Login
Login

North Atlantic Treaty#Article 13

{{Short description|1949 treaty forming the basis of NATO}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}

{{Use Canadian English|date=April 2022}}

{{Infobox Treaty

| name = North Atlantic Treaty

| image = NATOTreatyCopyAuthenticationPage.jpg

| image_width = 200px

| caption = North Atlantic Treaty authentication page

| type = Military alliance

| location_signed = Washington, D.C.

| date_effective = {{start date and age|1949|08|24|df=yes}}

| condition_effective = Ratification by the majority of the signatories including Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States

| parties = {{Collapsible list | title = 32

| {{Flagu|Albania}}

| {{Flagu|Belgium}}

| {{Flagu|Bulgaria}}

| {{Flagu|Canada}}

| {{Flagu|Croatia}}

| {{Flagu|Czech Republic}}

| {{Flagu|Denmark}}

| {{Flagu|Estonia}}

| {{Flagu|Finland}}

| {{Flagu|France}}

| {{Flagu|Germany}}

| {{Flagu|Greece}}

| {{Flagu|Hungary}}

| {{Flagu|Iceland}}

| {{Flagu|Italy}}

| {{Flagu|Latvia}}

| {{Flagu|Lithuania}}

| {{Flagu|Luxembourg}}

| {{Flagu|Montenegro}}

| {{Flagu|Netherlands}}

| {{Flagu|North Macedonia}}

| {{Flagu|Norway}}

| {{Flagu|Poland}}

| {{Flagu|Portugal}}

| {{Flagu|Romania}}

| {{Flagu|Slovakia}}

| {{Flagu|Slovenia}}

| {{Flagu|Spain}}

| {{Flagu|Sweden}}

| {{Flagu|Turkey}}

| {{Flagu|United Kingdom}}

| {{Flagu|United States}}

}}

| depositor = Government of the United States of America

| languages = English, French

| wikisource = North Atlantic Treaty

}}

The North Atlantic Treaty, also known as the Washington Treaty,{{Cite web |date=2022-10-02 |title=Topic: Founding treaty |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_67656.htm |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NATO |archive-date=23 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823095359/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_67656.htm |url-status=live }} forms the legal basis of, and is implemented by, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., on 4 April 1949.

{{TOC limit|3}}

Background

The treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., on 4 April 1949 by a committee which was chaired by US diplomat Theodore Achilles. Earlier secret talks had been held at the Pentagon between 22 March and 1 April 1948, of which Achilles said:

The talks lasted about two weeks and by the time they finished, it had been secretly agreed that there would be a treaty, and I had a draft of one in the bottom drawer of my safe. It was never shown to anyone except Jack [Hickerson]. I wish I had kept it, but when I left the Department in 1950, I dutifully left it in the safe and I have never been able to trace it in the archives. It drew heavily on the Rio Treaty, and a bit of the Brussels Treaty, which had not yet been signed, but of which we were being kept heavily supplied with drafts. The eventual North Atlantic Treaty had the general form, and a good bit of the language of my first draft, but with a number of important differences.{{cite web |url=http://www.trumanlibrary.org/oralhist/achilles.htm |title=Theodore Achilles Oral History Interview |publisher=Truman Library |access-date=2014-05-29 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720111444/https://www.trumanlibrary.org/oralhist/achilles.htm |url-status=live }}

According to Achilles, another important author of the treaty was John D. Hickerson:

More than any human being Jack was responsible for the nature, content, and form of the Treaty...It was a one-man Hickerson treaty.

As a fundamental component of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty is a product of the US' desire to avoid overextension at the end of World War II, and consequently pursue multilateralism in Europe.{{Cite journal|last=Cha|first=Victor|date=Winter 2009–2010|title=Powerplay: Origins of U.S. Alliances in Asia|journal=International Security|volume=34|issue=3|pages=158–196|doi=10.1162/isec.2010.34.3.158|s2cid=57566528}} It is part of the US' collective defense arrangement with Western European powers, following a long and deliberative process.{{Cite journal|last=Mabon|first=David W.|date=May 1988|title=Elusive Agreements: The Pacific Pact Proposals of 1949–1951|journal=Pacific Historical Review|volume=57|issue=2|pages=147–178|doi=10.2307/4492264|jstor=4492264}} The treaty was created with an armed attack by the Soviet Union against Western Europe in mind,{{cite web |title=A short history of NATO |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_139339.htm |website=NATO |access-date=9 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329074417/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_139339.htm |url-status=live }} although the mutual self-defense clause was never invoked during the Cold War.

By signing the North Atlantic Treaty, parties are "determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of the peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law."{{Cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/law/help/us-treaties/bevans/m-ust000004-0828.pdf|title=About this Collection | United States Treaties and Other International Agreements | Digital Collections | Library of Congress|website=Library of Congress|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329123308/https://www.loc.gov/law/help/us-treaties/bevans/m-ust000004-0828.pdf|url-status=live}}

Members

=Founding members=

The following twelve states signed the treaty and thus became the founding members of NATO. The following leaders signed the agreement as plenipotentiaries of their countries in Washington, D.C., on 4 April 1949:{{cite book | last = Bevans | first = Charles Irving | title = Treaties and other international agreements of the United States of America 1776–1949 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0M8WAAAAYAAJ | access-date = 2013-05-01 | volume = 4, Multilateral 1946–1949 | year = 1968 | publisher = Department of State | location = Washington, D.C. | oclc = 6940 | lccn = 70600742 | page = 831 | chapter = North Atlantic Treaty | archive-date = 9 October 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003230/https://books.google.com/books?id=0M8WAAAAYAAJ | url-status = live }}{{Cite web|url=http://nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_137725.htm|title=NATO Declassified – Treaty Signatories|publisher=NATO|access-date=26 March 2017|archive-date=26 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626203908/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_137725.htm|url-status=live}}

=Non-founding members who joined before the dissolution of the Soviet Union=

File:History of NATO enlargement animation.gif

The following four states joined the treaty after the 12 founding states, but before the dissolution of the Soviet Union:

* {{flag|Kingdom of Greece|name=Greece}} (joined in 1952)Joined as Kingdom of Greece.

