NATO NAC/Mil Com/ OR Summit/Meeting General Assemb

NATO’s essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. POLITICAL - NATO promotes democratic values and encourages consultation and cooperation on defence and security issues to build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict. MILITARY - NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military capacity needed to undertake crisis-management operations. These are carried out under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty - NATO’s founding treaty - or under a UN mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organizations. NATO provides a unique opportunity for member countries to consult and take decisions on security issues at all levels and in a variety of fields. A “NATO decision” is the expression of the collective will of all 28 member countries since all decisions are taken by consensus.