ABOUT NATO

What does NATO stand for? North Atlantic Treaty Organisation What is NATO? It is an alliance of 28 countries from North America and Europe who share the principles outlined in the North Atlantic Treaty signed on 4 April 1949. The UK is a founder member. What is NATO’s role? The aim of NATO is to safeguard the security of its member states by political and military means. Is NATO still relevant now that the Cold War is over? Yes. NATO continues to be the cornerstone of transatlantic security. It has adapted to today’s changing security environment, undergoing a process of reform and playing an important role in crisis management, peacekeeping and the fight against terrorism. How much does NATO cost? NATO does not generate income of its own, but depends on contributions from member states, both in cash and in kind. The nations contribute collectively towards the capital costs and maintenance of the NATO HQ, the new HQ development, military HQs and operational deployments. The annual total is about €1.8 billion. Nations also contribute in kind, remaining individually responsible for the costs of any troops and other military capabilities they provide. What is the UK’s contribution? The UK contributed 150 million GBP to NATO’s common funded budgets in 2007.  We also contribute directly through operations and deployment of personnel. How do we ensure that our money is well spent? The UK is represented on all of NATO’s resource and budgetary committees which approve NATO’s expenditure. The UK constantly seeks opportunities to bring UK experience and best practice to the Alliance. How do we benefit from NATO? The UK benefits from the contribution NATO makes to international peace and security. NATO forms the foundation of the UK’s security and defence policy. It also provides a key forum for transatlantic dialogue and discussion with partners notably Russia and the EAPC network. What work or business opportunities are there for the UK? To find out more about working for NATO look at the NATO website at http://www.nato.int. There are lots of business opportunities through NATO building and maintaining NATO infrastructure and operations. The UK Delegation proactively works with British industry to help them secure contracts and other business opportunities within the NATO environment. More details are available in our business opportunities section.  How many UK forces are deployed with NATO? Nearly all UK forces are able to be deployed through NATO.  We currently have 8,300 troops deployed in Afghanistan, and around 150 in Kosovo.  But these numbers fluctuate according to operational need, and as a result of troop rotations.  You can access updated information regarding operations in Afghanistan ( http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/epub/pdf/isaf_placemat.pdf ) and Kosovo  directly from NATO. Does NATO provide internships? Yes. Full details are available at http://www.nato.int/structur/interns/index.html How does NATO relate to the EU and the UN? They are separate organisations but co-operate on key international issues. The EU has a European Security and Defence Policy supportive of, and supported by, NATO. This strategic partnership has led to close co-operation in areas such as the Balkans. NATO and the EU are continuing to develop ways of working closely together.  NATO and the UN also collaborate on an increasingly wide range of business, including in the field. How can I find out more about NATO? You can look at the NATO web-site at http://www.nato.int