Report

The Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA) has the honour to present its report on its participation in the Spring Session of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), which took place online from 14-17 May 2021. The following Canadian delegates participated in the Spring Session:

• Ms. Karen McCrimmon, M.P., Chair of CANA and Head of the Canadian delegation;

• The Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, Senator;

• The Honourable Gwen Boniface, Senator;

• The Honourable Jane Cordy, Senator;

• The Honourable Marilou McPhedran, Senator;

• The Honourable Vernon White, Senator;

• The Honourable. John, McKay, P.C., M.P.

• Mr. Ziad Aboultaif, M.P.;

• Ms. Leona Alleslev, M.P.;

• Mr. Michel Boudrias, M.P.;

• Ms. Cheryl Gallant, M.P.; and

• Mr. Dan Mazier, M.P.

David Chandonnet, Association Secretary, and James Lee, Association Advisor also attended the online meetings.

THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

Established in 1955, the NATO PA is an inter-parliamentary organization that brings together legislators from the national parliaments of the 30 member countries of NATO.[1]

Delegates from 11 associate countries, four regional partners and four Mediterranean associate member countries, the European Parliament and others also take part in its activities.[2]

The PA is institutionally separate and independent from the official NATO structure, but serves as a liaison for NATO and member parliaments.[3]

The NATO PA aims to strengthen parliamentary awareness, understanding and oversight of defence and security issues, while also enhancing the transparency of NATO policies. The Assembly also plays a significant role in deepening the transatlantic relationship that underpins the NATO Alliance.

The NATO PA has five thematic committees:

• the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security (renamed the Committee on Democracy and Security at this session);

• the Defence and Security Committee;

• the Economics and Security Committee;

• the Political Committee; and

• the Science and Technology Committee.

Each of these committees has either one or two sub-committees. The practices of the thematic committees are similar to those of parliamentary committees: NATO PA committee members hear from experts and conduct fact-finding missions throughout the year and, based on their findings, draft reports and resolutions. Committee members consider these draft reports and resolutions during NATO PA Sessions.

THE 2021 SPRING SESSION

The COVID-19 pandemic – which has disrupted the lives of people worldwide – forced the cancellation of most in-person NATO PA meetings in 2020 and 2021, including the 2020 Spring Session, which had been planned for Kyiv, Ukraine. Nevertheless, using videoconference technology, the Assembly adapted to the pandemic, and its committees were able to conduct their work virtually in 2020 and 2021.

The 2021 Spring Session, which was originally to be hosted by Sweden, was held online over the course of four days from 14–17 May 2021. It was chaired by the President of the NATO PA, Gerald E. Connolly of the United States (U.S.), who was elected president at the Assembly’s November 2020 Annual Session. Parliamentarians, experts, and observers from NATO member countries, as well as representatives from other regions participated in the Spring Session.

Discussions were guided by several key topics, including the following:

• the withdrawal of NATO Allied military forces from Afghanistan;

• the situation in and around Ukraine;

• transatlantic cooperation and security;

• international arms control and disarmament;

• Russia’s aggressive actions and continuing challenge;

• China’s rise and military modernization;

• security in the High North/Arctic; and

• disinformation and democratic resilience.

The Spring Session’s program included a Plenary session, as well as meetings of the Standing Committee and each of the thematic committees. A NATO PA coordination meeting involving members of the Bureau (President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer), Chairpersons of Committees and Sub-committees, and Rapporteurs was also held several days prior to the Spring Session.

A. Standing Committee

The Standing Committee[4] met on Monday, 17 May 2021, to address various administrative matters, to receive updates, discuss certain defence and security issues, and plan for upcoming activities in 2021. NATO PA President Gerald E. Connolly chaired the meeting.

President Connolly highlighted several key events, including:

• Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine;

• the U.S.’ and NATO’s decision to withdraw forces from Afghanistan;

• recent negotiations held to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) on Iran’s nuclear programme;[5] and

• an agreement reached in April 2021 between Georgia’s ruling party and opposition parties to solve that country’s political crisis.

