Interview with Mr. Theodossios Georgiou, President of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA)
In just a few days, on June 24–25, The Hague will host the NATO Summit. Heads of state and Government from all NATO member countries, along with their partners, will gather in the homeland of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss and decide on the Alliance’s future course.
In parallel, the NATO Summit” Public Forum” will take place—a high-level event with around 200 participants, including politicians, diplomats, military officials, academics, and young scholars, all of whom will engage directly with the leaders attending the Summit. The NATO Public Forum will provide an open platform for discussion and debate around the key themes of NATO’s Summit.
Among the key invitees are representatives of the Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA). A large delegation—comprised of former ministers, ambassadors, senior military leaders, academics, and students—will be led by the Greek President of the Association, Mr. Theodossios Georgiou. We asked Mr. Georgiou, elected twice as President of ATA, to speak to us about the role of the ATA, the Alliance’s current priorities, and the importance of transatlantic cooperation.
What is the role of the ATA in today’s world?
Georgiou: The Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) is a non-governmental organization that supports the values and principles of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It serves as a bridge between NATO and civil society by promoting transatlantic cooperation, democratic values, and security policies. We are proud to have active Atlantic Associations or Atlantic Councils/Committees in all NATO member countries and in partner nations. Here in the Netherlands, for instance, we work closely with the very dynamic Atlantische Commissie.
The ATA plays a crucial role in linking citizens with their leaders. In a global environment where civil society plays an increasingly influential role in shaping foreign and security policy, the ATA promotes transparency and the dissemination of accurate information. We help translate government policy for the general public, while also ensuring that the voices and concerns of citizens are conveyed back to those in positions of power.
Mr. President, what are your thoughts as you return to The Hague, the city where the ATA was founded in 1954?
Georgiou: It is always an emotional moment for me to return to The Hague. This city holds deep historical meaning for our organization. It was here, 71 years ago, in June 18, 1954, that the ATA was established by visionary individuals who believed in the importance of transatlantic cooperation. Coming back to this historic city reminds us of our roots and the core values we continue to uphold.
Before speaking further about the ATA, I would like to briefly highlight the guiding priorities of this NATO Summit in The Hague, as outlined by the Alliance’s leadership:
- Strengthening Collective Defense – Enhancing NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities.
- Support for Ukraine – Reaffirming long-term political and military support.
- Defense Spending Commitments – Ensuring all member states meet or exceed the 5% GDP investment pledge.
- Alliance Expansion and Global Partnerships – Deepening engagement with partner countries around the world.
- Innovation and Security – Investing in emerging technologies, cyber defense, and strategic resilience.
What have been your key priorities as President of the ATA?
Georgiou: During my tenure, I have focused on three core strategic goals:
First, raising awareness of NATO and the ATA among the broader public. This is particularly important for younger generations, who must understand and internalize the values of the Alliance—especially now, when war has returned to European soil and Russia continues to disregard international law.
Second, strengthening the political voice of our national associations. These groups play an essential role in communicating strategic messages to decision-makers, offering valuable perspectives from civil society.
Third, promoting broader partnerships. Supporting transatlantic values is not the task of governments alone—it requires collaboration between academics, civil society actors, and political institutions. The success of the Alliance depends on all of us. NATO is everyone’s business.
You have often emphasized the importance of public support for NATO. Why is that so critical?
Public support is not only helpful—it is absolutely indispensable. In democratic societies, legitimacy flows from the people. Without informed consent and engagement, institutions lose their foundation and are at risk.
That’s why public awareness is so vital. Citizens must understand the value of NATO membership and how it directly impacts their everyday lives—by preserving peace, promoting stability, and enabling international collaboration.
What message would you like to send to the younger generation?
The youth are the future of the Alliance. They have grown up in a world where democracy, freedom, and human rights are often taken for granted. But these values must be defended and renewed constantly. I encourage young people to participate actively, contribute their ideas, and bring creativity and vision to our shared mission.
No institution can survive without renewal. NATO and the ATA need young minds now more than ever.
You have had a rich international presence. Which moments stand out to you personally?
Georgiou: Since 1997, I’ve had the privilege of visiting more than 30 countries—from Finland, Bulgaria, and Hungary, to Russia, Israel, Egypt, US and Canada and others. In each of these places, the local ATA chapters organized meaningful conferences and events, where I had the honor of speaking and meeting with national and international leaders.
I have consistently supported NATO’s “Open Door” policy and have had the opportunity to meet with heads of state, ministers, senior military officials, and religious leaders, including His Holiness the Pope, the Ecumenical Patriarch, as well as prominent Muslim and Armenian representatives. I have always believed that religion should unite people—not divide them.
I have also visited strategic centers such as SHAPE in Mons, SACLANT in Norfolk, the NATO Defense College in Rome, and operational missions like SFOR in Sarajevo and KFOR in Pristina.
How did your journey with the ATA begin?
Georgiou: It all began in 1978, when I joined the Atlantic Association of Young Political Leaders. My “baptism by fire” came in 1979 at a historic conference in Washington, where U.S. President Jimmy Carter was the guest of honor.
Since then, I have participated in every General Assembly of the ATA and worked to reinvigorate the Greek presence by founding the Hellenic Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation. With my dedicated team, we organized two General Assemblies in Athens—in 1993 and again in 2006—and hosted NATO’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1999. That event was attended by ministers from 14 countries and leaders from major international organizations.
One moment that truly stands out is from our Strasbourg General Assembly in 1999, ,50 Anniversary of NATO , where French President Jacques Chirac presented France’s strategic position on the Common Foreign and Security Policy for Europe. He chose our ATA forum for this historic statement.
More recently,75 Anniversary of NATO just a few months ago December 2024 ,at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the newly appointed Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Radmila Šekerinska from North Macedonia, delivered her first public speech during an ATA event, outlining the Alliance’s future priorities to the next generation.
Honestly ,how could I not feel happy and proud to have the chance preside over the two most important moments in the history of the Alliance ?
Where is the ATA heading next?
Georgiou: The ATA is evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. A year and a half ago, we revised our international Constitution—now officially published in the Belgian Government Gazette (Moniteur Belge). We now operate according to a new roadmap for the future.
Just two weeks ago, following extensive consultations and the work of a dedicated internal Task Force, we reviewed a series of proposals to further strengthen the Association. This led to the creation of new thematic working committees, designed to encourage active participation and promote collaborative initiatives. These reforms are the result of persistent, sometimes exhausting—but ultimately productive—dialogue. The outcome is a renewed framework for joint action and a deepened sense of collective commitment.
I deeply believe in the power of dialogue—a Greek word—and the only true force capable of preventing chaos.
To conclude, what is your personal message for the future of the Alliance?
Georgiou: NATO has proven itself to be a successful and resilient Alliance over the past 75 years. It was founded—and continues to operate—for the collective security of its member states.
The ATA will continue to serve as the bridge between citizens and leaders. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of democracy, international cooperation, and shared stability. The future of the Alliance depends not only on governments but on all of us—especially the next generation
