Which countries can join NATO and what is the accession process like? – Clear network

Next Monday, the parliaments of Finland and Sweden will begin relevant parliamentary debates to vote on the accession of both Scandinavian countries to NATO. Atlantic Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assured Sunday that the organization’s members are ready to facilitate the rapid accession process. These are the keys to understanding how this procedure works:

Can any country join NATO?

At first it doesn’t look like Eurovision, where even Australia participates. NATO is only open to European countries. Article 10 of the Treaty establishing the Alliance provides that Allies may invite “any European state” that has, among other things, the ability to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic.

More information about how many extensions there were?

Since its foundation in 1949, with 12 members, 18 countries have participated in the eight rounds of enlargement to all of Eastern Europe, with the exception of the unification of Spain in 1982.

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Sign up What does Finland or Sweden have to do to become a member?

First, Helsinki or Stockholm must reaffirm their interest in it, as their leaders have done this weekend, and it must now be ratified by the respective parliaments, who will begin debating the approval on Monday. Then invite Allies to begin accession negotiations, a courtesy to be conducted in this case at NATO’s Madrid summit in June.

Is admission automatic upon receipt of the invitation?

Not. Both countries will begin accession negotiations at NATO headquarters in Brussels. These contacts capture everything from the candidate’s defense capabilities to legal issues. And if reforms are needed, they should present a timetable for their implementation.

Are minimum defense costs required?

This is not anticipated, although Allies are required to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP from 2014 onwards. Sweden, which stands at 1.13%, recently said it would hit 2%. Finland plans to add €700 million to this year’s budget by 1.44%, up from €2,200 million in 2023-2026.

Are there no political and economic criteria?

They are not included in the treaty, but after the end of the Cold War, candidates must have a democratic system, a market economy, and show respect for minorities.

How long can negotiations take?

There are no fixed deadlines. Former Soviet bloc countries, such as Poland or Hungary, have taken two years since they were invited to Madrid in 1997. The stability and credibility of their political systems and the close military cooperation with NATO over the years. Secretary-General Stoltenberg has already said that in the case of Finland, it would be a “quid and quick” negotiation, a speed that will no doubt extend to Sweden if it also confirms its interest in what the Swedish Social Democratic Party, which rules is to do. to do. minority country.

How is membership approved?

In the Atlantic Council, where 30 allied governments sit, there is no vote, decisions are adopted by consensus, ie unanimously in practice. 30 Allies must agree to candidacy and membership.

How are you logging in?

When the negotiations are concluded, NATO will prepare a protocol for accession to the Washington Treaty (root text). The 30 Allies must sign and ratify the text, each in accordance with their national procedures, and notify the US government, the depositary of the Treaty. Upon completion of this step, the Secretary General of NATO will invite candidates to participate. And accession is complete when candidate countries also complete the ratification of the agreement according to their own procedures.

Can ratification be complicated?

That’s not out of the question, but in an emergency situation like the current one, the war on the alliance’s doorstep seems to be moving quickly. Parliamentary ratification is required in most countries, although it is not required in some, such as the UK. The United States Senate needs a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

What if Finland or Sweden undergo an armed attack before access is completed?

Theoretically, they should protect themselves, as Article 5 of the treaty, which requires mutual protection between allies, has not yet been used. But Stoltenberg has repeatedly assured that, if necessary, a formula will be sought that will in fact be from the moment the accession process begins, one for all, all for one. “I am confident that we will find a way to allay any concerns about the period between possible application and final ratification,” the NATO Secretary General said last April. Stoltenberg reiterated on Sunday that the alliance was ready to provide “security guarantees” to the two Scandinavian countries in the accession process.

Who were the last allies to come in?

Montenegro in 2017 and North Macedonia in 2020.

Is the candidate waiting?

At the 2008 Bucharest Summit, it was agreed that Ukraine and Georgia would one day become NATO members, but without further specifying the offer and opening negotiations. The decision was supported by then-US President George W. Bush, despite reservations from Germany and France, who feared it would infuriate Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin precisely cited the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO as one of the reasons for launching an attack on the country, which the Kremlin calls a preemptive military operation.

Do you have a real chance of entering Ukraine?

After the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, the Ukrainian government itself, led by Volodymyr Zelensky, refused to join NATO. “We’ve been hearing about the so-called open door for years, but we’ve already realized that we’re not allowed in. That’s right, and we have to admit it,” he said in March.

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