As well, President Connolly discussed the Assembly’s establishment of a working group in April 2021 that has been tasked with developing proposals for the creation of a NATO Democratic Resilience Centre at NATO Headquarters. [6]

The NATO PA Secretary General, Ruxandra Popa, discussed upcoming NATO PA meetings in 2021, while noting challenges associated with organizing in-person conferences and meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also provided an overview of the Assembly’s newly established Women in Peace and Security Award, which would be first awarded at the Assembly’s 67th Annual Session in Lisbon, Portugal in October 2021.

The Standing Committee considered, and adopted, draft amendments to the NATO PA Rules of Procedure to allow the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security to be renamed the Committee on Democracy and Security.

The Standing Committee concluded with a discussion of future NATO PA sessions and meetings to be held between 2021 and 2024. Its members also expressed their support for the drafting of a statement by the Assembly’s President on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories that would call for a ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinians.

Canadian Participation:

Canada was represented at the Standing Committee meetings by Karen McCrimmon M.P., the Chair of CANA and Head of the Canadian Delegation.

B. Committee Business   

NATO PA Committees met simultaneously over the course of three days from 14–16 May 2021. During these meetings, participating delegates heard from key officials from the Swedish government, as well as NATO officials and academic experts on issues of interest to the Alliance. As well, the Committees considered preliminary draft reports, which were subsequently revised based on those discussions.

1.Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security   

The Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security met online on Saturday, 15 May 2021.[7] Its chairperson, Angel Tilvar of Romania, chaired the Committee’s meeting.

Two speakers addressed the Committee during its meeting:

• Sara Myrdal, Director of International Affairs at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), who spoke on Swedish-Finnish Experiences in Strengthening Resilience through Civil Preparedness.

• Tor-Björn Åstrand, Head of R & D, Counter Information Influence Section at the MSB, who spoke on the Impact of Disinformation on Democratic Resilience.

Director Myrdal elaborated on several driving factors concerning Swedish-Finnish cooperation on democratic resilience and civil preparedness. These include increased bilateral military cooperation; the development of similar approaches to European Union (EU) membership and NATO partnership; the need to address new and emerging peacetime and hybrid challenges in the region that require enhanced civil preparedness; and the close ties between the two countries across multiples sectors. As well, Director Myrdal highlighted close ties between two countries across multiple sectors, including transportation, and Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) security.

Director Myrdal provided an overview of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency’s (MSB’s) broad mandate on fostering “a whole-of-society approach to civil preparedness.” According to Director Myrdal, the MSB is involved in addressing a wide range of issues through cooperation with the private sector, citizens, Sweden’s armed forces, and non-governmental organizations. These issues include climate adaptation, disinformation, cyber security, training rescue services, and non-natural and natural disasters. Director Myrdal concluded her presentation by responding to questions and comments, including from Canadian delegates.

In discussing the impact of disinformation on democratic resilience, Tor-Björn Åstrand described to the Committee the work of the MSB in addressing foreign interference and disinformation in Sweden. He also spoke about “four critical areas within the threat landscape” that concern disinformation and foreign interference in democracies: foreign interference in elections; the targeting of political actors through disinformation; disinformation accompanying an armed attack; and the use of information to influence activities that undermine vital societal functions.

During the Committee’s meeting, its rapporteurs presented three draft reports for consideration.[8] Lastly, the Committee discussed and approved the proposal to change its name from the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security to the Committee on Democracy and Security. It also approved a proposal to change the name of the Sub-Committee on Democratic Governance to the Sub-Committee on Resilience and Civil Security.

Canadian Participation:

Canadians who participated in the Committee’s deliberations included: Senator Gwen Boniface; Senator Jane Cordy; Senator Marilou McPhedran; and Cheryl Gallant M.P.

2. Defence and Security Committee   

The Defence and Security Committee met virtually on Sunday, 16 May 2021. [9]Its chairperson, Michael Turner of the U.S., chaired the Committee’s meeting.

The Committee heard from two speakers during its meeting:

• Johan Lagerlöf, Defence Policy Director at Swedish Ministry of Defence, who spoke on A Swedish Perspective on Arctic Security.
• John Manza, Assistant Secretary General for Operations at NATO, who spoke on Afghanistan: Allied Withdrawal and Beyond.

