Enhancing Security and Extending Stability Through NATO Enlargement

Study on NATO Enlargement

In 1995, the Alliance undertook a study to examine the Regarding the “how” of enlargement, the Study con- covering a wide variety of areas “why and how” of future admissions into the Alliance. firmed that, as in the past, any future extension of the extending well beyond defence and The Study on NATO Enlargement concluded that, with Alliance’s membership would be through accession of security issues and military struc- the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the new member states to the Washington Treaty in Warsaw Pact, there was both a need for and a unique accordance with Article 10. Once admitted, new mem- tures. While undertaking these opportunity to build improved security in the entire bers would enjoy all the rights and assume all the obli- reforms, these countries have also Euro-Atlantic area without recreating dividing lines. gations of membership. At the time that they joined become involved alongside other they would need to accept and conform to the princi- NATO Partner countries in many of The Study further concluded that enlargement would ples, policies and procedures already adopted by all contribute to enhanced stability and security for all members of the Alliance. the Alliance’s operations, including countries in the Euro-Atlantic area by encouraging NATO-led peacekeeping missions and supporting democratic reforms, including the Other conditions were also stipulated, including the in both the Balkans and in establishment of civilian and democratic control over need for candidate countries to settle ethnic disputes Afghanistan. military forces; fostering patterns and habits of coop- or external territorial disputes by peaceful means eration, consultation and consensus-building charac- before they could become members. The ability of teristic of relations among members of the Alliance; interested countries to contribute militarily to collective Participation in these operations and promoting good-neighbourly relations. It would defence, peacekeeping and other new missions of the For the seven new members – all of has enabled countries to demon- increase transparency in defence planning and mili- Alliance would be a factor in deciding whether to invite which are former Central and strate that, in addition to being con- tary budgets, thereby reinforcing confidence among them to join the Alliance. Ultimately, the Study con- Eastern European Communist states, and would reinforce the overall tendency cluded, Allies would decide by consensus whether to sumers of security – benefiting in countries – NATO accession repre- toward closer integration and cooperation in Europe. invite each new member to join, basing their decision Enhancing security and particular from the Alliance's sents the culmination of a long The Study also concluded that enlargement would on their judgement of whether the membership of a collective-defence guarantee that strengthen the Alliance’s ability to contribute to specific country would contribute to security and sta- preparatory process lasting the is enshrined in Article 5 of the European and international security and strengthen bility in the North Atlantic area. best part of a decade. and broaden the transatlantic partnership. Washington Treaty – they are also extending stability through able to contribute to security and to All seven countries joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) pro- help increase stability in and A history of NATO enlargement gramme soon after its creation in beyond the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO members NATO members since 2004 NATO enlargement 1994 and have subsequently Since NATO’s creation in 1949, the Alliance has The fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the forged ever closer and deeper rela- NATO enlargement is by no means Belgium (1) Germany (8) Luxembourg (15) Slovakia (21) taken in new members on five separate occasions in Warsaw Pact after the end of the Cold War opened tions with the Alliance with a view to a new phenomenon (see box on Bulgaria (2) Greece (9) Netherlands (16) Slovenia (22) 1952, 1955, 1982, 1999 and 2004. In this way, the up the possibility of further NATO enlargement. The becoming NATO members. Since the history of enlargement). In the Canada (3) Hungary (10) Norway (17) Spain (23) 12 founding members – Belgium, Canada, Denmark, new democracies of Central and Eastern Europe 1999, all of these countries have 55 years since the Alliance was Czech Republic (4) Iceland (11) Poland (18) Turkey (24) France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, were eager to join the Alliance to become integrated The seven new benefited from intensified coopera- Denmark (5) Italy (12) Portugal (19) United Kingdom (25) Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the into Euro-Atlantic institutions and cement their created, its membership has grown tion under the Membership Action Estonia (6) Latvia (13) Romania (20) United States (26) United States – have grown to 26. freedom. Seven countries – Bulgaria, Estonia, The fifth round of NATO enlargement members have from the 12 founders to today’s 26 France (7) Lithuania (14) Plan (MAP), a programme of Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia – the second since the end of the members. Enlargement is in fact an The first round of enlargement took place in 1952 and The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland were in- undergone advice, assistance and practical and Slovenia – formally became Cold War – is by far the largest, invol- on-going and dynamic process, brought in Greece and Turkey, thereby extending vited to begin accession talks at the Alliance’s Madrid support designed to help the coun- NATO members on 29 March 2004 ving as many countries as in all four comprehensive based upon Article 10 of the security and stability to Southeastern Europe. Three Summit in 1997 and on 12 March 1999 they became PUBLISHED APRILIN 2004 (ENLARENG) tries wishing to join the Alliance to years later, in 1955, the Federal Republic of Germany the first former members of the Warsaw Pact to join with all the benefits and responsibili- previous rounds. In the words of and demanding Washington Treaty, which states th meet NATO standards (see box on became NATO’s 15 member. And Spain became the NATO. Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania ties that Alliance membership entails. NATO Secretary General Jaap de that membership is open to any th the Membership Action Plan). Alliance’s 16 member when it joined in 1982. In the and Slovakia, all formerly part of the Warsaw Pact, The enlargement of the Alliance Hoop Scheffer: “It will be a major reforms “European State in a position to fur- wake of German reunification in 1990, the whole of and Slovenia were invited to begin accession talks at extends the zone of security and sta- step towards a long-standing NATO Germany, including the territory of the former German the Alliance’s Prague Summit in 2002. ther the principles of this Treaty and bility in Europe and brings some objective: a Europe free, united and In the process, the seven new Democratic Republic, came under NATO’s protective to contribute to the security of the 45 million more European citizens secure in peace, democracy and members have undergone compre- umbrella. under NATO’s protective umbrella. common values.” > hensive and demanding reforms North Atlantic area”. * Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name. NATO Public Diplomacy Division, 1110 Brussels, Belgium - Web site: www.nato.int - Email: [email protected]

© NATO 2004 Enlargement Both the latest round of NATO had resolved outstanding disputes political and defence or military Accession The accession talks also resulted 2003, formally paving the way for occasion that the seven countries enlargement and the first post-Cold with neighbours and had made an issues were discussed, essentially in a timetable submitted by each the invitees to become parties to formally became members of Membership Action Plan War accession of new countries in overall commitment to the peaceful providing the opportunity to establish timetable invitee for the completion of the the Treaty and enabling represen- the Alliance. since the 1999, when the Czech Republic, settlement of disputes; had the abil- that the preconditions for member- necessary reforms, some of which tatives of the invitees from that Hungary and Poland joined the ity and willingness to make a military ship had been met. The second ses- are longer-term and are still being point on to attend North Atlantic The fifth round of NATO enlarge- The Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a NATO programme of advice, sion was more technical and included implemented after the date of Council meetings and most ment will not be the last. The end of the Alliance, have helped to strengthen contribution to the Alliance and to assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of coun- NATO, enhance security and extend achieve interoperability with other discussion of resources, security, and accession. The timetable was NATO committee meetings as Alliance’s door remains open to tries wishing to join the Alliance. It was launched in April 1999 at the Cold War stability in Europe. In the early members’ forces; and were com- legal issues as well as the contribu- based on several issues, includ- observers. further new members. At present, 1990s, however, many political ana- mitted to democratic civil-military tion of each new member country to ing existing MAP objectives, Albania, Croatia and the former Alliance’s Washington Summit to help countries aspiring to NATO mem- lysts were unsure of the benefits that relations and institutional structures. NATO’s common budget. This was “Partnership Goals” (equivalent to The fourth step was for the gov- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* bership in their preparations. The process drew heavily on the experience enlargement would bring to the exist- determined on a proportional basis, the “force goals” used within ernments of NATO member states are participating in the MAP. gained during the accession process of the Czech Republic, Hungary and ing members in terms of Alliance Once admitted, new members would according to the size of their NATO to draw up at regular inter- to ratify the protocols, according Poland, which had joined NATO in the Alliance’s first post-Cold War round cohesion and solidarity, and were enjoy all the rights and assume all economies in relation to those of vals each member country's mili- to their national requirements and Since the Prague Summit, NATO of enlargement in 1999. concerned by the possible impact on the obligations of membership at the other Alliance member countries. tary contribution to the Alliance), procedures. The ratification pro- has increased its assistance to relations with other states. time they joined. These include and each country's Annual cedure varies from country to Albania and the former Yugoslav acceptance of all the principles, Invitees were also required to sign National Programme (prepared by country. For example, the United Republic of Macedonia* in the The MAP’s main features are the submission by aspiring members of In 1995, the Alliance carried out and policies and procedures previously and