Neutral European countries call on NATO to strengthen cooperation

Neutral countries, including Austria, Ireland, Malta, and Switzerland, have proposed that NATO deepen cooperation, including expanding participation in military exercises and intelligence sharing in the WEP4 format, amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Die Presse.

At the end of December last year, diplomats from four neutral countries sent a letter to NATO with a proposal to expand cooperation.

Representatives of the neutral countries made specific proposals to deepen ties with the Alliance, ranging from expanding participation in exercises to "privileged access to documents and information." In particular, Austria, Ireland, Malta, and Switzerland intend to increase intelligence sharing and establish cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and the fight against "new disruptive technologies."

In the letter, the diplomats call neutral countries and NATO "close partners with shared values." The North Atlantic Alliance and the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to the publication that neutral countries are increasingly seeking exchange with the Alliance in the WEP4 format (four Western European partners).

The Austrian Foreign Ministry notes that it intends to use the WEP4 format "to draw attention to its contribution and opportunities for European security."

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 08/05/2024