  • {{flag|Turkey}} (joined in 1952)

|

  • {{flag|West Germany}} (joined in 1955)Joined as West Germany. After reunification in 1990, the former East German territory became covered by NATO protection.
  • {{flag|Spain|1981}} (joined in 1982)

=Members who joined after the dissolution of the Soviet Union=

The following 16 states joined the treaty after the dissolution of the Soviet Union:

* {{flag|Czech Republic}} (joined in 1999)

  • {{flag|Hungary}} (joined in 1999)
  • {{flag|Poland}} (joined in 1999)
  • {{flag|Bulgaria}} (joined in 2004)
  • {{flag|Estonia}} (joined in 2004)
  • {{flag|Latvia}} (joined in 2004)
  • {{flag|Lithuania}} (joined in 2004)
  • {{flag|Romania}} (joined in 2004)

|

  • {{flag|Slovakia}} (joined in 2004)
  • {{flag|Slovenia}} (joined in 2004)
  • {{flag|Albania}} (joined in 2009)
  • {{flag|Croatia}} (joined in 2009)
  • {{flag|Montenegro}} (joined in 2017)
  • {{flag|North Macedonia}} (joined in 2020)
  • {{flag|Finland}} (joined in 2023)
  • {{flag|Sweden}} (joined in 2024)

=Withdrawal=

No state has rescinded its membership but some dependencies of member states have not requested membership after becoming independent:

* {{flag|Cyprus}} (independence from the United Kingdom in 1960)

  • {{flag|Algeria}} (independence from France in 1962)
  • {{flag|Malta}} (independence from the United Kingdom in 1964)

Articles

=Article 1=

Article 1 of the treaty states that member parties "settle any international disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered, and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations."

Members seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area through preservation of peace and security in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

=Article 2=

Article 2 of the treaty stipulates that "The Parties will contribute toward the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations by strengthening their free institutions, by bringing about a better understanding of the principles upon which these institutions are founded, and by promoting conditions of stability and well-being. They will seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any or all of them."{{Cite web |last=NATO |title=The North Atlantic Treaty |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_17120.htm |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=NATO |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914102953/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/official_texts_17120.htm |url-status=live }} This is sometimes referred to as the Canada Clause after Pearson pushed for its inclusion in the treaty.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_167865.htm?selectedLocale=en|quote=|title=by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at Massey College, Toronto (Canada)|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-date=7 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607062510/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_167865.htm?selectedLocale=en|url-status=live}} This included proposals for a trade council, cultural program, technological sharing, and an information program. Of those, only the latter two were passed.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_161511.htm?selectedLocale=en|title=CANADA AND NATO|quote=The report's ideas about enhanced economic partnerships and cultural connections were not implemented, but two major initiatives were adopted: a more robust information programme to explain NATO and its mission better to Allied audiences, and the creation of a NATO Science Programme, which has encouraged scientific and technological innovation across the Alliance and provided support to many Nobel laureates.|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-date=4 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404181525/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_161511.htm?selectedLocale=en|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://archives.nato.int/uploads/r/null/2/6/26165/C-M_56_127_ENG.pdf|title=Report of the Committee of Three on Non-Military Co-Operation in NATO|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-date=2 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102144029/https://archives.nato.int/uploads/r/null/2/6/26165/C-M_56_127_ENG.pdf|url-status=live}} Nonetheless, it has been brought up by observers commenting on trade disputes between members.{{cite news|url=https://diplomatmagazine.com/brexit-and-security/|title=Brexit and Security|author=Eldon, Stewart|date=2017-03-07|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323214821/https://diplomatmagazine.com/brexit-and-security/|url-status=live}}

=Article 3=

Article 3 of the treaty states that "In order more effectively to achieve the objectives of this Treaty, the Parties, separately and jointly, by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack."

This was interpreted in 2022 as the basis for the target for a 2% GDP expenditure rule,{{cite web|author=Jans, Karljin|date=2022-03-18|publisher=Clingendal Institute|title=Will Russia's invasion boost NATO's budget?|url=https://spectator.clingendael.org/en/publication/will-russias-invasion-boost-natos-budget|quote=which goes beyond the idea of the 2% target. This will require focusing on Alliance readiness levels with, at the centre the NATO Defence Planning Process, addressing the full spectrum of challenges. NATO's Article 3 will remain the fundamental principle to make this a reality.|access-date=28 March 2022|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531222912/https://spectator.clingendael.org/en/publication/will-russias-invasion-boost-natos-budget|url-status=live}} which was established as a loose guideline in 2006.{{cite web|title=Press Briefing by NATO Spokesman, James Appathurai after the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers|quote=Finally, I should add that Allies through the comprehensive political guidance have committed to endeavour, to meet the 2% target of GDP devoted to defence spending. Let me be clear, this is not a hard commitment that they will do it. But it is a commitment to work towards it. And that will be a first within the Alliance.|date=2006-06-08|url=https://www.nato.int/docu/speech/2006/s060608m.htm|access-date=28 March 2022|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406050935/https://www.nato.int/docu/speech/2006/s060608m.htm|url-status=live}} This metric was confirmed again during the 2014 Wales summit.

It has also been used as a core concept for a mandate to strengthen member resilience: the ability to resist and recover from major disasters, failures in infrastructure, or traditional armed attack. This commitment was first accepted during the 2016 Warsaw summit, and further reiterated and clarified due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_133180.htm|title=Commitment to enhance resilience: Issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Warsaw|date=2016-07-08|access-date=31 March 2022|archive-date=21 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821213339/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_133180.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_185340.htm|title=Strengthened Resilience Commitment|date=2021-07-15|access-date=31 March 2022|archive-date=13 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713085626/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_185340.htm|url-status=live}} In accordance with NATO documents, this has been understood to include seven key areas:

  • Continuity of government during a crisis
  • Energy and power grid infrastructure resilience
  • Immigration control
  • Food and water security
  • Medical emergencies
  • Resilient civil communications
  • Effective transportation networks{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_132722.htm|title=Resilience and Article 3|date=2021-07-11|access-date=31 March 2022|archive-date=23 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023173738/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_132722.htm|url-status=live}}

=Article 4=

Article 4 is generally considered the starting point for major NATO operations, and therefore is intended for either emergencies or situations of urgency. It officially calls for consultation over military matters when "the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the parties is threatened."{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_17481.htm|title=Report of the Committee of Three on Non-Military Cooperation in NATO|website=NATO.int|date=13 December 1956|access-date=25 February 2022|quote=Special attention must be paid, as explicitly recognised in Article 4 of the Treaty, to matters of urgent and immediate importance to the members of NATO, and to 'emergency' situations where it may be necessary to consult closely on national lines of conduct affecting the interests of members of NATO as a whole. There is a continuing need, however, for effective consultation at an early stage on current problems, in order that national policies may be developed and action taken on the basis of a full awareness of the attitudes and interests of all the members of NATO. While all members of NATO have a responsibility to consult with their partners on appropriate matters, a large share of responsibility for such consultation necessarily rests on the more powerful members of the Community.|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225183356/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_17481.htm|url-status=live}} Upon its invocation, the issue is discussed in the North Atlantic Council, and can formally lead into a joint decision or action (logistic, military, or otherwise) on behalf of the Alliance.

