In the years to come, this relationship will be increasingly defined by our ability to find a new formula of burden-sharing. If the new members are seen as adding to NATO's political and military clout and willing to share the burdens of collective defence, then the transatlantic link will remain as dynamic as ever. So will the development of a European Security and Defence Identity, a concept that will gain further momentum. So much for the invitees. Of course, the need to keep NATO's enlargement gradual and manageable does not preclude us from deepening our ties with all our Partners - here and now.
Enlargement is but one part of a broader process of change.
As I said earlier, the Atlantic community was never conceived as geographically or culturally restricted. On the contrary, that community today extends far beyond NATO as an organisation. An enhanced Partnership for Peace will bring Allies and Partners even closer. The success and momentum of PfP has been greater than we first hoped. So, as the Allies have gained in experience of close cooperation, they have developed ideas for intensifying PfP. The enhanced Partnership launched at Sintra last May offers important new opportunities.