Joining NATO

Since NATO was created in 1949, members have increased from 12 to 30

1 Prerequisites Country must be European Follow democratic principles Contribute to security of area 2 Membership Action Plan: programme of advice and support. Participation does not guarantee membership 3 Accession talks

begin, country accepts rights and obligations of membership and presents timetable for the completion of reforms 4 NATO countries sign and ratify Accession Protocol 5 Invitee country adopts and deposits its own

bill of ratification to join NATO 6 Once passed, country formally becomes a NATO member