ratify relevant legal documents, every MAP country for examina- States requires a majority of area of defence and security sec- individual annual national programmes on their preparations for possible published the results of a Study on adopted by the other Alliance mem- implement measures to ensure the tion and approval by NATO). two-thirds to pass the required tor reform, in order to help both future membership, covering political, economic, defence, resource, NATO Enlargement (see box) that bers. protection of NATO classified infor- legislation in the Senate. Else- countries prepare for future security and legal aspects; a focused and candid feedback mechanism considered the merits of admitting mation, and prepare their security In the second step of the acces- where, for example in the United Alliance membership. Croatia, on aspirant countries' progress on their programmes that includes both new members and how they should At the Alliance’s Prague Summit in and intelligence services to work with sion process, each invitee country Kingdom, no formal parliamentary which joined the MAP in 2002, will be brought in. It concluded that the November 2002, the seven newest the NATO Office of Security. In the provided confirmation of its vote is required. With the ratifica- also be considered for NATO political and technical advice, as well as annual meetings between all end of the Cold War provided a NATO members were invited to legal context, candidate member acceptance of the obligations and tion of the protocols by the French membership, subject to the suc- NATO members and individual aspirants at the level of the North Atlantic unique opportunity to build improved begin accession talks. The talks took countries also needed to become sig- commitments of membership, Senate on 5 February 2004, all cessful implementation of its Council to assess progress; and a defence planning approach for aspi- natories to a series of agreements including a timetable for complet- NATO member states had com- reform programme and its compli- security in the entire Euro-Atlantic place at NATO headquarters in rants which includes elaboration and review of agreed planning targets. area and that NATO enlargement Brussels and brought together relating to the status of forces as well ing reforms, in the form of a letter pleted the process. ance with international obliga- would contribute to enhanced stabi- teams of NATO experts and repre- as technical matters and information of intent from each foreign minis- tions, including cooperation with lity and security for all. sentatives of the individual invitees. matters. These included the ter addressed to the NATO This opened the way for the fifth the International Criminal Tribunal Though MAP participation helps prepare aspirants for Alliance member- An integral part of the talks involved Washington Treaty, the 1951 London Secretary General. and final step of the accession for the former Yugoslavia. ship, it does not provide a guarantee of future membership. However, the According to the Study, countries the formal confirmation by the invi- Agreement on status of forces, and process, namely accession to the seven countries that joined NATO on 29 March 2004 all benefited from seeking NATO membership had to tees of their interest, willingness and the 1952 Paris Protocol on the status The third step was for NATO to protocols by each invited country In accordance with the Washington the MAP as do today’s aspirants, Albania, Croatia and the former be able to demonstrate that they had ability to meet the political, legal and of international military headquarters. prepare Accession Protocols to in line with its own national proce- Treaty and subject to the agree- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.* fulfilled certain requirements. These military obligations and commit- “Status of forces” covers the terms the Washington Treaty for each dures, followed by the deposit of ment of all Alliance member states, included providing evidence that ments of NATO membership, as laid under which the forces of other Allies invitee. These protocols are in the “instruments of accession” NATO membership is also open to they each represented a functioning out in the Washington Treaty and in may operate in a NATO country, for effect amendments or additions to with the US State Department, the any other European country wishing democratic, political system based the Study on NATO Enlargement. example in relation to exercises or the Treaty and henceforth depository of the Washington to join. on a market economy; that they operational military deployments. become an integral part of the Treaty, at a ceremony at the White For more information on NATO treated minority populations in The talks took place in two sessions Treaty itself. They were signed by House in Washington DC on enlargement and profiles of the accordance with OSCE guidelines; with each invitee. In the first session, NATO ambassadors on 26 March 29 March 2004. It was on this Alliance's newest members, see NATO is created with 12 www.nato.int/issues/enlargement/index.htm As a result of German founding members: Belgium, unification, the territory Accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, France, Accession of the of the former German Accession of the Czech Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Accession of Greece Federal Republic Accession of Spain Democratic Republic Republic, Hungary and Slovakia and Slovenia the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey of Germany becomes part of the Poland Enhancing security and extending Portugal, the United Kingdom Alliance. stability through NATO enlargement and the United States. > > > > 