70 years of Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Current Challenges for Human Rights in Ukraine and Countries Abroad" 9-10 December 2018, Kyiv Rus Hotel Speaker: Bendjamin Morua (deputy Head of the UN) Participants: Well known foreign and Ukrainian MP, scholars and experts - Volodumir Javorivsky, Evgen Zaharov, Й. Zisels & more (100 participants in total). Description: Monitoring missions on human rights in Ukraine.

International Activities Participation in the "Kyiv Security Forum" initiated by Arsenyi Yatseniuk 9-11 April 2018 Description: The "Open Ukraine" Foundation gathered more than 120 prominent international politicians, experts and journalists to help increase understanding of the critical, challenging events taking place in and around Ukraine and to promote contacts and cooperation.

Participation at the XVIII Annual NATO Week, titled: "Transforming NATO Approach Meeting Security Challenges in XXI Century"

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22-27 April 2018 Description: Organized jointly by the NATO College in Rome and the MoD National defense university in Kyiv. The NATO week was traditionally attended by the Universities teachers and students (20 participants).

International Conference Titled “EU- Ukraine Association Agreement Implementation: To Begin With” 12 June 2018 Description: This conference involved international officials, state officials and experts.

Future & Long Term Activities Continue organization of special events devoted to the 70-th anniversary of NATO

"NATO-Ukraine Cooperation: Role of Mass Media" Description: Jointly with our partners we will begin the project titled

Special studies and publications devoted to the current experience of joint activities with NATO–EU members, interested NGOs and Foundations under the new challenges of hybrid war of RF

Participation in ANP-2019 and the Civic League Communication Strategy Implementation Description: To promote Ukraine- NATO partnership developments to

strengthen and develop our cooperation with ATA sister organizations as well.

Ukrainian Youth Atlantic Seminar on International Security Related Topics Description: This seminar will involve YATA representatives, as an analog to DAYS and PAYS, centers (17), state and regional partners in all regions of Ukraine.

International Experience Exchange Description: Initiate experts, scholars and teachers in international experience exchange on security issues in the process of education and academic studies.

Continuation of Annual Training Seminars for History and Geography Teachers: "Modern Forms and Facilities of Educational and Informative Activities on the European and Euro-Atlantic Issues” Description: It pays special attention to the school's educational syllabus related to security and NATO issues better understanding and promotion, using evaluation and proposals in the special questionnaires, the CD-Rom with the presentation and experience of the NATO related educational forms and activities. Besides presentations and discussions which included the ATA (in particular Estonian, Polish, etc) experience.

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Within a few years from the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949, several voluntary organizations emerged in the member countries of the Alliance in order to promote public understanding and to support collective initiatives about peace and security. This international network of citizens' associations was formally institutionalized in 1954 with the creation of the Atlantic Treaty Association. In 1961, former Secretaries of State Dean Acheson and Christian Herter, with other notable Americans, recommended the consolidation of the U.S. citizens groups supporting the Atlantic Alliance into the Atlantic Council of the United States. Throughout the

1960s, the Council started to produce a series of reports on the state of public opinion towards Alliance member countries in order to focus public attention on issues of relevant importance for the collective security of the United States and its Allies as well. By 1975, the Council was producing numerous policy papers, books, television commercials, academic journals, and other works having the opportunity to expand the scope of its work including environmental management and relationships between Japan and the West. Since its inception, the Council has built programs about political, economic and security issues, which entirely

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affected the areas of Americas, Asia and other regions in addition to Europe. All its programs are based onthe conviction that a healthy transatlantic relationship is fundamental to progress in organizing a strong international system. The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic Community's central role in meeting global challenges. The Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic economic and political changes defining the twenty-first century. Through its papers, communities and ideas, the Council aims at shaping policy choices and strategies to create a more secure and prosperous world.

