Counter-Terrorism

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.

More information is also available on the NATO website.

Updated:  Jul 2010