History of NATO in Timeline
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance of 32 North American and European countries. It was formed in 1949, after World War II, to provide collective security against threats, initially from the Soviet Union. NATO's purpose is to deter and defend against attacks by third parties. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has been involved in various military operations globally, including in the Balkans, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. NATO's motto is "animus in consulendo liber," reflecting its commitment to consultation and unity.
March 1947: Signing of the Treaty of Dunkirk
In March 1947, France and the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Dunkirk, a precursor to NATO, as a response to the emerging Cold War and potential threats from Germany or the Soviet Union.
February 1948: Coup d'état in Czechoslovakia
The February 1948 coup d'état in Czechoslovakia, perceived as communist aggression, fueled concerns in the United States and promoted international solidarity against such actions, ultimately contributing to the formation of NATO.
March 1948: Expansion of the Treaty of Dunkirk into the Treaty of Brussels
In March 1948, the Treaty of Dunkirk was expanded to include the Benelux countries, forming the Brussels Treaty Organization (Western Union). This expansion solidified a Western European alliance against potential threats.
April 1949: Signing of the North Atlantic Treaty
The North Atlantic Treaty, the foundation of NATO, was signed on April 1949, solidifying the alliance between Western Europe and North America in response to Cold War tensions.
April 1949: Signing of the North Atlantic Treaty
In April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in Washington D.C., marking the official establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This event was a pivotal moment in the geopolitical landscape of the post-World War II era.
April 1949: Establishment of NATO
On April 4, 1949, NATO was established with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, also known as the Washington Treaty, by 12 founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
1949: NATO's Original Membership
In 1949, NATO was founded with 12 original members, primarily located in Europe with two in North America. The security agreements covered their territories, including those on other continents, up to the Tropic of Cancer, defining NATO's area of responsibility as stipulated in Article 6 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
1951: Formation of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE)
The formation of SHAPE in 1951 marked a significant step towards an integrated military structure within NATO. It adopted existing military structures and plans from the Western Union.
1952: Establishment of the Secretary General of NATO and Accession of Greece and Turkey
1952 witnessed the establishment of the Secretary General of NATO as the organization's top civilian leader, signifying a move towards a structured and formalized leadership. The same year, Greece and Turkey also joined the alliance, extending NATO's reach in southeastern Europe.
1952: Greece and Turkey Join NATO
In 1952, Greece and Turkey joined NATO, expanding the alliance's presence in the southeastern flank of Europe during the Cold War, a period marked by geopolitical tensions and ideological rivalry between the Western Bloc and the Soviet Union.
May 1955: West Germany Joins NATO
West Germany joined NATO in May 1955, a significant turning point in the Cold War that solidified the division of Europe and prompted the creation of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.
1955: West Germany Joins NATO
In 1955, West Germany joined NATO, a move that significantly altered the balance of power in Europe during the Cold War and led to the formation of the Warsaw Pact in response.
1961: Construction of the Berlin Wall
The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 marked a peak in Cold War tensions. During this time, the presence of 400,000 US troops in Europe highlighted the commitment to NATO's defense against potential Soviet aggression.
July 1962: French Algeria Excluded from NATO Security Agreements
On July 3, 1962, French Algeria gained independence, marking the end of its inclusion in NATO's security agreements, which had previously covered French territories.
1966: France Withdraws from NATO's Military Structure
In 1966, France withdrew from NATO's integrated military structure, driven by doubts about the alliance's effectiveness and a desire to maintain an independent nuclear deterrent.
1982: Spain Joins NATO
Spain joined the alliance in 1982 after transitioning to a democratic government, further expanding NATO's membership and consolidating the alliance's presence in southwestern Europe.
1982: Spain Joins NATO
Spain joined NATO in 1982, solidifying its place within the Western Bloc during the Cold War and expanding NATO's presence in southwestern Europe.
1982: Treaty of Lisbon Article 42(7)
In 1982, Article 42(7) of the Treaty of Lisbon stipulated that if a member state faced armed aggression on its territory, other member states were obligated to provide aid and assistance using all means at their disposal. This treaty had a global scope for designated territories, while NATO's Article 6 limited operations to areas north of the Tropic of Cancer.