The YATA US is a network of young professionals and academics who believe in the centrality of the Euro- Atlantic community in promoting and safeguarding relevant values such as democratic rule, rule of law, civil liberty, and peace and security. YATA-US supports the work of ATA convening public events, hosting workshops and masterclasses, and providing networking opportunities for young leaders, senior officials and top experts as well. It is mainly focused on fostering productive dialogue, sharing experiences, and promoting common goals and values. Through these activities, it aims at underlining the importance of NATO

to both American and global interests. Basically, Members of YATA-US work to develop, equip, andinspire the leaders of today and tomorrow.

National Activities Distinguished Leader Awards 10 May 2018 Description: The Distinguished Leadership Awards is among the most important gatherings of global decision-makers in Washington each year, bringing together an elite audience of 800 guests from more than fifty countries. Each year, the Atlantic Council recognizes exemplary leaders who represent the highest levels of achievement across the primary pillars of the transatlantic relationship. Former President George W. Bush praised the Atlantic Council’s important and “good works,” contending that “the only way for peace [is] through partnership and engagement” at the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards dinner in Washington on 10 May 2018. General Curtis M. Scaparrotti's remarks also

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reiterated the importance of global engagement, especially transatlantic engagement, to the United States and the world, noting that he and those he has worked with have “benefitted tremendously from the Council’s expert analysis and thinking on complex issues.” Howard Schultz and Gloria Estefan both spoke of their hope for the future, inspired by people bridging divides to solve pressing challenges.

DISTINGUISHED INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD - PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

DISTINGUISHED MILITARY LEADERSHIP AWARD - GENERAL CURTIS M. SCAPARROTTI (Supreme

Allied Commander Europe and Commander, US European Command)

DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARD - HOWARD SCHULTZ (Executive Chairman, Starbucks Corporation)

DISTINGUISHED ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP AWARD - GLORIA ESTEFAN (Grammy Award-Winning Singer)

International Activities NATO Engages 11-12 July 2018 Description: On 11-12 July 2018, heads of state and government, military leaders, and senior officials gathered in Brussels for the 2018 NATO Summit, hosted at the Alliance’s new headquarters.

The Atlantic Council, in partnership with NATO, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), Women in International Security Brussels (WIIS), and the Munich Security Conference (MSC) hosted the official public-facing outreach event on the sidelines of the official Summit. ‘NATO Engages: The Brussels Summit Dialogue’ complemented the main Summit’s themes in a specially built venue within the security parameters of NATO’s new home and took on a role of outsized importance. At a time of uncertainty surrounding NATO’s

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future, the Atlantic Council doubled down on its founding mission of supporting, analyzing, and promoting public understanding of history’s

most effective and enduring alliance. Using a range of unique and engaging formats, this high-profile event engaged a diverse array of experts and leaders, including next generation voices and women from around the world, in an open debate about current and future security threats and NATO’s role in addressing them.

Among the eighty-three speakers we convened, our event became the public platform for heads of state and government officials to issue their support for NATO, provide read outs from the closed-door summit meetings, and engage in candid discussions around the issues that challenge the future of the Alliance.

The format and agenda broke new ground. Our stage ‘in the round’ created an open forum enabling dialogue and debate to flourish between world leaders, dignitaries,

experts, NATO’s leaders and participants. NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, opened the first day’s session. Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller gave a read out of the Summit on the second day. Leaders such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada; Prime Minister Zaev of Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R- NC), and many others used the stage to address issues of importance to the transatlantic partnership. As well as on-stage debates, plenary sessions, and networking receptions, participants joined smaller breakout sessions. These featured scenario- based disc us sions and included interactive demonstrations on digital forensics, disinformation, and inclusive security. All 1,200 accredited journalists had access to the event, and the #NATOEngages hashtag was used 16,000 times on social media, garnering 153 million impressions. The two- day long dialogue underscored key Atlantic Council strengths. Firstly, it convened leaders at the highest

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levels around the most pressing challenges. Secondly, we worked alongside partners— in this case the Munich Security Conference, the German Marshall Fund, and Women in International Security—to magnify our potential for impact.

Long Term & Future Activities Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security (SCSS) works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world. The center honors General Brent Scowcroft’s legacy of service and embodies his ethos of nonpartisan commitment to the cause of security, support for US leadership in cooperation with allies and partners, and dedication to the mentorship of the next generation of leaders. The Scowcroft Center currently houses five major practice areas: the Foresight, Strategy, and Risks Initiative; the Transatlantic Security Initiative; the Asia Security

Initiative; the Middle East Security Initiative; and the Cyber Statecraft Initiative. It also houses the growing Emergent Futures Lab. In 2018 and 2019, the Scowcroft Center further solidified its role as one of the most impactful nonpartisan centers working on national security and distinguished itself as a go-to forum for serious strategy work. Its effort to revitalize, adapt, and defend the rules-based international order was written up in the Economist and will be featured in the Atlantic Council Strategy Paper series. The center’s Strategy Consortium continued to receive requests for advice and engagement from senior government officials responsible for strategy, while Scowcroft Center personnel contributed directly to a number of US national strategy efforts behind the scenes.

Good strategy requires strategic foresight, and in support of that objective, the Scowcroft Center developed two forward-looking publications. It will soon publish an updated report on Global Risks 2035 as part of the Atlantic Council Strategy Papers series. Another landmark publication, The Global Innovation Sweepstakes: A Quest to Win the Future, focused on how emerging technologies will remake the global order and strategies for how the United States can retain its innovative edge.

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Turning to Europe, transatlantic security work remains the beating heart of the Atlantic Council. The Scowcroft Center planned and executed “NATO Engages” on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. The center also hosted US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster and the Baltic Presidents for a major event and speech that made worldwide news.

The Asia program established itself at the forefront of analysis of and strategy toward Korea. The Scowcroft Center made it a priority to connect the Blue House and White House on issues surrounding the North Korea nuclear crisis, including direct engagement with senior officials in both countries.

The Middle East team continued to thrive, conducting high- level delegation trips to the Middle East and launching the new IranSource blog.

The Scowcroft Center’s cyber team expanded its work to make cyberspace more stable and secure, hosting its first-ever Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in London, its annual high-level dinner on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, and featuring US Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen in a dinner leading up to the 2019 International Conference on Cyber Engagement.

The Emergent Futures Lab—the Scowcroft Center’s policy skunkworks —ran high-level war-games on Baltic and Middle East crisis contingencies and supported a number of US and allied militaries in understanding emerging threats, the future operating environment, and developing an effective future force.

In 2019, the Scowcroft Center will respond to the new era of great power competition by leveraging foresight and strategy to strengthen alliances, accelerate US innovation and technology, and greatly bolster our defense posture. The center hopes to continue its work as a leading center on US defense strategy and policy in its renewed great power competition with Russia and China.

PROGRAMMATIC LINES OF EFFORT Against a fundamentally changed global landscape, THE FORESIGHT, STRATEGY, AND RISKS INITIATIVE (FSR) will continue to advance the Atlantic Council’s mission to support

renewed, constructive, and resourceful US leadership. Its competencies in long-range assessments, strategy development, and global trends will prove especially useful during a time when world dynamics are increasingly complex and unpredictable.

THE TRANSATLANTIC SECURITY INITIATIVE (TSI) This initiative will continue to bring together senior officials and experts from Europe and North America to share insights, strengthen cooperation, and develop innovative approaches to the key challenges facing NATO and the transatlantic community. Through high-profile public convenings, off-the-record strategy sessions, war-gaming, rich publications, the initiative directly advances the Council’s core mission

of informing the transatlantic security debate. rich publications, the initiative directly advances the Council’s core mission of informing the transatlantic security debate.

