18 C. The Luxembourg Defence in a changing international environment The United Nations is the keystone of the international structure whose purpose is to preserve lasting peace in the world. The election of Luxembourg, on its first candidacy, to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2013-2014 enabled it to contribute actively to this endeavour. Its election was a mark of confidence and recognition, on the part of the international community, of Luxembourg’s ability to promote international peace and security. Above all, it is an illustration of the responsibility that falls to our country in this area. Luxembourg has submitted a further candidacy for the term 2031-2032. In addition to the United Nations, attachment to a strong transatlantic link and commitment to a strong European defence within the European Union and NATO are fundamental principles of Luxembourg’s security and defence policy. Geography, history and culture explain Luxembourg’s anchoring in the Euro-Atlantic community, of which we share not only the values and interests but also the responsibilities for protecting those values and interests on a scale beyond the purely regional level. The presence on Luxembourg territory of numerous European institutions, of NATO’s largest agency (NSPA – the NATO Support and Procurement Agency) and of US defence infrastructure is tangible evidence of the recognition of Luxembourg’s international commitment. Luxembourg acts with determination in concert with its allies and partners, in particular in the context of the European Union and NATO, through active involvement in and contributions to the efforts undertaken in those institutional frameworks. Several factors underpin Luxembourg’s engagement at the international level: • the need for Europe to shoulder its security responsibilities to ensure stability in its area of interest, in particular in connection with the implementation of the new Global Strategy for security; • the need to contribute as an Ally to the modernization of NATO’s collective defence capabilities (in particular with a view to an effective deterrence policy), while at the same time bolstering the resilience of our societies in the face of hybrid threats, and to meeting the requirement to share the burden equitably between European and North American players; • the willingness to make concrete contributions (equipment, troops, training) to crisis management and to initiatives aimed at projecting stability, using every available security and development tool, to help contain instability factors before they result in the proliferation of transnational risks affecting our own security. The Luxembourg Defence thus largely falls in with the priorities and commitments defined jointly within NATO and the EU. a. Evolution of the institutional framework The European Union and the Alliance are facing unprecedented, complex challenges in an environment characterized by increasing unpredictability and uncertainty in which populations are evidencing a degree of disenchantment with international institutions. Protecting the values and principles on which these institutions are founded nowadays requires concerted, determined, focused and measured action in order to preserve the benefits of an evolution that has brought about a united, prosperous and peaceful Europe enjoyed by 500 million citizens.. In view of the changing international context, the member nations of the Atlantic Alliance and the European Union have embarked upon a process of adaptation and transformation, while ensuring close cooperation is maintained and avoiding duplication of their efforts. As an Ally and an EU Member State, Luxembourg must also adapt and shoulder its responsibilities in these organizations in solidarity. The EU and NATO must leverage the fact that a majority of the Allies are also EU Member States, sharing a very similar geographic footprint and very similar security challenges. Both organizations must intensify their cooperation in a coordinated, pragmatic and complementary approach, particularly as regards hybrid threats, maritime issues, cyber security, strategic communication, the defence industry and research, and exercises and capability strengthening in the area of defence and security. In making its strategic choices, Luxembourg will give priority to exploring avenues that will lead to deeper cooperation between NATO and the European Union, with due respect for their decision-making autonomy.