1989: Revolutions of 1989 in Europe Lead to NATO's Strategic Re-evaluation
The Revolutions of 1989 across Eastern Europe prompted NATO to re-evaluate its purpose, nature, tasks, and focus on the European continent. The fall of communist regimes and the subsequent shift in the geopolitical landscape necessitated a reevaluation of the alliance's role in a new era.
October 1990: East Germany Becomes Part of the Federal Republic of Germany and Joins NATO
In October 1990, East Germany was reunified with West Germany and subsequently joined NATO, signifying the end of the Cold War division in Europe and expanding the alliance eastward.
November 1990: NATO Signs Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE)
NATO signed the CFE treaty with the Soviet Union in November 1990, mandating substantial military reductions across Europe. This marked a significant step towards de-escalating Cold War tensions and fostering a more stable European security environment.
1990: Operation Anchor Guard
In 1990, Operation Anchor Guard was launched by NATO in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Airborne early warning aircraft were deployed to provide coverage of southeastern Turkey.
1990: Reunification of Germany and NATO Expansion
In 1990, the reunification of Germany led to the inclusion of the former East Germany's territory into NATO, marking a significant step towards a post-Cold War Europe and expanding the alliance eastward.
1990: Commencement of Political Dialogue with Japan
In 1990, NATO initiated a political dialogue with Japan, marking a significant step in expanding its engagement beyond traditional partners.
February 1991: Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Pact, a military alliance of communist nations in Eastern Europe, was formally dissolved in February 1991, signifying the end of the Cold War's bipolar division of Europe and dissolving NATO's primary adversary.
1991: Operation Ace Guard
In 1991, as part of NATO's response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Operation Ace Guard was initiated. It involved the deployment of a quick-reaction force to southeastern Turkey, following the earlier deployment of airborne early warning aircraft in Operation Anchor Guard.
October 1992: UN Security Council Resolution 816
On October 9, 1992, the deteriorating situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stemming from the breakup of Yugoslavia, led to the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 816. This resolution authorized UN member states to enforce a no-fly zone over central Bosnia and Herzegovina under the United Nations Protection Force.
1992: NATO Conducts Its First Military Interventions in Bosnia
In 1992, marking a new era for the alliance, NATO conducted its first military interventions in Bosnia, signifying its expanding role in addressing international crises and humanitarian situations beyond the traditional scope of collective defense. These interventions lasted until 1995.
April 1993: Operation Deny Flight
NATO initiated Operation Deny Flight on April 12, 1993, to enforce the no-fly zone over central Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the authorization granted by UN Security Council Resolution 816.
June 1993: Operation Sharp Guard
Starting in June 1993, Operation Sharp Guard was launched by NATO as an extension of Operation Deny Flight. It focused on the maritime enforcement of the arms embargo and economic sanctions imposed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The operation continued until October 1996.
February 1994: NATO's First Wartime Action
On February 28, 1994, NATO took its first wartime action by shooting down four Bosnian Serb aircraft that violated the no-fly zone over central Bosnia and Herzegovina.
April 1994: Escalation in Bosnia: Air Strikes, Hostage-taking, and Downed Aircraft
In April 1994, the conflict in Bosnia escalated. On April 10-11, the United Nations Protection Force requested air strikes to protect the Goražde safe area. Two US F-16 jets, acting under NATO command, bombed a Bosnian Serb military command outpost near Goražde. In retaliation, Serbs took 150 U.N. personnel hostage on April 14. On April 16, a British Sea Harrier aircraft was shot down by Serb forces over Goražde.
1994: Launch of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Program
In 1994, NATO introduced the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, aiming to foster individual bilateral relationships between partner countries and NATO. Each participating country has the flexibility to determine the extent of its involvement.
1994: NATO Launches Partnership for Peace and Mediterranean Dialogue Initiative
In 1994, NATO launched the Partnership for Peace program and the Mediterranean Dialogue initiative, reflecting a commitment to fostering cooperation and dialogue with countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region. This signifies NATO's efforts to build relationships beyond its traditional membership.