1949 1952 1955 1982 > 1990 1999 > 2004 > Enlargement Both the latest round of NATO had resolved outstanding disputes political and defence or military Accession The accession talks also resulted 2003, formally paving the way for occasion that the seven countries enlargement and the first post-Cold with neighbours and had made an issues were discussed, essentially in a timetable submitted by each the invitees to become parties to formally became members of Membership Action Plan War accession of new countries in overall commitment to the peaceful providing the opportunity to establish timetable invitee for the completion of the the Treaty and enabling represen- the Alliance. since the 1999, when the Czech Republic, settlement of disputes; had the abil- that the preconditions for member- necessary reforms, some of which tatives of the invitees from that Hungary and Poland joined the ity and willingness to make a military ship had been met. The second ses- are longer-term and are still being point on to attend North Atlantic The fifth round of NATO enlarge- The Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a NATO programme of advice, sion was more technical and included implemented after the date of Council meetings and most ment will not be the last. The end of the Alliance, have helped to strengthen contribution to the Alliance and to assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of coun- NATO, enhance security and extend achieve interoperability with other discussion of resources, security, and accession. The timetable was NATO committee meetings as Alliance’s door remains open to tries wishing to join the Alliance. It was launched in April 1999 at the Cold War stability in Europe. In the early members’ forces; and were com- legal issues as well as the contribu- based on several issues, includ- observers. further new members. At present, 1990s, however, many political ana- mitted to democratic civil-military tion of each new member country to ing existing MAP objectives, Albania, Croatia and the former Alliance’s Washington Summit to help countries aspiring to NATO mem- lysts were unsure of the benefits that relations and institutional structures. NATO’s common budget. This was “Partnership Goals” (equivalent to The fourth step was for the gov- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* bership in their preparations. The process drew heavily on the experience enlargement would bring to the exist- determined on a proportional basis, the “force goals” used within ernments of NATO member states are participating in the MAP. gained during the accession process of the Czech Republic, Hungary and ing members in terms of Alliance Once admitted, new members would according to the size of their NATO to draw up at regular inter- to ratify the protocols, according Poland, which had joined NATO in the Alliance’s first post-Cold War round cohesion and solidarity, and were enjoy all the rights and assume all economies in relation to those of vals each member country's mili- to their national requirements and Since the Prague Summit, NATO of enlargement in 1999. concerned by the possible impact on the obligations of membership at the other Alliance member countries. tary contribution to the Alliance), procedures. The ratification pro- has increased its assistance to relations with other states. time they joined. These include and each country's Annual cedure varies from country to Albania and the former Yugoslav acceptance of all the principles, Invitees were also required to sign National Programme (prepared by country. For example, the United Republic of Macedonia* in the The MAP’s main features are the submission by aspiring members of In 1995, the Alliance carried out and policies and procedures previously and ratify relevant legal documents, every MAP country for examina- States requires a majority of area of defence and security sec- individual annual national programmes on their preparations for possible published the results of a Study on adopted by the other Alliance mem- implement measures to ensure the tion and approval by NATO). two-thirds to pass the required tor reform, in order to help both future membership, covering political, economic, defence, resource, NATO Enlargement (see box) that bers. protection of NATO classified infor- legislation in the Senate. Else- countries prepare for future security and legal aspects; a focused and candid feedback mechanism considered the merits of admitting mation, and prepare their security In the second step of the acces- where, for example in the United Alliance membership. Croatia, on aspirant countries' progress on their programmes that includes both new members and how they should At the Alliance’s Prague Summit in and intelligence services to work with sion process, each invitee country Kingdom, no formal parliamentary which joined the MAP in 2002, will be brought in. It concluded that the November 2002, the seven newest the NATO Office of Security. In the provided confirmation of its vote is required. With the ratifica- also be considered for NATO political and technical advice, as well as annual meetings between all end of the Cold War provided a NATO members were invited to legal context, candidate member acceptance of the obligations and tion of the protocols by the French membership, subject to the suc- NATO members and individual aspirants at the level of the North Atlantic unique opportunity to build improved begin accession talks. The talks took countries also needed to become sig- commitments of membership, Senate on 5 February 2004, all cessful implementation of its Council to assess progress; and a defence planning approach for aspi- natories to a