NATO, EU experts join online security 'jam'

(BRUSSELS) - NATO and the European Union will have an unusual opportunity this week to overcome some of their differences, as senior officials take part in an experimental online security forum over five days.

From Wednesday at 1100 GMT, top officers like NATO supreme commander Admiral James Stavridis and the head of the EU's military committee, General Hakan Syren, will take part with officials and stakeholders in a "security jam".

Organised by the Security and Defence Agenda (www.securitydefenceagenda.org) think-tank, the jam will provide an informal Internet forum until February 9, which organisers hope can break down institutional communication barriers.

Other particpants include the outgoing UN envoy to Afghanistan Kai Aide, World Food Programme executive director Josette Sheeran, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and former NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

Topics will include operations in Afghanistan, anti-piracy work, relations with Russia and China, as well as modern security threats like climate change.

Organisers will compile reports for the EU and NATO based on the discussions, with the outcome contributing to the military alliance's efforts to draw up a new "strategic concept" on confronting future security threats.

NATO and the EU are regularly accused of doubling up on military efforts and spending, while institutional quirks and infighting -- notably the dispute between Turkey and Cyprus -- routinely hamper operations.

The online security forum is also open to non-specialists, but all participants must register through the SDA website.