Understanding Processes for NATO Membership

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an alliance established in 1949 that encompasses both political and military dimensions. The organisation in question is an intergovernmental entity that comprises 30 member nations hailing from North America and Europe. Its primary objective is to foster collective security and promote cooperation in the realm of defence. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a geopolitical alliance that originated in the post-World War II era in response to the perceived menace presented by the Soviet Union and the proliferation of communism. The principal aim of the organisation is to safeguard the joint defence and security of its constituent nations by upholding the tenets established in the North Atlantic Treaty.

NATO is frequently emphasised by academics for its salient attributes, such as the implementation of Article 5, a pledge of collective defence, periodic discussions among constituent nations, the establishment of shared defence strategies, and the facilitation of a platform for political discourse and collaboration. The decision-making process of NATO is predicated upon achieving consensus among its members, which is indicative of its dedication to democratic values and participatory decision-making. Academic discourse also highlights the dynamic and changing character of NATO's functions and objectives. NATO, originally established to promote collective defence and prevent Soviet aggression during the Cold War, has undergone adaptations to align with the evolving security landscape. Presently, the subject matter pertains to a diverse array of security predicaments, encompassing acts of terrorism, cyber hazards, and the dissemination of weapons of mass destruction. Apart from its military operations, NATO participates in diverse collaborations with non-member nations, global institutions, and other security actors in the region. The aforementioned alliances facilitate the development of skills, collaboration, and communication, thereby fostering stability and security in regions beyond the confines of the alliance.

Finland and Sweden Applied for NATO Membership

In 2022, Finland and Sweden submitted formal applications to become members of NATO, the largest military alliance globally. This decision was motivated by security apprehensions stemming from Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

For several decades, the two nations maintained the perspective that maintaining peace was most effectively achieved by refraining from publicly aligning with any particular faction. During the Cold War, Sweden and Finland maintained a policy of neutrality. However, in light of Russia's February 24 invasion, the decision of these nations to join NATO marks a significant shift in Europe's security architecture. This change reflects a broader transformation in public opinion within the Nordic region.

 It is anticipated that the accession procedure will be considerably briefer than prior endeavours to join the alliance, which was established in 1949. Although a definitive timeline is not established, the stages involved in the membership procedure of NATO that are relevant encompass:

Membership Request

According to NATO officials and diplomats, it would be preferable for both nations to submit their requests jointly, most likely in the form of letters directed to NATO headquarters. This would streamline the bureaucratic process. After achieving consensus among member nations regarding a country's potential membership, the country in question is expected to commence accession negotiations with the alliance. 

Membership Action Plan (MAP)

Subsequently, they could receive an invitation to participate in the Membership Action Plan (MAP). Attaining this phase does not guarantee membership. The aforementioned mechanism serves as a preparatory measure that offers customised guidance, aid, and tangible assistance to nations seeking membership. The aforementioned procedure would culminate in the establishment of an official schedule for the fulfilment of necessary modifications. The continuation of the phenomenon is plausible even subsequent to the integration of the applicant countries as members.

On a yearly basis, the alliance produces a report that offers an evaluation of the aspirant country's advancement in their annual national programmes, as well as pinpointing areas that require additional attention. As per the official website of NATO, the roster of concerns that have been recognised for deliberation does not serve as a standard for admission and is aimed at encompassing those concerns that the potential member nations have identified as subjects that they desire to tackle.

MAP Obligations

The MAP framework comprises five chapters that delineate pertinent issues and propose viable mechanisms for advancing the preparations towards the prospect of eventual membership. These topics encompass matters that are pertinent to the fields of politics and economics, defence and military affairs, resources, security, and legal considerations.

The political and economic concerns entail the need for candidates to exhibit their proficiency in resolving global conflicts through nonviolent approaches, adherence to legal principles and human rights, avoidance of coercion or aggression, promotion of harmonious and amicable international relations, collaboration for joint defence, and establishment of democratic and civilian oversight of military forces, among other obligations.

In addition to their military contributions towards collective defence and the alliance's recent missions, prospective nations are anticipated to enhance their military capacities and guarantee full engagement in NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme (PfP). Furthermore, it is anticipated that they would engage in the collaborative defence strategizing of the alliance, and NATO entities, and guarantee conformity and/or compatibility as appropriate.

The allocation of budgetary resources by applicant countries is deemed necessary to fulfil their membership commitments and contribute to NATO's common-funded activities at mutually agreed cost shares.