series of agreements including a timetable for complet- NATO member states had com- reform programme and its compli- security in the entire Euro-Atlantic place at NATO headquarters in rants which includes elaboration and review of agreed planning targets. area and that NATO enlargement Brussels and brought together relating to the status of forces as well ing reforms, in the form of a letter pleted the process. ance with international obliga- would contribute to enhanced stabi- teams of NATO experts and repre- as technical matters and information of intent from each foreign minis- tions, including cooperation with lity and security for all. sentatives of the individual invitees. matters. These included the ter addressed to the NATO This opened the way for the fifth the International Criminal Tribunal Though MAP participation helps prepare aspirants for Alliance member- An integral part of the talks involved Washington Treaty, the 1951 London Secretary General. and final step of the accession for the former Yugoslavia. ship, it does not provide a guarantee of future membership. However, the According to the Study, countries the formal confirmation by the invi- Agreement on status of forces, and process, namely accession to the seven countries that joined NATO on 29 March 2004 all benefited from seeking NATO membership had to tees of their interest, willingness and the 1952 Paris Protocol on the status The third step was for NATO to protocols by each invited country In accordance with the Washington the MAP as do today’s aspirants, Albania, Croatia and the former be able to demonstrate that they had ability to meet the political, legal and of international military headquarters. prepare Accession Protocols to in line with its own national proce- Treaty and subject to the agree- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.* fulfilled certain requirements. These military obligations and commit- “Status of forces” covers the terms the Washington Treaty for each dures, followed by the deposit of ment of all Alliance member states, included providing evidence that ments of NATO membership, as laid under which the forces of other Allies invitee. These protocols are in the “instruments of accession” NATO membership is also open to they each represented a functioning out in the Washington Treaty and in may operate in a NATO country, for effect amendments or additions to with the US State Department, the any other European country wishing democratic, political system based the Study on NATO Enlargement. example in relation to exercises or the Treaty and henceforth depository of the Washington to join. on a market economy; that they operational military deployments. become an integral part of the Treaty, at a ceremony at the White For more information on NATO treated minority populations in The talks took place in two sessions Treaty itself. They were signed by House in Washington DC on enlargement and profiles of the accordance with OSCE guidelines; with each invitee. In the first session, NATO ambassadors on 26 March 29 March 2004. It was on this Alliance's newest members, see NATO is created with 12 www.nato.int/issues/enlargement/index.htm As a result of German founding members: Belgium, unification, the territory Accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, France, Accession of the of the former German Accession of the Czech Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Accession of Greece Federal Republic Accession of Spain Democratic Republic Republic, Hungary and Slovakia and Slovenia the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey of Germany becomes part of the Poland Enhancing security and extending Portugal, the United Kingdom Alliance. stability through NATO enlargement and the United States. > > > > 1949 1952 1955 1982 > 1990 1999 > 2004 > Enlargement Both the latest round of NATO had resolved outstanding disputes political and defence or military Accession The accession talks also resulted 2003, formally paving the way for occasion that the seven countries enlargement and the first post-Cold with neighbours and had made an issues were discussed, essentially in a timetable submitted by each the invitees to become parties to formally became members of Membership Action Plan War accession of new countries in overall commitment to the peaceful providing the opportunity to establish timetable invitee for the completion of the the Treaty and enabling represen- the Alliance. since the 1999, when the Czech Republic, settlement of disputes; had the abil- that the preconditions for member- necessary reforms, some of which tatives of the invitees from that Hungary and Poland joined the ity and willingness to make a military ship had been met. The second ses- are longer-term and are still being point on to attend North Atlantic The fifth round of NATO enlarge- The Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a NATO programme of advice, sion was more technical and included implemented after the date of Council meetings and most ment will not be the last. The end of the Alliance, have helped to strengthen contribution to the Alliance and to assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of coun- NATO, enhance security and extend achieve interoperability with other discussion of resources, security, and accession. The timetable was NATO committee meetings as Alliance’s door remains open to tries wishing to join the Alliance. It was launched in April 1999 at the Cold War stability in Europe. In the early members’ forces; and were com- legal issues as well as the contribu- based on several issues, includ- observers. further new members. At present, 1990s, however, many political ana- mitted to