1994: Establishment of the Mediterranean Dialogue
In 1994, NATO established the Mediterranean Dialogue as a framework for coordination with Israel and North African countries.
August 1995: Operation Deliberate Force
Following the Srebrenica genocide, NATO launched a two-week bombing campaign in August 1995 known as Operation Deliberate Force. This operation targeted the Army of the Republika Srpska.
November 1995: Dayton Agreement
In November 1995, the Dayton Agreement was reached, effectively bringing an end to the Yugoslav Wars. NATO air strikes played a significant role in creating the conditions for this agreement.
1995: NATO's Military Interventions in Bosnia Conclude
In 1995, NATO's military interventions in Bosnia came to a close, marking the conclusion of its first foray into addressing international crises and humanitarian situations beyond traditional collective defense mandates.
October 1996: End of Operation Sharp Guard
Operation Sharp Guard, which involved maritime enforcement of the arms embargo and sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, concluded in October 1996.
December 1996: Operation Joint Endeavor (IFOR)
As part of the Dayton Agreement, NATO initiated Operation Joint Endeavor in December 1996. This operation involved the deployment of a UN-mandated peacekeeping force, known as IFOR (Implementation Force). Around 60,000 NATO troops, along with forces from non-NATO countries, participated in this peacekeeping mission.
May 1997: Establishment of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)
On May 1997, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) was established to serve as a platform for regular coordination, consultation, and dialogue among its fifty participants.
1997: Establishment of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
In 1997, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) was established. The EAPC serves as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between NATO member states and partner countries, fostering a sense of shared security and promoting collaboration on various political and security issues.
September 1998: UN Security Council Resolution 1199
On September 23, 1998, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1199 demanding a ceasefire in Kosovo. This resolution aimed to stop Slobodan Milošević's Serbian-led crackdown on KLA separatists and Albanian civilians.
1998: Creation of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council
In 1998, NATO and Russia established the Permanent Joint Council (PJC), aiming to foster dialogue and cooperation between the former Cold War adversaries. The PJC represented a significant step towards building a more cooperative and stable relationship between NATO and Russia.
1998: Establishment of Guidelines for Cooperation with Non-NATO Members
In 1998, NATO established guidelines for cooperation with non-NATO members, reflecting its commitment to enhanced cooperation while avoiding formal institutionalization of relations.
March 1999: NATO Bombing Campaign in Kosovo (Operation Allied Force)
After negotiations led by US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke collapsed on March 23, 1999, NATO intervened to protect regional security in Kosovo. On March 24, 1999, NATO launched a 78-day bombing campaign, known as Operation Allied Force. This campaign targeted the military capabilities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Additionally, NATO deployed its international reaction force, the ACE Mobile Force (Land), to Albania. This force, designated as the Albania Force (AFOR), provided humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing Kosovo.
April 1999: NATO's Alliance Strategic Concept and Internal Debates
During the April 1999 Washington summit, NATO adopted the Alliance Strategic Concept. This concept emphasized conflict prevention and crisis management in recognition of the post-Cold War military environment. There were also internal debates within NATO regarding the need for UN Security Council approval for military strikes. The US and the UK opposed requiring UN approval, arguing that it would undermine NATO's authority, while France and other countries supported the need for UN authorization.
June 1999: End of the Kosovo War and Establishment of KFOR
On June 3, 1999, Slobodan Milošević agreed to the terms of an international peace plan, effectively ending the Kosovo War. On June 11, 1999, Milošević accepted UN resolution 1244, which provided the mandate for NATO to establish the KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo. With nearly a million refugees displaced from Kosovo, part of KFOR's mandate was to safeguard humanitarian missions and deter violence.
1999: NATO's Military Intervention in Yugoslavia
NATO conducted a military intervention in Yugoslavia in 1999, further solidifying its expanding role in international crisis management and demonstrating a willingness to engage in humanitarian interventions.
1999: Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic Join NATO; Membership Action Plans Introduced
In 1999, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic officially joined NATO, marking a major eastward expansion of the alliance. This expansion signified the growing influence of NATO in shaping the post-Cold War security architecture of Europe. Additionally, NATO issued new guidelines for membership with individualized "Membership Action Plans," establishing a structured process for future additions to the alliance.
