NATO has clarified why the 2024 annual report by Secretary General Mark Rutte makes no mention of Georgia or Ukraine’s membership aspirations. In response to a question from Interpressnews, a NATO official explained that the new Secretary General aimed to produce a more concise and accessible report focused on the Alliance’s core issues.
“This does not imply any change in NATO’s policy or the status of any of NATO’s partners,” the representative emphasized. “The annual report has evolved over the years, and Secretary General Rutte chose to reflect the Alliance’s current priorities amid a shifting security environment.”
Addressing recent developments in Georgia, the official noted growing concern among NATO members over the country’s political trajectory. “Georgia is one of NATO’s closest partners and seeks membership in the Alliance. But for progress on its Euro-Atlantic path, it must prioritize democratic reforms and uphold the rule of law.”
Due to recent setbacks, including controversial laws on foreign influence and growing political polarization, NATO has suspended five out of 17 cooperation initiatives with Georgia under the NATO-Georgia Substantial Package (SNGP). These include projects on strategic communications, cybersecurity, crisis management, chemical-biological defense, and training facilities. Two more initiatives—intelligence sharing and secure communications, and military police—will continue with adjustments, while ten others will proceed unchanged. Three initiatives have already concluded in previous years.
NATO reiterated its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. The Alliance again called on Russia to reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, withdraw forces from occupied regions, and cease human rights violations and other destabilizing activities.
“NATO continues to back Georgia’s defense reforms and its aspiration for a democratic, prosperous future within the Euro-Atlantic family,” the official concluded.
The 2024 report, published by Secretary General Rutte on April 24, focuses on the Alliance’s achievements and priorities. While it outlines practical cooperation with Georgia, it omits any mention of political commitments such as the 2008 Bucharest Summit pledge that Georgia will become a NATO member. The report also excludes references to Ukraine’s future in the Alliance.