democratic civil-military tion of each new member country to ing existing MAP objectives, Albania, Croatia and the former Alliance’s Washington Summit to help countries aspiring to NATO mem- lysts were unsure of the benefits that relations and institutional structures. NATO’s common budget. This was “Partnership Goals” (equivalent to The fourth step was for the gov- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* bership in their preparations. The process drew heavily on the experience enlargement would bring to the exist- determined on a proportional basis, the “force goals” used within ernments of NATO member states are participating in the MAP. gained during the accession process of the Czech Republic, Hungary and ing members in terms of Alliance Once admitted, new members would according to the size of their NATO to draw up at regular inter- to ratify the protocols, according Poland, which had joined NATO in the Alliance’s first post-Cold War round cohesion and solidarity, and were enjoy all the rights and assume all economies in relation to those of vals each member country's mili- to their national requirements and Since the Prague Summit, NATO of enlargement in 1999. concerned by the possible impact on the obligations of membership at the other Alliance member countries. tary contribution to the Alliance), procedures. The ratification pro- has increased its assistance to relations with other states. time they joined. These include and each country's Annual cedure varies from country to Albania and the former Yugoslav acceptance of all the principles, Invitees were also required to sign National Programme (prepared by country. For example, the United Republic of Macedonia* in the The MAP’s main features are the submission by aspiring members of In 1995, the Alliance carried out and policies and procedures previously and ratify relevant legal documents, every MAP country for examina- States requires a majority of area of defence and security sec- individual annual national programmes on their preparations for possible published the results of a Study on adopted by the other Alliance mem- implement measures to ensure the tion and approval by NATO). two-thirds to pass the required tor reform, in order to help both future membership, covering political, economic, defence, resource, NATO Enlargement (see box) that bers. protection of NATO classified infor- legislation in the Senate. Else- countries prepare for future security and legal aspects; a focused and candid feedback mechanism considered the merits of admitting mation, and prepare their security In the second step of the acces- where, for example in the United Alliance membership. Croatia, on aspirant countries' progress on their programmes that includes both new members and how they should At the Alliance’s Prague Summit in and intelligence services to work with sion process, each invitee country Kingdom, no formal parliamentary which joined the MAP in 2002, will be brought in. It concluded that the November 2002, the seven newest the NATO Office of Security. In the provided confirmation of its vote is required. With the ratifica- also be considered for NATO political and technical advice, as well as annual meetings between all end of the Cold War provided a NATO members were invited to legal context, candidate member acceptance of the obligations and tion of the protocols by the French membership, subject to the suc- NATO members and individual aspirants at the level of the North Atlantic unique opportunity to build improved begin accession talks. The talks took countries also needed to become sig- commitments of membership, Senate on 5 February 2004, all cessful implementation of its Council to assess progress; and a defence planning approach for aspi- natories to a series of agreements including a timetable for complet- NATO member states had com- reform programme and its compli- security in the entire Euro-Atlantic place at NATO headquarters in rants which includes elaboration and review of agreed planning targets. area and that NATO enlargement Brussels and brought together relating to the status of forces as well ing reforms, in the form of a letter pleted the process. ance with international obliga- would contribute to enhanced stabi- teams of NATO experts and repre- as technical matters and information of intent from each foreign minis- tions, including cooperation with lity and security for all. sentatives of the individual invitees. matters. These included the ter addressed to the NATO This opened the way for the fifth the International Criminal Tribunal Though MAP participation helps prepare aspirants for Alliance member- An integral part of the talks involved Washington Treaty, the 1951 London Secretary General. and final step of the accession for the former Yugoslavia. ship, it does not provide a guarantee of future membership. However, the According to the Study, countries the formal confirmation by the invi- Agreement on status of forces, and process, namely accession to the seven countries that joined NATO on 29 March 2004 all benefited from seeking NATO membership had to tees of their interest, willingness and the 1952 Paris Protocol on the status The third step was for NATO to protocols by each invited country In accordance with the Washington the MAP as do today’s aspirants, Albania, Croatia and the former be able to demonstrate that they had ability to meet the political, legal and of international military headquarters. prepare Accession Protocols to in line with its own national proce- Treaty and subject to the agree- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.