1999: NATO Expansion and New Guidelines for Membership
At the 1999 Washington summit, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic officially joined NATO, extending the alliance further eastward. This summit also saw the issuance of new guidelines for membership with "Membership Action Plans" to guide future expansions.
2000: Adoption of the Term "Contact Countries"
Following extensive discussions, NATO members agreed to use the term "Contact Countries" in 2000 to designate a group of nations with whom they sought increased cooperation.
September 2001: Operation Essential Harvest
In August-September 2001, NATO carried out Operation Essential Harvest in the Republic of Macedonia. This mission aimed to disarm ethnic Albanian militias.
October 2001: NATO Invokes Article 5 for the First Time
Following the September 11 attacks in the United States, NATO invoked Article 5 of the NATO Charter for the first time in its history. Article 5 states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. The invocation was confirmed on October 4, 2001, when NATO determined that the attacks met the criteria outlined in the North Atlantic Treaty.
December 2002: Signing of the Berlin Plus Agreement
In December 2002, the European Union (EU) and NATO formalized a comprehensive set of agreements known as the Berlin Plus agreement. This landmark agreement granted the EU the option to utilize NATO assets for independent action in international crises, provided NATO itself opted not to intervene, a principle termed "right of first refusal".
2002: NATO-Ukraine Action Plan
In 2002, NATO and Ukraine initiated the NATO–Ukraine Action Plan, outlining areas of cooperation and reforms aimed at bringing Ukraine closer to NATO standards.
April 2003: NATO Takes Command of ISAF
In April 2003, NATO took command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, marking the first time in its history that it took charge of a mission outside the North Atlantic area.
October 2003: UN authorizes expansion of ISAF mission
In October 2003, the UN Security Council authorized the expansion of the ISAF mission throughout Afghanistan.
2003: Turkey Invokes Article 4 for the First Time
Turkey invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty for the first time in 2003 at the start of the Iraq War.
August 2004: NATO Forms Training Mission in Iraq
In August 2004, NATO formed the NATO Training Mission - Iraq (NTM-I) to assist Iraqi security forces alongside the US-led MNF-I.
December 2004: Transition to SFOR and EU Force Althea
In December 2004, Operation Joint Endeavor (IFOR) transitioned into the smaller Stabilization Force (SFOR). SFOR began with 32,000 troops and continued until December 2004, when operations were handed over to the European Union Force Althea.
2004: Launch of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative
The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative was introduced in 2004 to foster dialogue with Middle Eastern countries, mirroring the approach of the Mediterranean Dialogue.
2004: NATO's Largest Expansion
In 2004, NATO underwent its largest expansion, welcoming Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, consolidating the alliance's presence in Eastern Europe.
July 2006: ISAF Takes Over Military Operations in Southern Afghanistan
In July 2006, ISAF took over military operations in the south of Afghanistan from a US-led anti-terrorism coalition.
2006: Study on NATO Enlargement and Democratic Consolidation
A 2006 study published in the journal Security Studies argued that NATO enlargement contributed to democratic consolidation in Central and Eastern Europe, highlighting the potential positive impact of NATO membership on political development and stability in former communist countries.
2006: NATO Sets 2% of GDP Defense Spending Target
In 2006, NATO established the goal for each member state to allocate at least 2% of its gross domestic product to defense spending, aiming to enhance the alliance's collective defense capabilities and ensure a fair burden-sharing among members.
2007: Election of Nicolas Sarkozy and French Military Reform
The election of Nicolas Sarkozy as French president in 2007 led to a major reform of France's military position, ultimately culminating in its return to full NATO membership in 2009. Sarkozy's election signified a shift in French foreign policy and a reassessment of its role within NATO.
2008: Georgia Promised "Future Membership" in NATO
During the 2008 Bucharest summit, Georgia received a promise of "future membership" in NATO, a move that angered Russia and contributed to the escalation of tensions leading to the Russo-Georgian War later that year.
2008: UN Calls for Protection of Aid Ships in Somalia
In 2008, the UN Secretary-General called upon member states to protect ships involved in Operation Allied Provider, which distributed aid in Somalia as part of the World Food Programme.