==Invocations==

It has been officially invoked seven times since the alliance's creation.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49187.htm|title=The consultation process and Article 4|website=NATO.int|date=24 February 2022|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=2 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402192427/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49187.htm|url-status=live}}

class=wikitable

|+ Article 4 invocations

Nations

! Date

! Reason

! Outcome

{{flag|Turkey}}

| February 2003

| Iraq War.{{cite speech|url=https://www.nato.int/docu/speech/2003/s030210a.htm|title=Statement by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, on measures in relation to a possible threat to Turkey|date=10 February 2003|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528021753/https://www.nato.int/docu/speech/2003/s030210a.htm|url-status=live}}

| Operation Display Deterrence.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/docu/pr/2003/p03-040e.htm|title=Conclusion of Operation Display Deterrence and Article 4 security consultations|date=16 April 2003|access-date=26 February 2022|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030183409/https://www.nato.int/docu/pr/2003/p03-040e.htm|url-status=live}}

{{flag|Turkey}}

| June 2012

| The shooting down of a Turkish military jet by Syria.

| rowspan="2" | Operation Active Fence.{{cite web |date=2012-12-05 |title=NATO Foreign Ministers' statement on Patriot deployment to Turkey |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_92476.htm?selectedLocale=en |access-date=27 February 2022 |quote=As the North Atlantic Council made clear on June 26 and October 3, we stand with Turkey in the spirit of strong solidarity. We, the NATO foreign ministers, declare our determination to deter threats to and defend Turkey. In response to Turkey's request, NATO has decided to augment Turkey's air defence capabilities in order to defend the population and territory of Turkey and contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along the Alliance's border. |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227184846/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_92476.htm?selectedLocale=en |url-status=live }}

{{flag|Turkey}}

| October 2012

| Syrian forces shelling Turkish cities.

{{flag|Latvia}}{{cite news|url=http://www.turkishpress.com/news/393234/|title=UNSC, EU, NATO to hold urgent meetings over Ukraine|date=1 March 2014|access-date=6 March 2014|quote=Meanwhile, Lithuania and Latvia called upon the North Atlantic Council, the decision-making body of NATO, to hold an extraordinary session on Ukraine, citing security concerns.|archive-date=6 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306024657/http://www.turkishpress.com/news/393234|url-status=live}}, Turkishpress.com

{{flag|Lithuania}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/03/russias-seizure-of-crimea-is-making-former-soviet-states-nervous/284156/|title=Russia's Seizure of Crimea Is Making Former Soviet States Nervous|work=The Atlantic|last=Ford|first=Matt|date=1 March 2014|access-date=4 March 2014|quote=Linas Linkevicius, Lithuania's foreign minister, responded on Saturday by invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty ... for only the fourth time in the alliance's history.|archive-date=4 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304073548/http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/03/russias-seizure-of-crimea-is-making-former-soviet-states-nervous/284156/|url-status=live}}

{{flag|Poland}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/04/world/europe/top-russians-face-sanctions-by-us-for-crimea-crisis.html?hp&_r=0|title=Top Russians Face Sanctions by U.S. for Crimea Crisis|last=Baker|first=Peter|newspaper=The New York Times|date=3 March 2014|access-date=4 March 2014|quote=NATO called its second emergency meeting on Ukraine in response to a request from Poland under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty relating to threats to a member state's security and independence.|archive-date=24 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724051441/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/04/world/europe/top-russians-face-sanctions-by-us-for-crimea-crisis.html?hp&_r=0|url-status=live}}

| March 2014

| In response to the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation.

| Deployment of littoral, naval, and air forces in the Black Sea by Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_160789.htm|title=Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission|date=26 November 2018|access-date=27 February 2022|quote=NATO has increased its presence in the Black Sea region on land, but also with air policing over the Black Sea region, including the Black Sea, and we have a regular NATO presence in the Black Sea, with naval capabilities. Then of course we have three littoral states: Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226125506/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_160789.htm|url-status=live}} Condemnation and support for sanctions of member countries and international community.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_164656.htm|title=Statement by the North Atlantic Council on Crimea|date=18 March 2019|access-date=27 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225155449/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_164656.htm|url-status=live}} Reform and medical aid to the Ukrainian government.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_116862.htm?selectedLocale=en|title=NATO Secretary General statement on the extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission|date=26 January 2015|access-date=27 February 2022|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227184847/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_116862.htm?selectedLocale=en|url-status=live}} Creation of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence.{{cite news |title=NATO war game defends Baltic weak spot for first time |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/nato-war-game-defends-baltic-weak-spot-for-first-time/ |publisher=EURACTIV MEDIA NETWORK BV |date=19 June 2017 |access-date=27 April 2022 |archive-date=2 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102144029/https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/nato-war-game-defends-baltic-weak-spot-for-first-time/ |url-status=live }}

