Brussels-January 11, 2023

A step that will strengthen the defense security of the European continent

In light of the war between Russia and Ukraine, and comes after the sabotage attacks on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines last year

"Today, the European Union and NATO announced the establishment of a joint force aimed at protecting key infrastructures in the face of threats posed by Russia.

The president of the European Commission, German Ursula von der Leyen, said that experts from NATO and the European Union working for the Joint Force will study the vulnerabilities of the infrastructure and make recommendations for its protection.

"We have seen the Nord Stream sabotage operations and this proves that we must be ready to face this new type of threat,"von der Leyen added during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Stoltenberg said the two sides wanted to look at how to make key European infrastructures and supply chains more protected, adding that this would make "our societies stronger and safer".

At the same time, 21 countries are members of NATO and the European Union. Yesterday, the two blocs signed a document of understanding in order to "raise the partnership to a higher level".

Stoltenberg and von der Leyen also pledged to increase military support to Kiev to help it defend itself against the Russian army.