Football offers NATO respite from ugly divisions
Football came to the rescue of tense NATO leaders at a summit on 11 July, providing them with a welcome diversion from the tensions roiling the transatlantic military alliance.
The group is facing one its most difficult meetings in years due to US President Donald Trump's criticism of the organisation and his targeting of German leader Angela Merkel.
But with the World Cup semi-finals in NATO's traditional adversary Russia made up exclusively of members of the western military alliance, the heads of state and government in Brussels were able to turn to football to lighten the atmosphere.
British Prime Minister Theresa May exchanged a team jersey with her Croatian counterpart ahead of the England-Croatia semi-final clash on 11 July night.
Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel tweeted a pictured of May smiling with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, saying that everything was ‘still all ok’ between the on-pitch rivals.
The Croatian president also gave May a shirt – and one to Trump with his surname emblazoned on the back, even though the US did not compete in the World Cup finals.
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel meanwhile teased French President Emmanuel Macron about 10 July’s game between their countries that saw France win 1-0 to book a place in the final on 15 July.
Michel said with a smile: ‘Frankly Emmanuel, yesterday the French team was very lucky.’
But he suggested the sport could provide an example to the military alliance.
Michel said: ‘Like in football, fair-play and team spirit are what we need more than ever.’
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg declined to say which team he was supporting when asked by reporters.
‘Representing 29 nations I will not pick any specific team I would like to win,’ he said, adding that his own country Norway had not qualified for the finals in Russia.
More from Defence Notes
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
-
![Just Released: Military Training Technology Report October 2024 now available to read]()
Just Released: Military Training Technology Report October 2024 now available to read
How the latest portable simulation solutions can deliver JTAC training wherever it is needed