THE ASIA SECURITY INITIATIVE (ASI) This initiative is developing purposeful programming designed to create an Atlantic-Pacific Community that can adapt, revitalize, and defend the rules-based international order in Asia. This effort is grounded in a dual approach of providing fresh perspectives on traditional issues (regional security and political- economic architecture) while assessing a new agenda of non- traditional topics (cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things) to develop new strategies and policies.

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THE MIDDLE EAST SECURITY INITIATIVE (MSI) This initiative will bring together thought leaders and experts from the policy, business, and civil society communities to design innovative strategies to tackle present and future challenges in the region. See page 41 for more information.

THE CYBER STATECRAFT INITIATIVE (CSI) The focus of this initiative will be to examine the nexus of geopolitics and national security in cyberspace, forge sustainable international collaboration on cybersecurity and safety, and build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

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CONTACT LIST

Atlantic Council of Albania Blv. Zhan S'Ark, Nr. 16, Tiranë,

Albania Tel: +355 42 225 225

Email: atca@albaniaonline.net Website: www.atlantic-council-al.com

President: Dr. Arian Starova Executive Director: Col.(R) Kristaq Birbo

Armenian Atlantic Association 19 Sayat Nova str. (Ani Plaza, Business Floor) 0001

Yerevan, Republic of Armenia Tel: +374 10 582638

Website: www.euro-atlantic.am President: Mr. Tevan Poghosyan

Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy

Tivoligasse 73a 1120 Wien, Austria

Tel.: +43 1 3583080 E-Mail: office@aies.at Website: www.aies.at

President: Dr. Werner Fasslabend

Azerbaijani Atlantic Cooperation Association Sh, Mammadova 3, Appt 114

Baku, Baki AZ 1130 Tel.: +99412 5141315

Email: peace@elkhan.baku.az President: Sulhaddin Akber

Secretary General: Elkhan Mehtiyev

The Atlantic Council of Bosnia & Herzegovina Pijačna 2, Sarajevo 71000 Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel.: +387 63 360840

Email: atlanticcouncil@hotmail.com President: Dijana Gupta

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Atlantic Club of Bulgaria 111, Bulgaria Blvd, 5th floor, office 14 (“Honda” Building on

the exit to Sofia Ring Road) Sofia 1404, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 2 987 52 48

Email: office@atlantic-club.org Website: www.atlantic-club.org President and CEO:

Dr. Solomon Passy

NATO Association of Canada 60 Harbour Street, 4th Floor Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1B7

Tel. +1 416-979-1875 Email: info@natoassociation.ca

Website: www.natoassociation.ca President: Robert Baines

Atlantic Council of Croatia Lepušićeva 6, 10 000

Zagreb, Croatia Tel.: +385 1 46 47 545

Email: office@atlantic-council.com.hr President: Radovan Vukadinovic

Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association Valge 13, III korrus, ruum 32, Tallinn, 11415

Tel.: +372 68 40 681 Email: info@eata.ee

Website: www.eata.ee Secretary General: Krista Mulenok

Atlantic Council of Georgia 2 University Street, 0177, Tbilisi, Georgia

Tel.: +202 778 4952 Email: office@atlanticcouncil.ge

Website: www.acge.ge Chairman: Vasil Sikharulidze Executive

Director: Giorgi Muchaidze

German Atlantic Association Dorotheenstrase 84, 10117 Berlin,

Germany Tel.: + 49 30 206 49 134 Email: info@ata-dag.de

Website: www.ata-dag.de President: Christian Schmidt MdB

Greek Association for the Atlantic and European

Cooperation 160A I. Drossopoulou str., 11256

Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 210 8655979 Email: info@gaaec.org

Website: www.gaaec.org President: Theodossis Georgiou

Hungarian Atlantic Council H-1016, Bérc utca 13-15,

Budapest, Hungary Tel.: +36 30 397 9998

Email: mat@mat.hu Website: www.mat.hu

President: Sylvester Prof. Dr. E. Vizi

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Vardberg - Association on Western Cooperation and International Affairs