Director Lagerlöf stated that climate change and Russia’s increased military presence in the Arctic are two key factors giving rise to defence and security challenges in the Arctic. He argued that the effects of climate change on the Arctic region could contribute to the opening of Arctic shipping routes, and facilitate regional hydrocarbon extraction in the coming years, thereby providing Russia with an economic rationale to deploy additional military assets to the region to protect is economic interests.

Director Lagerlöf maintained that cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic remains relatively limited but has the potential to grow. He also noted that, although China’s presence in the Arctic is minimal compared to Russia’s, it is growing. Director Lagerlöf then stated that, while China’s interests in the Arctic are currently primarily economic and scientific, its increased engagement in the region could lead it to establish in the future a military presence to protect its interests.

Prior to concluding his presentation, Director Lagerlöf called on NATO Allies and their Nordic partners to advance multilateral cooperation and develop a credible defence and deterrence in the region to defend their interests in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. He also referenced several key mechanisms for furthering regional cooperation in the Arctic, including the Arctic Council. In terms of defence and deterrence measures in the region, Director Lagerlöf stated that joint military exercises between NATO Allies and their Nordic partners are a key means of signalling credible defence and deterrence. He concluded by highlighting some of the U.S.’ recent efforts to enhance its Arctic military capabilities, and the involvement of the five Nordic countries[10] in advancing Nordic cooperation on defence and security through their participation at the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) forum.

NATO Assistant Secretary General John Manza discussed the withdrawal of Allied military personnel and assets from Afghanistan. He stated that, although the withdrawal had been coordinated, orderly and deliberate as of May 2021, it does not mean the end of Allied cooperation with Afghanistan.

Commenting on the North Atlantic Council’s (NAC’s) approval of a new concept to deliver support to Afghanistan, Assistant Secretary General Manza outlined the following two elements of that concept:

• the need to ensure the maintenance of a functioning hospital and international airport for humanitarian staff in Afghanistan; and

• continued funding from NATO Allies for the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), particularly for that country’s Air Force and Special Forces.

The Committee’s rapporteurs then presented three preliminary draft reports for consideration.[11] Finally, the Committee’s chair concluded the meeting by discussing the Committee’s planned activities for the remainder of 2021.

Canadian Participation:

Canadians who participated in the Committee’s deliberations included: Senator Gwen Boniface; Senator Vernon White; Cheryl Gallant M.P.; and Karen McCrimmon M.P.

3.Economics and Security Committee    

The Economics and Security Committee met on Saturday, 15 May 2021[12]. Its chairperson, Philippe Folliot of France, chaired the Committee’s meeting.

The following speaker addressed the Committee during its meeting:

• John Hassler, Professor and Deputy Director at the Institute for International Economic Studies at Stockholm University, who spoke on A Swedish Perspective on the Global Economic Outlook.

Dr. Hassler discussed the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economies of countries around the world. He stated that the implementation of certain public-health related measures – including social distancing measures and lockdowns – to address the pandemic has contributed to a global decrease in demand, and in turn, a decrease in global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) levels.

Dr. Hassler highlighted several solutions for ensuring a sustainable global recovery from the current economic crisis. Among these solutions, Dr. Hassler argued that governments worldwide should implement non-standard central bank interventions and financial support measures such as subsidies to provide support to affected individuals and firms rather than seeking to implement massive economic stimulus measures to increase demand levels. He warned that a country’s decision to implement massive economic stimulus measures could contribute to increased government debt and budget deficits.

Dr. Hassler also noted that mass vaccination against COVID-19 in developing countries is key to a globally sustained economic recovery from the pandemic. In that regard, he called for the full funding of COVID-19 vaccination initiatives like the COVAX fund that aims to provide developing countries with equitable access to vaccines.

Prior to concluding his presentation to the Committee, Dr. Hassler asserted that government spending on infrastructure should focus on providing long-term financial investments that will bolster productivity rather than using these investments to solely increase demand. He then responded to questions and comments, including from Canadian delegates.

Finally, the Committee’s rapporteurs presented their respective preliminary draft reports for consideration.[13] The Committee then discussed its studies and activities for 2021.

Canadian participation:

Canadians who participated in the Committee’s deliberations included: Ziad Aboultaif M.P.; Leona Alleslev M.P.; and Cheryl Gallant M.P.

