Nato 75th Anniversary
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we gather to commemorate a milestone in the history of NATO. Seventy-five years ago, in the aftermath of World War II,
12 states made history by signing the North-Atlantic Treaty. They came together to establish an alliance that would safeguard peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region.
NATO was founded on a solemn promise: an attack on one Ally is an attack on all. From that foundation, we have built the strongest, most successful alliance in history.
75 years ago, right before the signing ceremony, Paul-Henri Spaak, at that time Belgian Prime Minister, said ‘personne ne peut nous contester le droit de rassembler et d'organiser dans un coin du monde toutes les forces de ceux qui, ayant définitivement et totalement renoncé à toute idée de guerre agressive, ne vont pas se trouver un jour sans défense devant une attaque qui pourrait être dirigée contre eux’.
75 years later, his words still resonate.
From 12 founding members, we have grown to 32 Allies, making this defensive Alliance stronger and safer than ever before.
We are an Alliance forged through shared values of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law. Together, we work to prevent conflict and preserve peace for one billion people.
NATO guarantees our security and prosperity, and allows us to live our lives in freedom.
The strength of NATO is that despite our differences, we have always been able to unite around our core task: to defend each other and keep our people safe.
75 years after its creation, the situation in our neighbourhood reminds us every day that the world needs NATO more than ever.
Our Alliance remains highly relevant and attractive to many, because it takes its founding principles - of unity and solidarity - very seriously. And there is not the slightest doubt that it will continue to live up to the challenge of protecting its one billion citizens and every inch of Allied territory.
As we look ahead to the next 75 years and beyond, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to NATO’s mission, ensuring a future of peace, security, and prosperity for generations to come.
It is with pride that Belgium takes part in this formidable project. It is with gratitude and respect towards our Allies and the Organization that we celebrate this this anniversary, which marks 75 years of peace, security and prosperity for Allied Nations.
With that, let’s all together wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization !
