NATO’s 1999 Strategic Concept identified terrorism as a threat to the Alliance’s security. The events of September 11 saw NATO become actively engaged in the fight against terrorism. Allies invoked Article 5 of the Washington Treaty for the first time in NATO’s history leading to the creation of Operation Active Endeavour a maritime counter terrorism operation in the Mediterranean.

The Istanbul Summit in 2004 saw a package of 12 measures endorsed by Allied leaders which were designed to support wider international efforts in the fight against terrorism.  The measures include:

• continued robust effort through operations in Afghanistan and the Balkans, to help create conditions in which terrorism cannot flourish;
• improved intelligence sharing;
• increased counter-terrorism co-operation through NATO's Partnerships;
  enhanced capabilities to defend against terrorism; and
• an enhanced contribution to the existing maritime counter-terrorism work of Operation Active Endeavour;

Subsequent summits have seen Allies reaffirm their commitment to fight against terrorism in accordance with international law and UN principles.

The UK Counter Terrorism Strategy provides further information on UK policy.

More information is also available on the NATO website.