4. Political Committee   

The Political Committee met on Friday, 14 May 2021. [14]Its chairperson, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem of the United Kingdom (UK), chaired the Committee’s meeting.

The Political Committee heard from the following speaker during its meeting:

• Gudrun Persson, Associate Professor and Deputy Research Director of the Russia and Eurasia Studies Programme at the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), who spoke on Russian Security Policy Priorities: A View from Sweden.

Dr. Persson provided an overview of current tensions between the West and Russia, and of Russia’s foreign policy goals. She stressed that Russia feels threatened by the West, and that it perceives Western countries as aggressors. Dr. Persson referred to Russia’s recent behaviour towards the West as ad hoc and unpredictable.

In discussing some of Russia’s main foreign and domestic policy objectives, Dr. Persson noted Russia’s goals to establish its own sphere of influence; re-write the Euro-Atlantic security order; and secure its own authoritarian political system. She added that Russia’s government has sought to resurrect Russia a global power, using the Gerasimov doctrine, which advocates employing both military and non-military power. Dr. Persson then characterized Russia as an actor that employs repressive measures at the domestic level, while pursuing aggressive actions abroad.

Dr. Persson warned about potential security and defence risks that could stem from future heightened tensions between the West and Russia. She referenced Russia’s invasion and subsequent annexation of Ukraine’s Autonomous Region of Crimea in 2014 to underline that shifts in Russian foreign policy could occur suddenly and without any predictability. Dr. Persson then called for the West to pursue firm and consequent policies towards Russia, and to address Russia’s efforts to create divisions among EU and NATO countries. However, Dr. Persson argued that Russia’s aggressive stance and mistrust towards the West can only be changed from within that country.

Finally, Dr. Persson concluded her presentation by responding to questions and comments, including from Canadian delegates.

The Committee’s rapporteurs presented three preliminary draft reports for consideration. [15]The Committee then discussed upcoming committee meetings and other events planned for the remainder of 2021.

Canadian participation:

Canadians who participated in the Committee’s deliberations included: Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu; Senator Marilou McPhedran; Leona Alleslev M.P.; Michel Boudrias M.P.; Cheryl Gallant M.P.; and John McKay M.P.

5. Science and Technology Committee   

The Science and Technology Committee met on Sunday, 16 May 2021. [16]Its chairperson, Kevan Jones of the United Kingdom, chaired the Committee’s meeting.

• Dr. Tarja Cronberg, Distinguished Associate Fellow at the European Security Programme of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), who spoke on Iran Nuclear Negotiations: Nuclear Diplomacy for Arms Control.

Dr. Cronberg provided an overview of recent negotiations related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). In 2015, the JCPoA was signed by Iran, Germany, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – China, France, Russia, the UK and the U.S. – and the EU with the aim of dismantling most of Iran’s nuclear programme. However, in 2018, the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the JCPoA, and reimposed sanctions on Iran. This led to the collapse of the agreement and the resumption of some Iranian nuclear activities in 2020.

Dr. Cronberg mentioned that although U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is willing to re-enter negotiations, it has not done so yet. The recent negotiations, which began in early 2021, involved all the other original signatories to the agreement.

Dr. Cronberg, who as a former member of the European Parliament had been involved in the original JCPoA negotiations, stated that the objectives of the new negotiations remained the same as the rounds before 2015. According to her, these objectives are: ensuring international control over Iran’s nuclear programme, and avoiding military confrontation with Iran.

However, Dr. Cronberg asserted that certain challenges remain to achieving the desired outcome to current JCPoA negotiations, including the following:

• political divisions in the U.S. and Iran over the JCPoA;

• Iranian demands to have the U.S. remove its sanctions on Iran;

• the inclusion of “sunset” clause provisions in the JCPoA that are set to expire soon;

• the development of Iran’s ballistic missile programme; and

• attempts made by certain countries to “sabotage” current JCPoA negotiations.

Dr. Cronberg concluded her presentation by stressing that current JCPoA negotiations are not only about Iran’s nuclear programme, but also about the credibility of nuclear diplomacy in reaching an agreement, through negotiations, that prevents a country from acquiring nuclear weapons. During the subsequent questions and answers segment, Dr. Cronberg answered questions, including from Canadian delegates.