{{flag|Turkey}}

| July 2015

| In response to the 2015 Suruç bombing, which it attributed to ISIS, and other security issues along its southern border.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11764178/Turkey-calls-for-Nato-meeting-to-discuss-Isil-and-PKK.html telegraph.co.uk: "Turkey calls for emergency Nato meeting to discuss Isil and PKK"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016195051/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/11764178/Turkey-calls-for-Nato-meeting-to-discuss-Isil-and-PKK.html |date=16 October 2022 }}, 26 July 2015{{cite news | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/26/middleeast/turkey-nato-talks/ | title=Turkey calls for rare NATO talks after attacks along Syrian border | work=CNN | date=2015-07-27 | access-date=2015-07-27 | author=Ford, Dana | archive-date=16 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016195052/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/26/middleeast/turkey-nato-talks/ | url-status=live }}[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/28/world/middleeast/turkey-and-us-agree-on-plan-to-clear-isis-from-strip-of-northern-syria.html?_r=0 nytimes.com: "Turkey and U.S. Plan to Create Syria 'Safe Zone' Free of ISIS"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016195051/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/28/world/middleeast/turkey-and-us-agree-on-plan-to-clear-isis-from-strip-of-northern-syria.html?_r=0 |date=16 October 2022 }}, 27 July 2015{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_121926.htm?selectedLocale=en|title=Statement by the North Atlantic Council following meeting under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty|date=28 July 2015|access-date=27 February 2022|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227190355/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_121926.htm?selectedLocale=en|url-status=live}}

| {{main|2015 NATO emergency meeting}}

Denunciation of the attack and reassessment of NATO assets in Turkey.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_125486.htm?selectedLocale=en|title=Statement by NATO Foreign Ministers on Assurance to Turkey|date=2015-12-01|access-date=2022-02-27|quote=On the basis of our December 2012 decision, the Alliance has been augmenting Turkey's air defence. We remain determined, in a spirit of 28 for 28, to continue developing additional NATO assurance measures and Allies are working to prepare other possible contributions.|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227184846/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_125486.htm?selectedLocale=en|url-status=live}}

{{flag|Turkey}}

| February 2020

| Increasing tensions as part of the Northwestern Syria offensive, including suspected{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/russia-denies-involvement-in-airstrikes-on-turkish-troops-in-idlib|title=Russia denies involvement in airstrikes on Turkish troops in Idlib|website=Daily Sabah|date=2020-02-28|access-date=2022-03-01|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228080529/https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/russia-denies-involvement-in-airstrikes-on-turkish-troops-in-idlib|url-status=live}} Syrian and Russian airstrikes on Turkish troops.{{cite web|url=https://www.tert.am/en/news/2020/02/29/idlib/3223514|title=Greece 'vetoes NATO statement' on support for Turkey amid Syria escalation|date=2020-02-29|access-date=2022-03-01|quote=The Russian military later explained that the Syrian army targeted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorists operating in the province, adding that Syrian government forces were not informed about the Turkish presence in the area.|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303074219/https://www.tert.am/en/news/2020/02/29/idlib/3223514|url-status=dead}}

|Augmentation of Turkish air defences.{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_173939.htm?selectedLocale=en|title=Statement by the Secretary General after Article 4 consultations|date=2020-02-28|access-date=2022-02-27|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227191153/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_173939.htm?selectedLocale=en|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/02/27/at-least-22-turkish-soliders-killed-in-syria-airstrike|title=Refugees reach Greek border as EU demands Turkey upholds its migration commitments|website=euronews.com|date=28 February 2020|access-date=28 February 2020|quote=The emergency meeting, held on Friday morning in Brussels, was held under Article 4 of NATO's founding treaty, which allows any ally to request consultations if it feels its territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened.|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228081445/https://www.euronews.com/2020/02/27/at-least-22-turkish-soliders-killed-in-syria-airstrike|url-status=live}}

{{flag|Bulgaria}}

{{flag|Czech Republic}}

{{flag|Estonia}}

{{flag|Latvia}}

{{flag|Lithuania}}

{{flag|Poland}}

{{flag|Romania}}

{{flag|Slovakia}}{{Cite web|date=2022-02-24|title=NATO vows to defend its entire territory after Russia attack|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-71bf9d3687e1a04f11dfb895639a13ca|access-date=2022-02-25|website=AP NEWS|language=en|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224095154/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-71bf9d3687e1a04f11dfb895639a13ca|url-status=live}}

| February 2022

| 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://dorzeczy.pl/kraj/267127/art-4-traktatu-waszyngtonskiego-polska-chce-jego-uruchomienia.html |website=Do Rzeczy |date=2022-02-24 |title=Polska chce uruchomienia art. 4 traktatu waszyngtońskiego. Wniosek już złożony |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224060034/https://dorzeczy.pl/kraj/267127/art-4-traktatu-waszyngtonskiego-polska-chce-jego-uruchomienia.html |archive-date=2022-02-24 }}

|

{{See also|2022 Brussels summit}}

Defensive build-up,{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_192404.htm|title=Statement by the North Atlantic Council on Russia's attack on Ukraine|date=2022-02-24|access-date=2022-03-01|quote=Today, we have held consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. We have decided, in line with our defensive planning to protect all Allies, to take additional steps to further strengthen deterrence and defence across the Alliance.|archive-date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527193355/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_192404.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=NATO to deploy thousands of commandos to nations near Ukraine |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/nato-allies-to-provide-more-weapons-to-ukraine-stoltenberg-says |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/nato-allies-to-provide-more-weapons-to-ukraine-stoltenberg-says |archive-date=27 February 2022 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022}}{{cbignore}} matériel support to Ukraine,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/stoltenberg-varsler-mer-hjelp-1.15872539|title=Stoltenberg varsler mer hjelp|language=no|date=28 February 2022|website=NRK|access-date=28 February 2022|archive-date=28 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228141917/https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/stoltenberg-varsler-mer-hjelp-1.15872539|url-status=live}} and activation of the NATO Response Force.{{cite web |title=NATO puts warplanes on alert, to increase troop presence on eastern flank |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2022/02/24/nato-to-step-up-deterrence-measures-after-russian-attack-calls-summit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2022/02/24/nato-to-step-up-deterrence-measures-after-russian-attack-calls-summit |archive-date=26 February 2022 |website=The Star}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Lorne |title=NATO leaders agree to bolster eastern forces after invasion |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nato-leaders-meet-reassure-allies-russia-ukraine-83105473 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nato-leaders-meet-reassure-allies-russia-ukraine-83105473 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |website=ABC News}}{{cbignore}}