* fulfilled certain requirements. These military obligations and commit- “Status of forces” covers the terms the Washington Treaty for each dures, followed by the deposit of ment of all Alliance member states, included providing evidence that ments of NATO membership, as laid under which the forces of other Allies invitee. These protocols are in the “instruments of accession” NATO membership is also open to they each represented a functioning out in the Washington Treaty and in may operate in a NATO country, for effect amendments or additions to with the US State Department, the any other European country wishing democratic, political system based the Study on NATO Enlargement. example in relation to exercises or the Treaty and henceforth depository of the Washington to join. on a market economy; that they operational military deployments. become an integral part of the Treaty, at a ceremony at the White For more information on NATO treated minority populations in The talks took place in two sessions Treaty itself. They were signed by House in Washington DC on enlargement and profiles of the accordance with OSCE guidelines; with each invitee. In the first session, NATO ambassadors on 26 March 29 March 2004. It was on this Alliance's newest members, see NATO is created with 12 www.nato.int/issues/enlargement/index.htm As a result of German founding members: Belgium, unification, the territory Accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, France, Accession of the of the former German Accession of the Czech Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Accession of Greece Federal Republic Accession of Spain Democratic Republic Republic, Hungary and Slovakia and Slovenia the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey of Germany becomes part of the Poland Enhancing security and extending Portugal, the United Kingdom Alliance. stability through NATO enlargement and the United States. > > > > 1949 1952 1955 1982 > 1990 1999 > 2004 > Enlargement Both the latest round of NATO had resolved outstanding disputes political and defence or military Accession The accession talks also resulted 2003, formally paving the way for occasion that the seven countries enlargement and the first post-Cold with neighbours and had made an issues were discussed, essentially in a timetable submitted by each the invitees to become parties to formally became members of Membership Action Plan War accession of new countries in overall commitment to the peaceful providing the opportunity to establish timetable invitee for the completion of the the Treaty and enabling represen- the Alliance. since the 1999, when the Czech Republic, settlement of disputes; had the abil- that the preconditions for member- necessary reforms, some of which tatives of the invitees from that Hungary and Poland joined the ity and willingness to make a military ship had been met. The second ses- are longer-term and are still being point on to attend North Atlantic The fifth round of NATO enlarge- The Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a NATO programme of advice, sion was more technical and included implemented after the date of Council meetings and most ment will not be the last. The end of the Alliance, have helped to strengthen contribution to the Alliance and to assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of coun- NATO, enhance security and extend achieve interoperability with other discussion of resources, security, and accession. The timetable was NATO committee meetings as Alliance’s door remains open to tries wishing to join the Alliance. It was launched in April 1999 at the Cold War stability in Europe. In the early members’ forces; and were com- legal issues as well as the contribu- based on several issues, includ- observers. further new members. At present, 1990s, however, many political ana- mitted to democratic civil-military tion of each new member country to ing existing MAP objectives, Albania, Croatia and the former Alliance’s Washington Summit to help countries aspiring to NATO mem- lysts were unsure of the benefits that relations and institutional structures. NATO’s common budget. This was “Partnership Goals” (equivalent to The fourth step was for the gov- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* bership in their preparations. The process drew heavily on the experience enlargement would bring to the exist- determined on a proportional basis, the “force goals” used within ernments of NATO member states are participating in the MAP. gained during the accession process of the Czech Republic, Hungary and ing members in terms of Alliance Once admitted, new members would according to the size of their NATO to draw up at regular inter- to ratify the protocols, according Poland, which had joined NATO in the Alliance’s first post-Cold War round cohesion and solidarity, and were enjoy all the rights and assume all economies in relation to those of vals each member country's mili- to their national requirements and Since the Prague Summit, NATO of enlargement in 1999. concerned by the possible impact on the obligations of membership at the other Alliance member countries. tary contribution to the Alliance), procedures. The ratification pro- has increased its assistance to relations with other states. time they joined. These include and each country's Annual cedure varies from country to Albania and the former Yugoslav acceptance of all the principles, Invitees were also required to sign National Programme (prepared by country. For example, the United Republic of Macedonia* in the The MAP’s main features are the submission by aspiring members of In 1995, the Alliance carried out and policies and procedures previously and ratify relevant legal documents, every MAP country for examina- States