The Committee’s rapporteurs presented three preliminary draft reports for consideration. [17]One of these rapporteurs was Leona Alleslev M.P., who served as the Rapporteur of the Sub-Committee on Technology Trends and Security. She presented a preliminary draft report entitled Biological Weapons: Technological Progress and the Spectre of Bioterrorism in the Post-Covid-19 Era, and subsequently responded to questions and comments, including from other Canadian delegates.

The Committee then discussed future committee meetings and other events planned for the remainder of 2021, and delegates approved of the nomination of Dina Titus of the U.S. to the role of acting Vice-Chair of the Science and Technology Committee.

Canadian participation:

Canadians who participated in the Committee’s deliberations included: Senator Jane Cordy; Ziad Aboultaif M.P.; Leona Alleslev M.P.; Michel Boudrias M.P.; Cheryl Gallant M.P.; and Dan Mazier M.P.

C. Opening Ceremony   

The Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Spring Session was held on Friday, 14 May 2021. NATO PA President Connolly presided.

President Conolly provided the opening remarks for the Opening Ceremony. [18]Among other things, he:

• noted the renewal of great power competition;

• discussed the importance of strengthening transatlantic security;

• called for establishment of a Center for Democratic Resilience within NATO to foster and strengthen the Alliance’s democratic values; and

• warned about Russia’s increased militarization in Eastern Europe and other regions.

Delegates were then addressed by the following two speakers:

• Karin Enström, Head of the Swedish delegation to the NATO PA; and

• Peter Hultqvist, Minister of Defence of Sweden.

D. Plenary Sitting   

The Plenary Sitting of the 2021 Spring Session was held on Monday, 17 May 2021.

President Conolly began by discussing several security and defence challenges faced by NATO that “threaten to undermine the rules-based system that we have sought to promote and defend since World War II.” [19]He then outlined a number of key priorities for the Assembly and NATO, including the following:

• ensuring unity and cohesion among NATO Allies based on shared democratic values;

• responding firmly to Russia’s recent acts of aggression against NATO Allies and their partners;

• ensuring the complete withdrawal of NATO Allied military forces from Afghanistan;

• maintaining an open-door policy to countries seeking to join NATO in the future; and

• developing a unified approach among NATO Allies in terms of addressing the Alliance’s relations with China.

Before concluding his address, the Assembly’s president referred to NATO’s Brussels summit that would take place in a few weeks, during which Alliance leaders would “chart a path for NATO’s adaptation for the next decade.” President Conolly also stated that the June 2021 Summit Brussels would provide “a unique opportunity to open a new chapter and reinforce NATO as the enduring embodiment of the bond between Europe and North America, based on our shared democratic values.”

Delegates were then addressed by the Deputy Secretary General of NATO, Mircea Geoană, who spoke about some of NATO’s key priorities. [20]One of these is the implementation of the NATO 2030 initiative. This was launched in June 2020 to adapt NATO to new and emerging security, political and defence challenges, and for which the Alliance has carried out a reflection process. Deputy Secretary General Geoană also discussed a NATO 2030-related proposal to update the Alliance’s Strategic Concept, which was last updated in 2010. He concluded his address by responding to comments and questions from NATO PA delegates on a number of issues, including Russia’s increased military presence in and around Ukraine. Participating delegates adopted a draft amendment to the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

NATO PA delegates then voted to adopt several financial documents presented by the NATO PA Treasurer. These included a draft amendment to the Assembly’s financial regulations, and a proposal for the allocation of surplus funds from 2020.

Prior to the conclusion of the Plenary Sitting, NATO PA President Conolly thanked the Swedish delegation and government, as well as the NATO PA secretariat, for their work in facilitating the 2021 Spring Session.

OTHER MEETINGS

On 7 May 2021, several Canadian parliamentarians met online with Canada’s Ambassador to NATO, His Excellency David Angell, to discuss a range of important issues on the Alliance’s agenda. These discussions helped the Canadian parliamentarians who participated in the Spring Session to prepare for that session.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Dzerowicz, M.P.
Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association