- Thank you, Milica. Excellencies, friends in the security sector, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen.
- I’m truly honored to join you once again for the 13th “To Be Secure Forum”. This occasion marks my fifth time participating in this important event. I applaud the Atlantic Council of Montenegro for bringing us together each and every year, even during that most difficult period when COVID gripped the globe, to discuss the importance of security in an insecure world.
- Just like last year, this year we are standing at a critical juncture, as the world continues to grapple with Russia’s ongoing brutal aggression in Ukraine and the Kremlin’s efforts to undermine the unity and stability of this continent.
- This threat to European security, and to global security, is the backdrop that we cannot escape as we kick off this year’s To Be Secure Forum, making our conversations here that much more vital and that much more meaningful. Because, as we focus on issues closer to home for the next few days, we cannot – and must not – forget that, even as we speak, the people of Ukraine are fighting a very real and existential war that none of us can afford for them to lose.
- While this forum addresses the security challenges affecting the entire Western Balkans region, my brief remarks are mostly focused on Montenegro. I do this not only because it is my mandate to focus on this country, but also because I believe the challenges Montenegro faces reflect the broader threats confronting governments across this region.
- From that perspective, I will mention three key topics of importance for Montenegro – all of which are issues that cut across Europe and the Western Balkans, and will be discussed and debated during the coming day and a half:
- First, I would like to share a few comments on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and its implications for European and global security;
- Second, I want to turn to the need for preparedness for mutual and joint security as an essential duty of all European nations, whether as NATO Allies, EU members, or simply as a national responsibility in the face of the numerous security threats that we all face;
- And finally, I will turn to the importance of resilient democratic institutions, which are the foundation of security and, ultimately, prosperity.
Russia/Ukraine
- Turning first to the challenge from Russia, more than 18 months after this war began, we are still witnessing the brutal assault on sovereign Ukraine – an act that stands without provocation, without justification, without necessity.
- This invasion of Ukraine isn’t just an assault on a sovereign nation – it’s a blatant challenge to the values and unity of NATO and the United Nations, and the principles that uphold global peace. This horror brings into focus the importance of our Alliance and our shared resolve to protect the ideals of democracy. And, we must all recommit ourselves to firmly stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win this war.
- Just days ago, I visited Herceg Novi, a beautiful city on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.
- At a Ukrainian community center in that city, I met a number of women from Ukraine who have found safe harbor in Montenegro, having been displaced by the war’s violence, but now secure thanks to the generosity of the Montenegrin people who have opened their doors and hearts. I spoke with these Ukrainians who, with resilience and compassion in their eyes, and a few tears, are strong in their resolve, but have no idea what their future may be. They are safe, while members of their families back home are in peril. Their children are fed, but rootless and anxious.
- So, we find ourselves at a crossroads, asking: What kind of world order do we want for future generations, for our children, and for the young boys and girls displaced by war’s violence? As government leaders, what future do we need to build for them?
- There are some political forces that see a future that includes partnership with Russia, who suggest those fighting Russia are mistaken. They minimize the war. They spread the Kremlin’s disinformation and propaganda. But what does it say about political parties and leaders who bask in the liberties of Europe, engage in rich democratic discourse, yet turn around and promote narratives that align the futures of their citizens with Russia and its leadership?
- By painting a romanticized image of Russia as the protector of the Slavic people, some factions are spinning dangerous and false narratives, distractions from the real conversations we should be having. Such misconceptions can lead nations astray, steering them away from the principles that safeguard their people’s freedom and prosperity.
- We cannot, we must not, let a misguided nostalgia or stories of this region’s past wars blind us to the threats of today, and tomorrow.
- We must continue to stand firm, to speak out, and to act as instruments of change when we see Russia’s malign actions and influence threaten the stability of Europe as a whole, and the Western Balkans, in particular.
Preparedness for Mutual and Joint Security
- NATO, as an institution founded nearly 75 years ago for the purpose of safeguarding the freedom and security of its Euro-Atlantic member states by political and military means, has been more unified than ever in the face of Russia’s aggression on this continent. The response of Allies has been firm, the response has been strong, and the response has been unwavering.
- The reason NATO Allies were able to react and support Ukraine so quickly as its territory was entered by Russia’s hostile forces is that each Ally had undertaken the commitment to be prepared for the full range of threats that face our modern world.
- And because we recognize the imperative to be prepared for these collective security obligations, I am pleased that the United States has assisted Allies and partners through the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act. These funds augment our collective security and boost the capabilities of our partners, who have supported Ukraine’s fight for freedom and still must remain vigilant in the face of other threats.
