a functioning democratic political system based on a market economy.The Study also concluded that enlargement would strengthen the Alliance's ability to contribute to European and international security and strengthen and broaden the transatlantic partnership.Īccording to the Study, countries seeking NATO membership would have to be able to demonstrate that they have fulfilled certain requirements. It would increase transparency in defence planning and military budgets, thereby reinforcing confidence among states, and would reinforce the overall tendency toward closer integration and cooperation in Europe. It would do so, the Study further concluded, by encouraging and supporting democratic reforms, including the establishment of civilian and democratic control over military forces fostering patterns and habits of cooperation, consultation and consensus-building characteristic of relations among members of the Alliance and promoting good-neighbourly relations. It concluded that the end of the Cold War provided a unique opportunity to build improved security in the entire Euro-Atlantic area and that NATO enlargement would contribute to enhanced stability and security for all. In 1995, the Alliance published the results of a Study on NATO Enlargement that considered the merits of admitting new members and how they should be brought in. They are also expected to meet certain political, economic and military criteria, which are laid out in the 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement. Participation in the MAP does not guarantee membership.Ĭountries aspiring to join NATO have to demonstrate that they are in a position to further the principles of the 1949 Washington Treaty and contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Once Allies have ratified the Accession Protocol according to their national procedures, Sweden will be invited to accede to the Washington Treaty and officially become a NATO Ally as well.Ĭountries that have declared an interest in joining the Alliance are initially invited to engage in an intensified dialogue with NATO about their membership aspirations and related reforms.Īspirant countries may then be invited to participate in the MAP to prepare for potential membership and demonstrate their ability to meet the obligations and commitments of possible future membership. Finland is now a NATO Ally as of 4 April 2023. They completed accession talks on 4 July, and their Accession Protocols were signed by Allies on 5 July. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Finnish and Swedish ambassadors to NATO simultaneously conveyed the intent of their respective countries to join the Alliance by submitting official letters of application to NATO on 18 May.Bosnia and Herzegovina was invited to join the Membership Action Plan (MAP) in April 2010.At the 2008 Bucharest Summit, the Allies agreed that Georgia and Ukraine will become members of NATO in future.
It is aimed at promoting stability and cooperation, at building a Europe whole and free, united in peace, democracy and common values.
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