In a recent address, Assistant Secretary Victoria Nuland of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs discussed the resilience and strengthening of Transatlantic unity amidst various global challenges. Speaking at Brookings, Nuland reflected on the unexpected trials faced by the Transatlantic alliance over the past year, including Russian aggression in Ukraine and threats from ISIL.
Nuland emphasized that these challenges have not weakened but rather reinforced Transatlantic resolve. "Today, however, I want to make the case that far from shredding our Transatlantic unity, the trials we’ve been through over the past year have left us stronger," she stated.
She highlighted several areas where progress has been made. NATO's defenses have been bolstered with deployments in Baltic states and Eastern Europe. In energy security, efforts such as reverse flow gas supplies to Ukraine and new LNG terminals in the Baltics have reduced dependency on single sources.
Economically, Nuland noted growth on both sides of the Atlantic and stressed the importance of continuing negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP). She also pointed out joint efforts against ISIL and support for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia in response to Russian actions.
Nuland urged further commitments to security within NATO and continued military support against ISIL. She called for accelerated economic investments through T-TIP negotiations and initiatives to combat corruption across Central and Eastern Europe.
Addressing Russia's actions in Ukraine, Nuland outlined measures taken by Western nations to impose costs on Russia while maintaining a path for improved relations should Russia change its course. "The off ramp for Russia – the route back to better ties with all of us – is very simple," she explained.
Nuland concluded by reaffirming commitment to a unified Europe at peace: "We do that for ourselves and our children, but we also do it for the wider world that depends on us."