NATO
North-Athlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is the largest international military-political organization in the world, founded on April 4th 1949 in Washington. NATO’s political dimension is reflected in promotion of democratic values, consultations and cooperation among member states in military and defense topics, towards establishment of trust and prevention of conflicts, while military component is based on commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes. If diplomatic efforts do not succeed, NATO has military power to undertake operations aimed at resolution of crisis situations.
Official relations between Montenegro and NATO started at the end of 2006, when official invitation to access the Partnership for Peace, program for bilateral cooperation among partner countries and NATO, has been sent to Montenegro. After negotiation process and period of ratification of Montenegro’s Accession Protocol by allies, Montenegro has become 29th NATO member state on June 5th 2017, after deposit of instrument for confirming the North-Athlantic treaty to the State Department.
In the period from accession until today, Montenegro remains devoted to the implementation of national policies’ priority within NATO and concrete contributions to the all key policies and areas of NATO’s activities.
Montenegro is present in one of four multi-national battalion under the NATO’s command in the East Wing of Alliance within NATO Enhanced Forward Presence, from December 2018. Another important segment of NATO activity represents also projecting of stability outside the Alliance’s borders where, among others, Montenegro actively contributes to the NATO missions and operations. Engagement within KFOR on Kosovo is also ongoing, while in September 2020 perennial contribution to the mission “Resolute Support” in Afghanistan has been completed. Besides that, means for contribution to the NATO trust funds are being continuously allocated, that represents concrete input to the practical dimension of partnership relations being developed by NATO. Montenegro is strongly committed also to the promotion of open-door policy and providing the support for aspirants, including countries of the region. One of the priorities of NATO membership is empowering the role of women, as well as promotion of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Montenegro contributes to the fight against terrorism, measures for confrontation to the hybrid and cyber threats, cooperation between NATO and EU and strengthening the security on Euro-Athlantic territory and beyond. Parallel with aforementioned direction of actions, full integration of military and defense capacities of Montenegro within NATO structures has been achieved, so they can contribute to the collective system of defense. In accordance with obligations assumed on Wales Summit in 2014 on increasing the contribution for defense budget to the level of 2% of GDP, from which 20% shell be spent on modernization of defense capacities, Montenegro is continuously working on achieving of pursued goals. According to the current evaluations, contribution for defense for 2021 will be at level of 1.82 GDP, from which 20% goes for modernization.
Because of its wide engagement as well as contribution to the stability and security of Western Balkans and broader Euro-Athlantic area, Montenegro has been recognized as credible and responsible ally.