April 2009: France Returns to Full NATO Membership
On April 4, 2009, France returned to full membership in NATO, including rejoining the NATO Military Command Structure, after a period of partial withdrawal. This move signaled a renewed commitment to the alliance while maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent.
August 2009: NATO Launches Operation Ocean Shield to Combat Piracy
Beginning on August 17, 2009, NATO deployed warships as part of Operation Ocean Shield to protect maritime traffic from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
2009: Albania and Croatia Join NATO
In 2009, Albania and Croatia joined NATO, expanding the alliance's presence in the Balkans and marking a further step in the integration of former communist countries into the Euro-Atlantic community.
2009: France Reintegrates into NATO Military Command
In 2009, under President Nicolas Sarkozy, France negotiated its return to NATO's integrated military command and the Defence Planning Committee, marking a significant shift in France's military strategy after years of pursuing independence from NATO under the policy of "Gaullo-Mitterrandism".
2010: Ukraine Reaffirms Non-Aligned Status
In 2010, under the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine reaffirmed its non-aligned status and renounced its aspirations of joining NATO, signaling a shift towards closer ties with Russia.
March 2011: NATO Enforces Arms Embargo Against Libya
On March 20, 2011, NATO states agreed to enforce an arms embargo against Libya with Operation Unified Protector, utilizing ships and submarines to monitor and interdict vessels suspected of carrying illegal arms or mercenaries.
March 2011: NATO Takes Control of No-Fly Zone over Libya
On March 24, 2011, NATO took control of the no-fly zone over Libya, while the coalition forces continued to command ground unit targeting. Officially enforcing the UN resolution began on March 27, 2011, with support from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
March 2011: UN Resolution 1973 Authorizes Military Action in Libya
On March 17, 2011, escalating violence in the Libyan Civil War led to the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, authorizing military action to protect civilians and calling for a ceasefire.
October 2011: NATO's Libya Mission Ends
NATO's mission in Libya ended in October 2011 after the death of Colonel Gaddafi. During the operation, NATO planes conducted approximately 9,500 strike sorties against pro-Gaddafi targets.
December 2011: NATO Training Mission in Iraq Concludes
On December 17, 2011, the NATO Training Mission in Iraq (NTM-I) officially concluded.
2011: France Deploys Mirage 2000 Fighter Jets to Kandahar
In 2011, France deployed a squadron of Mirage 2000 fighter/attack aircraft to Kandahar, Afghanistan to support the alliance's efforts.
April 2012: Turkey Considers Invoking Article 5
In April 2012, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan contemplated invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which calls for collective defense, due to concerns over Turkish national security amidst the Syrian Civil War.
May 2012: Human Rights Watch Report on Civilian Casualties in Libya
In May 2012, a Human Rights Watch report identified at least 72 civilian deaths during NATO's intervention in Libya.
June 2012: Syrian Shootdown of Turkish Jet
In June 2012, a Turkish military jet was shot down by Syria, leading to an Article 4 consultation, a mechanism for consultations within NATO when a member feels its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.
October 2012: Syrian Shelling of Turkish Cities
In October 2012, Syrian forces shelled Turkish cities, resulting in another Article 4 consultation within NATO, highlighting the spillover of the Syrian Civil War and its impact on NATO member Turkey.
2012: Expansion of Cooperation with "Global Partners"
By 2012, NATO broadened its engagement with a wider group of countries referred to as "global partners" or "partners across the globe". These partners engaged in discussions on various issues, including counter-piracy measures and technology exchange.
2012: NATO Endorses Plan to End Afghanistan War
During its 2012 Chicago Summit, NATO endorsed a plan to end the Afghanistan war and withdraw ISAF forces by the end of December 2014.
2012: Turkey Invokes Article 4 Twice During Syrian Civil War
Turkey invoked Article 4 twice in 2012 during the Syrian Civil War after an incident involving a Turkish F-4 reconnaissance jet and mortar fire from Syria.
October 2013: Libya Requests NATO Assistance After Coup Attempt
Following a coup d'état attempt in October 2013, Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan requested technical advice and trainers from NATO to address ongoing security concerns.