Borgartun 33 105, Reykjavik, Iceland Tel.: +354 892 5890

Website: www.vardberg.is President: Björn Bjarnason

Atlantic Treaty Association of Israel Hertsliya, 4610101, Israel Tel.: + 972 99527277 Email: ict@idc.ac.il

Website: www.ict.org Director of Development & Senior: Lt. Col. (Res.) Uri

Ben Yaakov

Italian Atlantic Committee Piazza di Firenze, 27 00186 Roma, Italy

Tel.: +39 066873786 Email: info@comitatoatlantico.it

Website: www.comitatoatlantico.it President: Fabrizio Luciolli

Lithuanian Community of the Atlantic Treaty Gedimino pr. 1

LT - 01103 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel.: +370 687 17622

Email: info@lata.lt Website: www.lata.lt

Chairman: Vilius Kaminskas

Atlantic Council of Montenegro Serdara Jola Piletica, 1 J, 81000

Podgorica, Montenegro Tel.: + 382 20 510 806 Email: office@ascg.me Website: www.ascg.me

President: Dr. Savo Kentera

The Netherlands Atlantic Association Emmapark 12

2595 ET The Hague Tel.: +070-363 94 95

Email: info@atlcom.nl Website: www.atlcom.nl Director:

Abraham Boxhoorn

Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia 22/1/15 Makedonija Str.

1000 Skopje, North Macedonia Tel.: + 389 2 316 22 21

Email: info@atamacedonia.org.mk Website: www.atamacedonia.org.mk

President: Ismet Ramadani

Norwegian Atlantic Committee Fridtjof Nansen's place 8

0160 Oslo, Norway Tel.: +47 22 40 36 00

Email: post@atlanterhavskomiteen.no Website: www.atlanterhavskomiteen.no Secretary General: Kate Hansen Bundt

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Portuguese Atlantic Commission Palácio das Necessidades

Largo do Rilvas 1399-030 Lisboa Portugal Tel.: +351 21 3905957

Email: secretariat@cpatl.org President: Julio Miranda Calha

The Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia Kardeljeva ploščard 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana,

Slovenia Tel.: +386 15 805327

Email: info@euroatlantic.org Website: www.euroatlantic.org

President: Prof. Dr. Anton Bebler

Euro-Atlantic Council Romania 3 Pictor Ion Negulici Steet

District 1, Bucharest, Romania Tel.: +4 021-222-44-78

Email: office@euroatlantic-council.ro Website: www.euroatlantic-council.ro

President: Alex Serban

Atlantic Council of Serbia 83 Bulevar Oslobodjenja 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel.: +381 11 3975 643

Email: office@atlanticcouncil.rs Website: www.atlanticcouncil.rs

President: Vladan Živulović

GLOBSEC Polus Tower II, Vajnorská 100/B, 831 04 Bratislava, Slovak

Republic Tel.: +421 2 321 378 00 Email: info@globsec.org

Website: www.globsec.org CEO: Róbert Vass

Spanish Atlantic Association C/ Velazquez, 54. 2º planta 28001

Madrid Tel.: +34 91 3093975

Email: asociacion@aae.org.es Website: www.aae.org.es

President: Pedro Argüelles Salaverria

Atlantic Council of Ukraine k 20, 7/10 Staro Kyivska

03055, Kyiv, Ukraine Tel.: +044 489 2538

Email: acu2003@ukr.net Website: www.acu.its.kiev.ua President:

Vadim Grechaninov

Atlantic Council of US 1030 15th Street, NW, 12th Floor

Washington, DC 20005 USA Tel.: 202.778.4952

Email: info@AtlanticCouncil.org Website: www.atlanticcouncil.org

President: Frederick Kempe

ATLANTIC TREATY ASSOCIATION

Rue des Petits Carmes, 20-24 B-1000 Bruxelles

Tel: +32 2 502 31 60 Email: secretariat@atahq.org

Web: www.atahq.org Fb: @AtlanticTreatyAssociation

Twitter: @ATA_Brussels

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