- These threats are the ones we all know well, and which will be discussed in detail here at the To Be Secure Forum – including cyberthreats, unchecked nationalism, rising authoritarianism, emerging technologies, and others. So, this takes me to my second theme which is “preparedness”. Preparedness is the watchword and preparedness is the key to each nation’s security, as well as our mutual and joint security.
- And while NATO stands out as the essential guardian of Euro-Atlantic security and, in particular, the mutual security of every Alliance member, it is worth noting that the European Union has once again emerged as a bulwark of stability in the face of the biggest threat to security since World War II.
- Let us not forget why the European Union was founded in the first place—it wasn’t just to promote free trade and economic growth.
- No, those were seen by the founders of the EU not as ends in themselves, but as tools that would help end the scourge of war that had swept across Europe twice in the first half of the 20th century.
- That was the real goal of the European Union, one which Russia’s shameless aggression has once again thrown into sharp relief, reminding us of the importance of European unity, and why the Euro-Atlantic community collectively set out so many years ago to build a Europe whole, free, and at peace.
- Now Montenegro finds itself on the threshold of the European Union. It is clear – this is a nation on the brink of transformation, but turning that potential into reality hinges on the actions of a few key political decision makers.
- Because we know what the people of Montenegro want. They have overwhelmingly voted for a European future, a future that has been unduly delayed, a future they rightly deserve. However, a prosperous future for Montenegro – indeed a prosperous future for every sovereign nation of the Western Balkans – can only be assured if leaders commit to creating the kind of stability and security that is built on strong democratic institutions.
- That is why there’s a pressing need for the formation of a government in Montenegro whose members share Euro-Atlantic values. A government that can act decisively to make the reforms needed to join the European community of which it is a natural part. A government who understands the technical aspects of EU accession and is ready to work hard and stay focused. In short, there is a pressing need for a government that puts institutions above personal ambitions and party politics.
- Straying from this path represents more than a lost opportunity—it would stunt the dreams and aspirations of the people of this country, and this region, and is a retreat to outdated politics. And it would leave Montenegro, and every other country of the region seeking a similar future, even more fragile and unable respond to the very risks we are discussing here at the To Be Secure Forum.
Democratic Institutions
- And that has brought me to my third, and final theme, which is the importance of strong democratic institutions as the foundation of security and prosperity. Indeed, a key element in our response to Russia’s aggression must be maintaining the resilience of our democracies and the institutions on which they are built.
- In fact, I would say that strong democratic institutions – such as free elections, independent judiciary, merit-based public service – are more essential than bullets, F-16s or Patriot Missiles in securing our countries from the myriad of threats that face our modern world.
- In my home, the United States, democracy laid the foundation of a new nation – a sanctuary for free thought and belief. It fueled an industrial revolution, spurred innovations, and fostered ideals that reshaped the world.
- It hasn’t been a perfect journey. Our history bears marks of imperfections—discrimination against women, segregation of races, and injustice.
- The path forward has sometimes been uneven, but ultimately, we moved ahead because we built strong democratic institutions. And, because these institutions have stood firm, the rule of law has prevailed.
- Here in Montenegro, I think we are witnessing a similar process. The development of democratic institutions has sometimes been rocky, but the roots are strong and there are many reasons to be optimistic, not the least of which has been the dynamic energy of grassroots democracy that led to peaceful, free, and credible elections not once, but twice this year.
- To the politicians here today, elected by the people, the trust voters place in you grants you control over levers of power and the authority to work on their behalf to achieve progress. That is a powerful and sacred trust.
- The essence of democracy lies not in you, but in the institutions you are charged with building and strengthening. Government officials, whether elected, appointed or hired as public servants, must remember we work for the people and we are duty-bound and subject to the very laws we administer. Any deviation or shortcuts only undermine our democracies, weaken our institutions, and ultimately threaten our own security.
- In conclusion, I challenge every speaker at this year’s To Be Secure Forum to not just discuss the threats to security, but to put forward the solutions for stability, for resilience, for peace. Let’s highlight the steps Montenegro and all countries in the region can take to achieve stability at home and security in the region. Let’s focus on concrete actions, on preparedness for mutual and joint security and on strengthening democratic institutions. Because, my friends, “to be secure”, means to be free and to be prosperous.
- And I assure you, the United States is not just ready but eager to support you all to realize this vision.
