FLAD hosts debate on the future of NATO

The conference “NATO: The Future of the Atlantic Alliance”, organized by FLAD, brought together a wide range of participants and experts to discuss the role of the Alliance in a rapidly changing international context.

The debate reinforced a clear message: NATO has a future, as long as it can adapt to new geopolitical dynamics.

There was a consensus that NATO continues to play a central role in the global security architecture. The main conclusion of the meeting pointed to the need for the Atlantic Alliance to adapt to a constantly evolving scenario, strengthening its response capacity and cohesion between allies.

The session was attended by several representatives of foreign embassies, members of the Assembly of the Republic and members of various institutions, reflecting the interest and relevance of the topic in the current political and diplomatic landscape.

The opening was in charge of José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of FLAD, and John Arrigo, US Ambassador to Portugal, who underlined the importance of the transatlantic relationship and NATO’s role in international stability. The closing was made by the Assistant Secretary of State for National Defence, Nuno Pinheiro Torres.

The debate had as speakers the United States Ambassador to NATO, Matthew G. Whitaker, and the Portuguese Ambassador to NATO, Paulo Vizeu Pinheiro, and was moderated by Francisco Proença Garcia. Matthew Whitaker, who took office in 2025 as US Permanent Representative to NATO, has a career that includes important positions in the US administration, namely as acting Attorney General of the United States, as well as a consolidated career in the legal and governmental areas.

Ambassador Paulo Vizeu Pinheiro, Permanent Representative of Portugal to NATO, has a long diplomatic career, with experience in foreign policy and international security, having held various positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in Portuguese representations abroad.

Throughout the conversation, the main geopolitical challenges of today were addressed, from regional conflicts to new hybrid and technological threats, in a context of increasing international complexity.