If we get the capabilities, NATO, along with the European Union, can do amazing things.

Globalisation will make our societies more creative and prosperous, but also more vulnerable.

The rapid dissemination of technology and information offers entirely new ways of production, but it can also bring the spectre of more states developing weapons of mass destruction.

Well, if the NATO countries don't make more of their troops usable and don't get the equipment to get them fast where the action is, then the organisation will suffer and will increasingly become irrelevant.

And, perhaps most importantly, regional conflicts will again and again confront us with a cruel choice between costly engagement and costly indifference.

An attack on one is an attack on all.

For years, European leaders have pointed out that Europe is an economic giant, but a military pygmy.