==Threatened Invocations==

There have also been instances where Article 4 was not formally invoked, but instead threatened. In fact, this was viewed as one of the original intentions for Article 4: as a means to elevate issues and provide member nations a means of deterrence.{{cite web|url=https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1224&context=eilr|author=Sherrod L. Bumgardner|title=Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty|access-date=2022-02-26|quote=In 1954, the first Secretary General of NATO, Lord Ismay, emphasized Article 4 consultation as a deterrence measure before an armed attack|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224215057/https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1224&context=eilr|url-status=live}} For example, in November 2021, the Polish foreign ministry—along with Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia—briefly considered triggering Article 4 due to the Belarusian migrant crisis, but it was not formally requested.{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-considers-activating-natos-article-4-says-pm-25997|title=Poland considers activating Nato's Article 4, says PM|access-date=2022-02-25|date=2021-11-14|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226002142/https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-considers-activating-natos-article-4-says-pm-25997|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/baltics-pledge-support-to-poland-over-natos-article-4/|title=Baltics pledge support to Poland over NATO's Article 4|date=2021-11-16|access-date=2022-03-01|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301231406/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/baltics-pledge-support-to-poland-over-natos-article-4/|url-status=live}} And on 28 December 2024, Swedish member of parliament and former minister of defense, Peter Hultqvist wanted the government to activate Article 4 in response to the 2024 Baltic Sea submarine cable disruptions.{{cite web|url= https://omni.se/a/EyL6AK |title=Hultqvist om Östersjön: Aktivera Natos Artikel 4|date=28 December 2024|access-date=28 December 2024}}

=Article 5=

The key section of the treaty is Article 5. Its commitment clause defines the casus foederis. It commits each member state to consider an armed attack against one member state, in the areas defined by Article 6, to be an armed attack against them all. Upon such attack, each member state is to assist by taking "such action as [the member state] deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area." The article has only been invoked once, but considered in a number of other cases.

==Invocations==

===September 11 attacks===

{{Main|Article 5 contingency (2001)}}

Article 5 has been invoked only once in NATO history, after the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001.{{Cite web |title=NATO: Key Events (timeline) |url=http://www.nato.int/nato-welcome/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105163229/http://www.nato.int/nato-welcome/index.html |archive-date=5 November 2014 |quote=Large-scale terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C.—NATO invokes Article 5 for the first time ever and adopts a broader approach to security}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/13/us/after-attacks-alliance-for-first-time-nato-invokes-joint-defense-pact-with-us.html|title=AFTER THE ATTACKS: THE ALLIANCE; For First Time, NATO Invokes Joint Defense Pact With U.S.|last=Daley|first=Suzanne|date=2001-09-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-05-26|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404173537/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/13/us/after-attacks-alliance-for-first-time-nato-invokes-joint-defense-pact-with-us.html|url-status=live}} Following the September 11 attacks, George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen of the United Kingdom telephoned Colin Powell and said that declaring an Article 5 contingency would be a useful political statement for NATO to make. The United States indicated it had no interest in making such a request itself, however, would not object to the council taking such action on its own.{{cite journal |last1=Tertrais |first1=Bruno |date=April 1, 2016 |title=Article 5 of the Washington Treaty:: Its Origins, Meaning and Future |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep10238 |journal=NATO Defence College |issue=130 |jstor=resrep10238}}{{cite web |last1=Bensahel |first1=Nora |title=Cooperation with Europe, NATO, and the European Union |url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2005/MR1746.pdf |website=rand.org |publisher=RAND Corporation |access-date=March 2, 2025 |archive-date=6 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106074656/https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2005/MR1746.pdf |url-status=live }}

==Threatened invocations==

class=wikitable

|+ Article 5 threats

Party

! Date

! Reason

{{flag|Turkey}}

| June 2012

| {{main|2012 Turkish F-4 Phantom shootdown}}

The downing of an "unarmed" Turkish military jet which was "13 sea miles" from Syria over "international waters" on a "solo mission to test domestic radar systems".[http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-says-jet-shot-down-in-international-airspace_284462.html todayszaman.com: "Turkey says jet shot down in international airspace "] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626194107/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-says-jet-shot-down-in-international-airspace_284462.html |date=26 June 2015 }}, 24 June 2012[http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-not-to-invoke-art-5-nato-war-in-syria-as-unlikely-as-ever_284616.html todayszaman.com: "Turkey not to invoke Art. 5, NATO war in Syria as unlikely as ever"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627050427/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-not-to-invoke-art-5-nato-war-in-syria-as-unlikely-as-ever_284616.html |date=27 June 2015 }}, 25 June 2015 On 25 June, the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister said that he intended to raise Article 5.{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-syrias-jet-downing-an-attack-on-the-whole-of-nato_284651.html|title=Turkey: Syria's jet downing an attack on the whole of NATO|work=TodaysZaman|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626222519/http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-syrias-jet-downing-an-attack-on-the-whole-of-nato_284651.html|archive-date=26 June 2015}}

{{flag|Turkey}}

| August 2012

| {{main|Tomb of Suleyman Shah#Events during the Syrian Civil War}}

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that "The tomb of Suleyman Shah [in Syria] and the land surrounding it is our territory. We cannot ignore any unfavorable act against that monument, as it would be an attack on our territory, as well as an attack on NATO land... Everyone knows his duty, and will continue to do what is necessary".[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ankara-warns-against-attack-on-tomb.aspx?pageID=238&nID=27233&NewsCatID=338 Ankara warns against attack on tomb] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019190548/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ankara-warns-against-attack-on-tomb.aspx?pageID=238&nID=27233&NewsCatID=338 |date=19 October 2017 }}, Hürriyet Daily News, 7 August 2012.

{{flag|United Kingdom}}
{{flag|United States}}

| August 2022

| {{main|Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant crisis}}

Chair of the Defence Select Committee of the United Kingdom Tobias Ellwood said that any deliberate attack against the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine that could cause radiation leaks would be a breach of Article 5. This statement was released over fears that a nuclear catastrophe could occur in the Russian-occupied plant during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The next day, American congressman Adam Kinzinger said that any radiation leak into NATO countries would kill people, which would be an automatic activation of Article 5.{{cite news|url=https://charter97.org/en/news/2022/8/20/512116/|title=UK, US Set Ultimatum Against Russia Due To Provocations At Zaporizhzhia NPP|publisher=Charter 97|date=20 August 2022|access-date=20 August 2022|archive-date=1 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901134421/https://charter97.org/en/news/2022/8/20/512116/|url-status=live}}

{{flag|Albania}}

| October 2022

| {{main|Albania–Iran relations#Cyberattack and severed ties}}

Albanian prime minister Edi Rama revealed that his government had considered invoking Article 5 in response to a major cyberattack on 15 July 2022 targeting critical and government infrastructure, widely believed to have been carried out on behalf of Iran by state–affiliated cybercriminals.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Maggie |date=5 October 2022 |title=Albania weighed invoking NATO's Article 5 over Iranian cyberattack |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/05/why-albania-chose-not-to-pull-the-nato-trigger-after-cyberattack-00060347 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005221317/https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/05/why-albania-chose-not-to-pull-the-nato-trigger-after-cyberattack-00060347 |archive-date=5 October 2022 |access-date=5 October 2022 |website=Politico}}{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Adrienne |date=7 September 2022 |title=Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Iran's Cyberattack against Albania |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/09/07/statement-by-nsc-spokesperson-adrienne-watson-on-irans-cyberattack-against-albania/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907114622/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/09/07/statement-by-nsc-spokesperson-adrienne-watson-on-irans-cyberattack-against-albania/ |archive-date=7 September 2022 |access-date=5 October 2022 |url-status=live |website=The White House}}

=Article 6=

File:NATO members (blue).svg

Article 6 states that Article 5 covers only member states' territories in Europe, North America, Turkey, and islands in the Atlantic north of the Tropic of Cancer.