December 2014: ISAF Disestablished in Afghanistan
In December 2014, ISAF was disestablished in Afghanistan and replaced by the Resolute Support Mission.
December 2014: Ukraine Ends Non-Aligned Status
In December 2014, following Russia's occupation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, Ukraine's parliament voted to end the country's non-aligned status, signaling a shift towards seeking closer ties with the West.
2014: Russia's Annexation of Crimea and NATO Response
In 2014, Russia's annexation of Crimea was strongly condemned by all NATO members, leading to the invocation of Article 4 for the seventh time. This article calls for consultation among NATO members. At the 2014 Wales summit, NATO leaders made a formal commitment to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense by 2024.
2014: US States Georgia Not on Path to NATO Membership
In 2014, US President Barack Obama stated that Georgia was not "currently on a path" to NATO membership, reflecting a shift in US policy and acknowledging the challenges and complexities of Georgia's NATO aspirations.
2014: NATO Reaffirms 2% Defense Spending Target
In a 2014 declaration, NATO reaffirmed its commitment to the 2% of GDP defense spending target, urging member states not yet meeting the goal to strive towards achieving it within a decade, reflecting the ongoing need to bolster the alliance's military capabilities.
2015: Turkey Invokes Article 4 Due to Threats from ISIS
Turkey invoked Article 4 again in 2015 following threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) to its territorial integrity.
2015: NATO's European Members' Military Spending Declines by 28% Since 1990
By 2015, military spending by NATO's European members had declined by 28% since 1990, reflecting a shift in defense priorities following the Cold War and the implementation of the CFE treaty's arms reduction mandates.
2015: Turkey Calls for Emergency Meeting
In 2015, following the Suruç bombing, which Turkey attributed to ISIS, and other security issues along its southern border, Turkey called for an emergency meeting within NATO, underscoring the threat posed by ISIS and the need for collective security measures.
June 2016: Russian Public Opinion on NATO Expansion
A June 2016 Levada Center poll revealed that 68 percent of Russians perceived the deployment of NATO troops in the Baltic states and Poland, former Eastern bloc countries bordering Russia, as a threat to Russia, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about NATO's eastward expansion.
2016: Creation of NATO Enhanced Forward Presence
During the 2016 Warsaw Summit, NATO countries agreed to establish the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence, deploying four multinational battalion-sized battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
2017: Polish Perception of Russia as a Threat
In 2017, a Pew Research Center report highlighted that 65 percent of Poles surveyed identified Russia as a "major threat." This perception was significantly higher than the average of 31 percent across all NATO countries, underscoring the heightened security concerns in Eastern Europe following Russia's annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
2017: Montenegro Joins NATO
Montenegro joined NATO in 2017, strengthening the alliance's presence in the Balkans and marking a significant step towards Euro-Atlantic integration for the country.
January 2018: Joint Security Agreement between Qatar and NATO
In January 2018, Qatar and NATO solidified their commitment to cooperation by signing a joint security agreement.
June 2018: Qatar's Expression of Interest in NATO Membership
In June 2018, Qatar expressed its desire to join NATO, but the alliance declined the request, clarifying that Article 10 of NATO's founding treaty restricted membership to European countries.
2018: Polish Support for US Military Presence
A 2018 survey indicated that 67 percent of Poles favored the presence of US forces in Poland, demonstrating a strong desire for security guarantees and a visible deterrent against potential Russian aggression.
2019: Ukraine's Goal of NATO Membership Enshrined in Constitution
In 2019, Ukraine enshrined the goal of NATO membership in its Constitution, reflecting a significant policy shift following the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution and Russia's annexation of Crimea.
February 2020: Tensions Escalate in Northwestern Syria
February 2020 saw an escalation of tensions due to the Northwestern Syria offensive, which included Syrian and suspected Russian airstrikes on Turkish troops, prompting an Article 4 consultation and raising the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and a NATO member.
2020: North Macedonia Joins NATO
North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020, becoming the 30th member of the alliance and further consolidating NATO's presence in the Balkans.