requires a majority of area of defence and security sec- individual annual national programmes on their preparations for possible published the results of a Study on adopted by the other Alliance mem- implement measures to ensure the tion and approval by NATO). two-thirds to pass the required tor reform, in order to help both future membership, covering political, economic, defence, resource, NATO Enlargement (see box) that bers. protection of NATO classified infor- legislation in the Senate. Else- countries prepare for future security and legal aspects; a focused and candid feedback mechanism considered the merits of admitting mation, and prepare their security In the second step of the acces- where, for example in the United Alliance membership. Croatia, on aspirant countries' progress on their programmes that includes both new members and how they should At the Alliance’s Prague Summit in and intelligence services to work with sion process, each invitee country Kingdom, no formal parliamentary which joined the MAP in 2002, will be brought in. It concluded that the November 2002, the seven newest the NATO Office of Security. In the provided confirmation of its vote is required. With the ratifica- also be considered for NATO political and technical advice, as well as annual meetings between all end of the Cold War provided a NATO members were invited to legal context, candidate member acceptance of the obligations and tion of the protocols by the French membership, subject to the suc- NATO members and individual aspirants at the level of the North Atlantic unique opportunity to build improved begin accession talks. The talks took countries also needed to become sig- commitments of membership, Senate on 5 February 2004, all cessful implementation of its Council to assess progress; and a defence planning approach for aspi- natories to a series of agreements including a timetable for complet- NATO member states had com- reform programme and its compli- security in the entire Euro-Atlantic place at NATO headquarters in rants which includes elaboration and review of agreed planning targets. area and that NATO enlargement Brussels and brought together relating to the status of forces as well ing reforms, in the form of a letter pleted the process. ance with international obliga- would contribute to enhanced stabi- teams of NATO experts and repre- as technical matters and information of intent from each foreign minis- tions, including cooperation with lity and security for all. sentatives of the individual invitees. matters. These included the ter addressed to the NATO This opened the way for the fifth the International Criminal Tribunal Though MAP participation helps prepare aspirants for Alliance member- An integral part of the talks involved Washington Treaty, the 1951 London Secretary General. and final step of the accession for the former Yugoslavia. ship, it does not provide a guarantee of future membership. However, the According to the Study, countries the formal confirmation by the invi- Agreement on status of forces, and process, namely accession to the seven countries that joined NATO on 29 March 2004 all benefited from seeking NATO membership had to tees of their interest, willingness and the 1952 Paris Protocol on the status The third step was for NATO to protocols by each invited country In accordance with the Washington the MAP as do today’s aspirants, Albania, Croatia and the former be able to demonstrate that they had ability to meet the political, legal and of international military headquarters. prepare Accession Protocols to in line with its own national proce- Treaty and subject to the agree- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.* fulfilled certain requirements. These military obligations and commit- “Status of forces” covers the terms the Washington Treaty for each dures, followed by the deposit of ment of all Alliance member states, included providing evidence that ments of NATO membership, as laid under which the forces of other Allies invitee. These protocols are in the “instruments of accession” NATO membership is also open to they each represented a functioning out in the Washington Treaty and in may operate in a NATO country, for effect amendments or additions to with the US State Department, the any other European country wishing democratic, political system based the Study on NATO Enlargement. example in relation to exercises or the Treaty and henceforth depository of the Washington to join. on a market economy; that they operational military deployments. become an integral part of the Treaty, at a ceremony at the White For more information on NATO treated minority populations in The talks took place in two sessions Treaty itself. They were signed by House in Washington DC on enlargement and profiles of the accordance with OSCE guidelines; with each invitee. In the first session, NATO ambassadors on 26 March 29 March 2004. It was on this Alliance's newest members, see NATO is created with 12 www.nato.int/issues/enlargement/index.htm As a result of German founding members: Belgium, unification, the territory Accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, France, Accession of the of the former German Accession of the Czech Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Accession of Greece Federal Republic Accession of Spain Democratic Republic Republic, Hungary and Slovakia and Slovenia the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey of Germany becomes part of the Poland Enhancing security and extending Portugal, the United Kingdom Alliance. stability through NATO enlargement and the United States. > > > > 1949 1952 1955 1982 > 1990 1999 > 2004 > Study on NATO Enlargement