14 B. The interests, objectives, and principles of the Luxembourg Defence The Luxembourg Defence contributes to the implementation of the Grand Duchy’s foreign and security policy. It enables the State to exercise sovereign functions in the areas of security and defence, in pursuance of Luxembourg’s international commitments. Luxembourg’s defence policy is articulated around essential security interests and guiding principles, and pursues a number of fundamental objectives. a. Essential security interests The Luxembourg Defence helps maintain and strengthen institutions which promote the stability, prosperity and security of States and the respect of our values. To that end, Luxembourg promotes in particular: - the rule of law and the observance of international law, of human rights and fundamental freedoms and of the principles of good governance; - collaborative approaches in the context of an effective multilateral system; - the defence of our values on an international level; - a strong transatlantic link. Luxembourg’s defence policy helps protect the essential security interests and foundations of the living environment of the country and its population: - preserving Luxembourg’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty; - preserving the population’s freedom and safety in a stable, open and dynamic society; - protecting the foundations of Luxembourg’s prosperity and economic & strategic supply security; - guaranteeing ongoing functioning of the State and of public services; - decision-making autonomy; - strengthening institutions and international rules. b. Strategic objectives The Luxembourg Defence pursues a number of strategic objectives which are also commitments in the context of its active, solidarity-oriented participation in multilateral structures such as the European Union and NATO. 1. Providing visible contributions of high added value to collective and common defence and to crisis-management missions and stability-building efforts. Luxembourg honours its international commitments through solidarity-focused contributions to the equitable sharing of operational risks, by engaging its armed forces and increasing its defence effort. In addition to deploying its armed forces, Luxembourg will also contribute to these operational commitments by developing and offering access to high-value-added capabilities in niches of excellence, in particular via the development of a national Defence Technological and Industrial Base. 2. Contributing, in solidarity, to defence effort burden-sharing. Luxembourg assumes its responsibilities as a NATO Ally and will continue to enhance its contribution to burden sharing, in particular by gradually increasing its defence effort. At the NATO Summit held in Wales in 2014, Luxembourg committed, in a first stage, to achieving a defence effort target equivalent to 0.6% of GDP in 2020. That trend is to continue beyond 2020. Besides the financial criteria, Luxembourg promotes a broader view of the defence and