Brussels–NATO said unrest in Egypt and elsewhere in North Africa and the Middle East, could lead to an increase in illegal migrants seeking to enter Europe.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former Danish prime minister, said the unrest was not a direct threat to the 28 members of the military alliance, but could have an impact on the Middle East peace process and regional stability in general.
"That may also in the longer-term perspective have a negative impact on economies, which might lead to illegal immigration in Europe," he told a news briefing in Brussels.
"So of course, indirectly, there might be a negative impact on Europe caused by the evolving situation in North Africa and the Middle East."