In accordance with the NATO security policy, invitees are required to implement sufficient safeguards and protocols to guarantee the security of confidential information.

The prospective nations must examine their domestic legislation to verify its compliance with the rules and regulations of NATO, as per legal considerations. It is advisable for domestic legislation to align with the agreements and provisions that regulate collaborative efforts across the NATO alliance. 

Established in 1949, the organisation was founded by 12 original members, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. At present, the organisation has expanded to include 30 members.

In 1999, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland were admitted as members. The Republic of North Macedonia became the most recent member of the alliance subsequent to its accession in March of 2020. In April 2010, Bosnia and Herzegovina received an invitation to initiate the Membership Action Plan (MAP). 

Expressed Intent

The commencement of the process involves the convening of NATO experts and delegates from the invited nations at the organisational headquarters situated in Brussels. The objective is to acquire official verification of the invitee's capacity and readiness to fulfil the political, legal, and military responsibilities and obligations associated with NATO membership. It is incumbent upon individuals to implement safeguards to ensure the protection of an organization's confidential data. Additionally, they must prepare their security and intelligence departments to collaborate with the NATO Office of Security. The subsequent stage of the procedure necessitates the nation seeking admission to NATO to furnish an official missive expressing their intention to join the organisation. This serves as a verification of the responsibilities and undertakings of the entity.

Amendments

Subsequently, the focus shifts towards the requisite modifications required to confer party status to the participants of the Washington Treaty, succeeded by the ratification of the legal protocols of the applicant nations to facilitate their membership.

Acceding to the Treaty

Subsequently, the Secretary-General would initiate communication with prospective entrants to formally join the North Atlantic Treaty. Upon notification of acceptance by NATO members to the United States government, which serves as the depository of the Washington Treaty, information is relayed regarding the applicant in question.

Membership Confirmed

Upon the submission of their instruments of accession to the U.S. State Department, the invitee is officially granted membership status within NATO.

Conclusion

The ratification of membership approval by national governments necessitates the endorsement of all allied parliaments. The duration of this process may vary from four months to one year, contingent upon factors such as electoral procedures, administrative impediments, and seasonal parliamentary breaks. Upon the completion of the ratification process by all allies, it is necessary for both Finland and Sweden to deposit their instrument of accession at the US Department of State, thereby culminating in the formalisation of their status as NATO allies.

References

1.       Dept. of Defense. (2022). Nations Undergo Rigorous Process to Join NATO. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3052427/nations-undergo-rigorous-process-to-join-nato/

2.     Dept. of State. (2022). Minimum Requirements for NATO Membership. 1997-2001.State.gov. https://1997-2001.state.gov/regions/eur/fs_members.html

3.      Euronews. (2023, April 4). Finland joins NATO in the alliance’s fastest-ever accession process. Euronews. https://www.euronews.com/2023/04/04/finland-joins-nato-in-the-alliances-fastest-ever-accession-process

4.     Ghosh, S. (2022, March 12). Explained | How does a nation secure NATO membership? The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/explained-how-does-a-nation-secure-nato-membership/article65209951.ece

5.     Haglund, D. G. (2019). NATO | Founders, Members, & History. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/North-Atlantic-Treaty-Organization

6.     Kottasová, I. (2023, March 30). Turkey approves Finland’s NATO application, clearing the last hurdle. Sweden is still waiting. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/europe/turkey-vote-finland-nato-membership-intl/index.html

7.     Masters, J. (2022, June 29). How NATO Will Change If Finland and Sweden Become Members. Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-nato-will-change-if-finland-and-sweden-become-members

8.     National Archives. (2022). Membership Action Plan. Clintonwhitehouse5.Archives.gov. https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/WH/new/NATO/fact5.html

9.     NATO. (2020, May 5). Enlargement. NATO. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49212.htm

10.  NATO. (2021). NATO PA. NATO PA. https://www.nato-pa.int/content/finland-sweden-accession

11.    NATO. (2023). What is NATO? NATO. https://www.nato.int/nato-welcome/index.html

12.   Reuters. (2022, May 12). Finland, Sweden have applied for Nato membership. What happens next? The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/world/finland-sweden-nato-membership-process-step-by-step-7913139/

13.   Reuters. (2023, March 31). Finland and Sweden’s path to NATO membership explained. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/steps-finnish-swedish-path-nato-membership-2023-03-30/

14.  UK Parliament. (2017, December 17). Research Briefings. House of Commons Library. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/

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(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)