April 2021: NATO Agrees to Withdraw Troops from Afghanistan
On April 14, 2021, NATO agreed to start withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan by May 1.
June 2021: NATO Reaffirms Ukraine's Potential Membership
During the June 2021 Brussels Summit, NATO leaders affirmed that Ukraine would eventually join the Alliance, supporting Ukraine's right to determine its own future without external interference, a move that further escalated tensions with Russia.
August 2021: Taliban Launches Offensive, Takes Control of Afghanistan
In August 2021, shortly after NATO's withdrawal began, the Taliban launched an offensive, rapidly capturing most of Afghanistan, including Kabul by August 15.
February 2022: Russia Invades Ukraine
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, following a massive military buildup on Ukraine's borders and a period of escalating tensions over NATO's potential eastward expansion.
March 2022: Extraordinary Summit in Brussels
In March 2022, NATO leaders held an extraordinary summit in Brussels, which included leaders from the Group of Seven and the European Union. The summit was called in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
June 2022: NATO Troop Deployment along Eastern Flank
By June 2022, NATO had stationed 40,000 troops along its 2,500-kilometer-long Eastern flank to deter Russian aggression. Over half of these troops were deployed to Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, countries that collectively possess a substantial combined ex-NATO force of 259,000 troops.
July 2022: Eleven NATO Members Expected to Meet 2% Defense Spending Target
In July 2022, NATO estimated that 11 member states would reach the target of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense by 2023, a goal set in 2006 and reaffirmed in a 2014 declaration with the aim of strengthening the alliance's collective defense capabilities.
September 2022: Ukraine Applies for NATO Membership
In September 2022, after Russia's declared annexation of southeastern Ukraine, Ukraine officially applied for NATO membership, seeking security guarantees and support from the alliance amidst the ongoing war.
2022: NATO's Combined Military Spending Reaches 55% of Global Total
In 2022, the combined military spending of all NATO member states constituted approximately 55% of the global nominal total, highlighting the organization's significant military capabilities and investment in defense.
April 2023: Finland Joins NATO
Driven by concerns stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland officially became a member of NATO on April 4, 2023, expanding the alliance's reach and highlighting the changing security dynamics in Europe.
2023: Continued KFOR Presence in Kosovo
As of 2023, approximately 4,500 soldiers from 27 countries continue to operate as part of the KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo.
2023: Eleven NATO Members Expected to Meet 2% Defense Spending Target
In July 2022, NATO estimated that 11 member states would reach the target of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense by 2023, a goal set in 2006 and reaffirmed in a 2014 declaration with the aim of strengthening the alliance's collective defense capabilities.
2023: US and Germany as Top Contributors to NATO Budget
In the 2023-2024 period, the United States and Germany emerged as the biggest contributors to NATO's common funds, each contributing 16.2% of the budget. These funds cover the civil and military budgets as well as the security investment program, essential for the alliance's operations and collective defense capabilities.
February 2024: Eighteen NATO Members Expected to Meet 2% Defense Spending Target
On February 14, 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that 18 member states were projected to meet the 2% of GDP defense spending target in 2024, a significant increase from previous years and a demonstration of the growing commitment to strengthening the alliance's defense capabilities amidst heightened security concerns.
March 2024: Sweden Joins NATO
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden officially joined NATO on March 7, 2024, further expanding the alliance and reinforcing the collective security response to Russia's actions.
March 2024: Sweden Joins NATO
Sweden officially joined NATO in March 2024, marking a significant expansion of the alliance and further extending its reach in Northern Europe.
2024: Target Date for Defense Spending Commitment
2024 was set as the target date for NATO members to achieve the commitment of spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense, a commitment formalized at the 2014 Wales Summit.
2024: US and Germany as Top Contributors to NATO Budget
In the 2023-2024 period, the United States and Germany emerged as the biggest contributors to NATO's common funds, each contributing 16.2% of the budget. These funds cover the civil and military budgets as well as the security investment program, essential for the alliance's operations and collective defense capabilities.
2024: NATO Members Agree to 2% GDP Defense Spending Target
NATO members agreed to a target defense spending of at least 2% of their individual GDP by 2024, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the alliance's collective defense capabilities and resource allocation.