A clarification regarding the territories to which Article 5 applies was issued by Article 2 of the Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the accession of Greece and Turkey signed on 22 October 1951.{{cite news |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_17245.htm |title=Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the Accession of Greece and Turkey |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718121435/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_17245.htm |url-status=live }} Subsequent expansions, such as to West Germany in 1955, were treated in the same way.Antoaneta Boeva & Ivan Novotny, [https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr/vol34/iss0/8 Scope and Historical Developments of Article 6, 34 Emory Int'l L. Rev. 121 (2019)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209012539/https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr/vol34/iss0/8/ |date=9 February 2024 }}

In 1954, following India's annexation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the Portuguese government was precluded from invoking Article 5 due to Article 6, but it was understood at the time that Article 4 could be invoked.{{cite news |last1=Adams Schmidt |first1=Dana |title=NATO Gives India View on Colonies – Says Lisbon Has Right to Ask Powers to Consult but Not to Act on Threat to Goa |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/09/03/archives/nato-gives-india-view-on-colonies-says-lisbon-has-right-to-ask.html |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=The New York Times|date=3 September 1954 }}

It was the opinion in August 1965 of the US State Department, the US Defense Department, and the legal division of NATO that an attack on the North Pacific U.S. island state of Hawaii would not trigger the treaty, but an attack on the other 49 would.{{cite news | url=https://chicagotribune.newspapers.com/clip/27036544/hawaii_lacks_nato_coverage_if_attacked/ | title=Hawaii Lacks NATO Coverage if Attacked | newspaper=Chicago Tribune | date=1965-08-08 | agency=UPI | access-date=2019-01-09 | author=Hall, John | page=4 | via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} | archive-date=10 January 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110074034/https://chicagotribune.newspapers.com/clip/27036544/hawaii_lacks_nato_coverage_if_attacked/ | url-status=live }} The Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific are not treated in the same manner by NATO as Hawaii is, since they are politically part of Alaska rather than their own state like Hawaii.Security Order and Strategic Alignment in Europe and the Asia-Pacific: Times of Global Power Shifts. (2025). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. The Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla on the North African shore are not under NATO protection in spite of Moroccan claims to them. Legal experts have interpreted that other articles could cover the Spanish North African cities but this take has not been tested in practice.{{cite web |title=¿Están Ceuta y Melilla bajo el paraguas de la OTAN? |url=https://www.newtral.es/ceuta-melilla-otan-expertos/20211002/ |website=Newtral |access-date=25 February 2022 |language=es |date=2 October 2021 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225093228/https://www.newtral.es/ceuta-melilla-otan-expertos/20211002/ |url-status=live }} This is also why events such as the Balyun airstrikes did not trigger Article 5, as the Turkish troops that were attacked were in Syria, not Turkey.{{cite web|url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/turkeys-troubles-idlib-does-article-5-north-atlantic-treaty-hold-answer|title=Turkey's Troubles in Idlib: Does Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Hold the Answer?|date=2020-03-20|access-date=2022-03-01|archive-date=13 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113122729/https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/turkeys-troubles-idlib-does-article-5-north-atlantic-treaty-hold-answer|url-status=live}} As well as why the 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina did not trigger Article 5, as the Falkland Islands are in the South Atlantic, south of the Tropic of Cancer, and not within the geographic area covered by Article 6.

On 16 April 2003, NATO agreed to take command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, which includes troops from 42 countries. The decision came at the request of Germany and the Netherlands, the two states leading ISAF at the time of the agreement, and all nineteen NATO ambassadors approved it unanimously. The handover of control to NATO took place on 11 August, and marked the first time in NATO's history that it took charge of a mission outside of the area delineated by Article 6.David P. Auerswald, and Stephen M. Saideman, eds. NATO in Afghanistan: Fighting Together, Fighting Alone (Princeton U.P., 2014)

=Article 7=

Article 7 states that the North Atlantic Treaty shall not be interpreted as affecting in any way the rights and obligations of member countries under the charter of the United Nations, or the primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.

=Article 8=

Article 8 is one of the more rarely referenced provisions of the North Atlantic Treaty. It regulates the relationship between the obligations of the NATO members under the treaty and other obligations of the allied nations (among themselves or with third parties). According to Article 8, members should not have any international commitments in conflict with the treaty, and undertake not to enter into any international "engagement" in conflict with the treaty.{{cite journal|first1=Károly|last1=Végh|title=The North Atlantic Treaty and It's Relationship to Other "Engagements" of Its Parties – A Commentary on Article 8|journal=Emory International Law Review|volume=34|date=2019|url=https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr/vol34/iss0/9|archive-date=20 May 2024|access-date=11 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520034828/https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr/vol34/iss0/9/|url-status=live}} The following is a list of such active, intra-NATO military treaties.

class=wikitable

|+ Intra-NATO Military Treaties

Since

! Members

! Name

1373

| {{flag|Portugal}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}

| Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1373

1940

| {{flag|Canada}}
{{flag|United States}}

| Ogdensburg Agreement

1958

| {{flag|United Kingdom}}
{{flag|United States}}

| US–UK Mutual Defence Agreement

1972

| {{flag|Netherlands}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}

| United Kingdom/Netherlands Amphibious Force (UK/NL AF){{Cite web |title=United Kingdom/Netherlands Amphibious Force |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/internationale-samenwerking/maritiem-en-amfibisch/brits-nederlandse-samenwerking-mariniers|access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Defensie.nl |language=nl}}

