April 4, 1949: NATO is established with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty by twelve founding member countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
NATO is formed as a collective defense alliance, with the principle of “an armed attack against one or more shall be considered an attack against all.”
1952: Greece and Turkey join NATO, expanding the membership to fourteen countries.
1955: The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) becomes a member, despite initial opposition from the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies.
1990: After the reunification of Germany, the newly united Germany remains a member of NATO.
1991: The Warsaw Pact, the military alliance of the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc countries, is dissolved, leading to a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Europe.
1997: NATO adopts the Membership Action Plan (MAP) to assist aspiring member countries in meeting NATO’s standards and criteria.
1999: The NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) is deployed to maintain peace and stability in Kosovo following the conflict in the region.
2001: NATO invokes Article 5 for the first time in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, affirming that the attack is considered an attack on all NATO members.
NATO launches Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean Sea to combat terrorism and support maritime security.
2002: The NATO-Russia Council is established to promote cooperation and dialogue between NATO and Russia.
2003: NATO takes command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, marking the alliance’s first major operation outside of Europe.
2004: Seven countries join NATO: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, expanding the membership to twenty-six countries.
NATO assists in training and capacity-building of the Afghan National Security Forces in Afghanistan.
2008: NATO engages in a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, known as KFOR, to maintain security and stability in the region.
NATO conducts air surveillance and policing missions in the Baltic states as a response to Russia’s increased military activity in the region.
2011: NATO supports the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, authorizing the enforcement of a no-fly zone and protection of civilians in Libya during the conflict.
NATO plays a critical role in the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia, contributing to maritime security in the region.
2014: In response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, NATO increases its presence in Eastern Europe through enhanced forward presence and rotational deployments.
NATO launches the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, focusing on training, advising, and assisting Afghan security forces.
2016: Montenegro becomes the newest member of NATO, expanding the alliance to twenty-nine countries.
NATO reaffirms its commitment to defense spending and increases efforts to ensure member states meet the NATO defense spending target of 2% of GDP.
NATO conducts military exercises and joint training exercises to enhance interoperability and readiness among member countries.
NATO strengthens partnerships with non-member countries through the Partnership for Peace program and the Mediterranean Dialogue initiative.
2019: NATO celebrates its 70th anniversary, reflecting on its accomplishments and addressing the evolving security challenges of the 21st century.
NATO focuses on cyber defense, recognizing the importance of countering cyber threats and enhancing resilience against cyberattacks.
NATO adapts its military strategy and posture in response to emerging security challenges, including hybrid warfare and terrorism.
NATO provides support to countries in the Western Balkans, aiming to enhance stability and contribute to regional security.
NATO maintains an open-door policy, allowing countries that meet the criteria for membership to join the alliance.
NATO continues to serve as a cornerstone of transatlantic security and a forum for consultation and cooperation among member countries.
