But the lessons of history on this subject are clear. There is no credibility without capability. Capability in forces, in equipment, in training and in technique. Capability must be balanced, if NATO is to work as it should. The Alliance is the most effective security organisation in history because all of its members work together.
Security is shared, and burdens are shared too.
This is the essential foundation for healthy and sustainable partnership on tough security issues. The continued health of the transatlantic relationship depends on burdens being balanced more evenly, and more fairly, to prevent resentment from building up on both sides of the Atlantic. Happily, after years of frustrated demands from the US, and an equal number of years of empty promises from Europe, we are finally making progress. Europe is at last making a serious defence effort to shoulder a greater share of the burden. NATO has put in place measures to support that effort, and to encourage the development of stronger and more relevant European capabilities.