2010

| {{flag|France}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}

| Lancaster House Treaties

2019

| {{flag|Greece}}
{{flag|United States}}

|Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement{{cite web|title=US, Greece Sign Revised Defense Cooperation Agreement|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-10-05/us-greece-sign-revised-defense-cooperation-agreement|publisher=US News|access-date=3 November 2019|archive-date=15 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115132734/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-10-05/us-greece-sign-revised-defense-cooperation-agreement|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Greece, US hail strategic relationship after signing defence deal|url=http://www.thenewathenian.com/2019/11/greece-us-hail-strategic-relationship.html|publisher=The New Athenian|access-date=4 November 2019|archive-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106132346/http://www.thenewathenian.com/2019/11/greece-us-hail-strategic-relationship.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-says-renewed-defence-deal-with-us-protect-sovereignty-both-2021-10-14/|title=Blinken says renewed U.S.-Greece defense deal to advance stability in Eastern Mediterranean|date=14 October 2021|work=Reuters|last1=Pamuk|first1=Humeyra|access-date=6 January 2023|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209145122/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-says-renewed-defence-deal-with-us-protect-sovereignty-both-2021-10-14/|url-status=live}}

2020

| {{flag|France}}
{{flag|Germany}}

| Aachen Treaty

2021

| {{flag|France}}
{{flag|Greece}}

| Franco-Greek defence agreement

2022

| {{flag|Finland}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}

| UK-Finland Defence Agreement{{cite web |title=UNITED KINGDOM – FINLAND STATEMENT HELSINKI, 11 MAY 2022 |date=11 May 2022 |publisher=GOV.UK |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1074242/UNITED_KINGDOM_-_FINLAND_STATEMENT.pdf |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711081028/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1074242/UNITED_KINGDOM_-_FINLAND_STATEMENT.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/sweden-finland-sign-defense-treaty-with-the-u-k-ahead-of-joining-nato/ | title=Sweden, Finland Sign Defense Treaty with the U.K. Ahead of Joining NATO | website=National Review | date=11 May 2022 | access-date=13 August 2023 | archive-date=3 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603034856/https://www.nationalreview.com/news/sweden-finland-sign-defense-treaty-with-the-u-k-ahead-of-joining-nato/ | url-status=live }}

2022

|{{flag|Sweden}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}

|UK-Sweden Defence Agreement{{cite web |title=UK-Sweden Political Declaration of Solidarity |date=11 May 2022 |publisher=GOV.UK |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-sweden-statement-11-may-2022/united-kingdom-sweden-statement}}

2023

| {{flag|Greece}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}

| Anglo-Greek Defence Agreement{{cite web | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-greece-seek-strengthened-defence-partnership | title=UK and Greece seek strengthened Defence partnership | access-date=7 March 2023 | archive-date=7 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307142009/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-greece-seek-strengthened-defence-partnership | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/02/08/uk-greece-seek-strengthened-defence-partnership/ | title=UK, Greece Seek Strengthened Defence Partnership | date=8 February 2023 | access-date=7 March 2023 | archive-date=7 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307142008/https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/02/08/uk-greece-seek-strengthened-defence-partnership/ | url-status=live }}

2023

| {{flag|Sweden}}
{{flag|United States}}

| Sweden–United States Defense Cooperation Agreement{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=NATO member-to-be Sweden and the US sign defense deal - ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nato-member-sweden-us-sign-defense-deal-strengthens-105413931 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207051019/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nato-member-sweden-us-sign-defense-deal-strengthens-105413931 |archive-date=2023-12-07 |access-date= |website=ABC News}}

2023

| {{flag|Finland}}
{{flag|United States}}

| Finland–United States Defense Cooperation Agreement{{cite web | url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-the-defense-cooperation-agreement-signing-ceremony/ | title=Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Defense Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony | access-date=31 August 2024 | archive-date=9 August 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809192850/https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-the-defense-cooperation-agreement-signing-ceremony/ | url-status=live }}

2023

| {{flag|Denmark}}
{{flag|United States}}

| Denmark–United States Defense Cooperation Agreement{{Cite web |title=Denmark, U.S. reach defence agreement |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/denmark-us-reach-defence-agreement-2023-12-19/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219122157/https://www.reuters.com/world/denmark-us-reach-defence-agreement-2023-12-19/ |url-status=live }}

2024

| {{flag|Germany}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}

| Joint Declaration on Enhanced Defence Cooperation between Germany and the United Kingdom{{Cite web |title=Joint Declaration on Enhanced Defence Cooperation between Germany and the United Kingdom |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-declaration-on-enhanced-defence-cooperation-between-germany-and-the-united-kingdom |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=GOV.UK |language=en |archive-date=29 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729105651/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-declaration-on-enhanced-defence-cooperation-between-germany-and-the-united-kingdom |url-status=live }}

=Article 9=

{{Main|North Atlantic Council}}

Establishes the North Atlantic Council, and is the only NATO body that derives its authority directly from the treaty. Its primary objectives as stated in the treaty is the enforcement of Article 3 and Article 5.

=Article 10=

{{Main|Enlargement of NATO#Article 10 and the Open Door Policy}}

Article 10 dictates the process by which other countries may join NATO, which is by unanimous agreement by current NATO members. Further, new NATO members can only consist of other European nations. In practice, this has turned into a set of action plans which an aspiring nation must follow in order to become a member, including the Membership Action Plan (MAP) mechanism{{cite press release |url=http://www.nato.int/docu/pr/1999/p99-066e.htm |title=Membership Action Plan (MAP) |id=NAC-S(99)66 |work=NATO |date=24 April 1999 |access-date=5 February 2015 |archive-date=3 March 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303231434/http://www.nato.int/docu/pr/1999/p99-066e.htm |url-status=live }} and Intensified Dialogue formula.{{Cite web |title=NATO Press Release M-NAC-2 (97)155 |url=https://www.nato.int/docu/pr/1997/p97-155e.htm |access-date=27 September 2020 |website=www.nato.int |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807174538/https://www.nato.int/docu/pr/1997/p97-155e.htm |url-status=live }}

=Article 11=

Article 11 indicated the process of the initial ratification of the treaty. Each signatory nation was required to ratify the treaty through their respective constitutional processes. In order to come into force, the treaty had to be ratified by Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

=Article 12=

Article 12 states the process by which the treaty may be amended, provided such amendments still affect the North Atlantic area and do not violate the Charter of the United Nations. In practice, this has only been used to clearly delineate which territories are under the purview of NATO.

