They are sufficiently general to withstand the test of time and are translated into more detail in the Organization’s strategic concepts. NATO’s fundamental security tasks are laid down in the North Atlantic Treaty (the Alliance’s founding treaty, also known as the Washington Treaty). All NATO decisions are made by consensus, meaning that all NATO member countries have reached agreement after discussion and consultation. Making collective decisions through consultation and consensusĪs an intergovernmental organisation, NATO provides a forum where members can consult on any issue and take decisions on political and military matters affecting their security. Essentially, NATO not only helps to defend the territory of its members, but also engages – where possible and when necessary – to project its values further afield, prevent and manage crises, stabilise post-conflict situations and support reconstruction. Since the outbreak of crises and conflicts beyond Allied borders can jeopardise this core objective, the Alliance also contributes to peace and stability through crisis prevention and management, and through partnerships with other organisations and countries across the globe. The resulting sense of shared security among NATO members contributes to stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.Įnsuring stability at home by engaging outside of NATO This means that no single member country is forced to rely solely on its national capabilities to meet its essential national security objectives. The principle of collective defence – meaning that an attack against one Ally is considered as an attack against all Allies – is at the heart of NATO. These shared values unite a diverse group of Allies on both sides of the Atlantic, and NATO embodies the transatlantic bond between them, whereby the security of Allies in Europe and North America is inextricably linked. NATO strives to secure a lasting peace in Europe, based on its member countries’ common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. NATO’s goal: peace and security in Europe and North America
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