=Article 13=

{{Main|Withdrawal from NATO}}

Article 13 delimits the process by which a member leaves NATO, which simply consists of a one-year notice by the member nation to the U.S. government in its role as the treaty depositary, which then promulgates the notice to the other member nations. This has been contemplated by a number of member nations, but so far has not happened aside from withdrawals due to independence of former territories or dependencies (namely, Algeria, Malta, and Cyprus).

Otherwise, the next closest option for a member nation is to instead withdraw from NATO's military command structure, but not from NATO entirely. This happened with France in 1966, which rejoined in 2009; and with Greece in 1974, which rejoined in 1980 after the new Turkish military government ended its objections to Greek re-entry.

=Article 14=

Article 14 notes the official languages of NATO as English and French, and that the United States government shall promulgate copies of the treaty to the other member nations.

=Changes since signing=

Three official footnotes have been released to reflect the changes made since the treaty was written:{{Citation|title=The North Atlantic Treaty|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-ECAE8DB0-F591EC88/natolive/official_texts_17120.htm|date=1963-01-16|orig-date=1949-04-04|publication-place=Washington D.C.|access-date=10 March 2022|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412045311/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-ECAE8DB0-F591EC88/natolive/official_texts_17120.htm|url-status=live}}

Regarding Article 6:

  • The definition of the territories to which Article 5 applies was revised by Article 2 of the Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the accession of Greece and Turkey signed on 22 October 1951.

Regarding Article 6:

  • On 16 January 1963, the North Atlantic Council noted that insofar as the former Algerian Departments of France were concerned, the relevant clauses of this Treaty had become inapplicable as from 3 July 1962.

Regarding Article 11:

  • The Treaty came into force on 24 August 1949, after the deposition of the ratifications of all signatory states.

Potential military conflict between NATO members

Full-scale war between two or more NATO members has never occurred, and is not allowed by Article 1. Should conflict occur, there is not a well-established procedure as to what would happen. One argument is that by Article 8, the two members fall under abeyance of the Treaty;{{cite journal |title=NATO Allies on the Brink of War: The Cause for Implementing a Dispute Resolution Mechanism Within The North Atlantic Treaty. |journal=Brooklyn Journal of International Law |url=https://brooklynworks.brooklaw.edu/bjil/vol49/iss2/8/ |year=2024 |last=Solomotis |first=Samantha |volume=49 |issue=2 |pages=617–651 |issn=0740-4824 |access-date=2025-01-26 |quote=Article 8 of the NAT provides that "[e]ach party...undertakes not to enter into any international engagement in conflict with this Treaty." By continuing to provoke each other and threaten war, one could argue that both Greece and Turkey have breached their obligations under the NAT and thus should face consequences |archive-date=6 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006101915/https://brooklynworks.brooklaw.edu/bjil/vol49/iss2/8/ |url-status=live }} or that due to Article 5, NATO allies would thus enter into war against the aggressor party.{{cite journal |title=What if NATO members go to war against each other? |journal=In Casu Magazine |date=February 2021 |last=Korucu |first=Soner |volume=28 |issue=3 |url=https://incasumagazine.nl/magazine/in-casu-magazine-nr-24/what-if-nato-members-go-to-war-against-each-other/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |quote=Since NATO is an intergovernmental organization the sovereignty lays by members, which gives them the choice in what way they want to help an attacked member based on the Article 5 NAT. |archive-date=26 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126214731/https://incasumagazine.nl/magazine/in-casu-magazine-nr-24/what-if-nato-members-go-to-war-against-each-other/ |url-status=live }}

There have been several militarised disputes between NATO allies that have threatened this:

class=wikitable

|+ NATO Militarised Interstate Conflicts

Date

! colspan=2 | Belligerents

! Conflict

1958 - 1961, 1972 - 73 and 1975 - 76

| {{flag|Belgium}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}
{{flag|West Germany}}

| {{flag|Iceland}}

| Cod Wars

1974 - Present

| {{flag|Greece}}

| {{flag|Turkey}}

| Turkish invasion of Cyprus

1994 - 1996

| {{flag|Canada}}

| {{flag|Spain}}

| Turbot War

1992 - Present

| {{flag|Greece}}

| {{flag|Turkey}}

| Aegean dispute

See also

Explanatory notes

{{Reflist|group=N}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

Further reading

  • Watry, David M. (2014). Diplomacy at the Brink: Eisenhower, Churchill, and Eden in the Cold War. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.

External links

{{wikisource}}

{{Commons category}}

  • [http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-ECAE8DB0-F591EC88/natolive/official_texts_17120.htm Official text]
  • {{cite web|url=http://nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_137721.htm|title=NATO Declassified – The Founding Treaty}}
  • North Atlantic Treaty [Signed Original Copy] at the National Archives and Records Administration

{{NATO Militarised Interstate Conflicts}}

{{North Atlantic Treaty Organization}}

{{Harry S. Truman}}

{{Authority control}}

*

Category:1949 in military history

Category:1949 in Washington, D.C.

Category:April 1949 in North America

Category:April 1949 in Europe

Category:Cold War treaties

Category:Political charters

Category:Treaties concluded in 1949

Category:Treaties entered into force in 1949

Category:Treaties establishing intergovernmental organizations

Category:Treaties of Albania

Category:Treaties of Belgium

Category:Treaties of Bulgaria

Category:Treaties of Canada

Category:Treaties of Croatia

Category:Treaties of Denmark

Category:Treaties of Estonia

Category:Treaties of Finland

Category:Treaties of Hungary

Category:Treaties of Iceland

Category:Treaties of Italy

Category:Treaties of Latvia

Category:Treaties of Lithuania

Category:Treaties of Luxembourg

Category:Treaties of Montenegro

Category:Treaties of North Macedonia

Category:Treaties of Norway

Category:Treaties of Poland

Category:Treaties of Romania

Category:Treaties of Slovakia

Category:Treaties of Slovenia

Category:Treaties of Spain

Category:Treaties of Sweden

Category:Treaties of the Czech Republic

Category:Treaties of the Estado Novo (Portugal)

Category:Treaties of the French Fourth Republic

Category:Treaties of the Kingdom of Greece

Category:Treaties of the Netherlands

Category:Treaties of the United Kingdom

Category:Treaties of the United States

Category:Treaties of Turkey

Category:Treaties of West Germany