Which countries can join NATO and what is the accession process like?

This Monday, the Parliaments of Finland and of Sweden their respective parliamentary debates began to vote for the accession of both Nordic countries to the OTAN. Jens Stoltenberg, secretary general of the Atlantic Alliance, assured on Sunday that the members of the organization are ready to promote a rapid accession process. These are the keys to understanding how this procedure works:

Can any country join NATO?

In principle, it is not like Eurovision, where even Australia participates. NATO is only open for European countries. Article 10 of the founding Treaty of the Alliance establishes that the allies can invite “any European State” that has, among other things, the capacity to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.

How many extensions have there been?

Since its foundation in 1949, with 12 members, 18 countries have joined in eight rounds of enlargement, all to the east of Europaexcept for the incorporation of Spain in 1982.

What do Finland or Sweden have to do to join?

In the first place, Helsinki or Stockholm should confirm their interest in doing so, as their leaders have done and now have to ratify their respective Parliaments, which begin a debate this Monday to vote for admission. Then, allies must issue an invitation to start accession negotiationsa courtesy that, in this case, is expected to be fulfilled at the summit of the OTAN June in Madrid.

Is admission automatic after receiving the invitation?

No. Then both countries would begin accession negotiations at NATO headquarters in Brussels. In these contacts, everything from the candidate’s capacity in terms of defense to legal matters is determined. And, if they need reforms, they must present a calendar on their fulfillment.

Is a minimum spending on defense necessary?

It is not stipulated, although since 2014 the allies have committed to raising defense spending to 2% of their GDP. Sweden, which is at 1.13%, has recently announced that it will reach 2%. Y Finlandwith 1.44%, is going to amend this year’s budget to add 700 million euros, plus 2,200 million in the 2023-2026 period.

Are there no political or economic criteria?

They are not listed in the Treaty, but Since the end of the Cold War, candidates have been required to have a democratic system and a market economy.as well as showing respect for minorities.

How long can the negotiation take?

There are no fixed deadlines. The countries of the former Soviet bloc, such as Poland or Hungary, took two years from when they were invited at a summit in Madrid in 1997. But in the case of Finland o Sweden it is taken for granted that they would be very brief, given the stability and credibility of their political systems and their close military collaboration with NATO for years. The secretary general Stoltenberg has already indicated that in the case of Finland would be a “fluid and fast” negotiation, a speed that would undoubtedly extend to Sweden.

How is membership approved?

In the Atlantic Council, where the 30 allied governments sit, there are no votes, decisions are approved by consensus, that is, unanimously in practice. The 30 allies have to accept both the candidacy and the accession.

How is the entry completed?

When the negotiation ends, the OTAN drafts a Protocol of Accession to the Washington Treaty (founding text). The 30 allies have to sign and ratify the text, each according to their national procedures, and notify the US Government, depositary of the Treaty. Once that step is completed, the NATO Secretary General invites the candidates to enter. And the entry is completed when the candidate countries also conclude their ratification of the agreement with their own procedures.

Can ratification be complicated?

It cannot be ruled out, although in an emergency situation like the current one, with the war at the gates of the Alliance, it seems that it would be quick. Parliamentary ratification is required in most countries, although in some, such as the UK, it is not necessary. In the US, a two-thirds majority in the Senate is required.

What happens if Finland or Sweden suffers an armed attack before completing the entry?
In theory, they should defend themselves because Article 5 of the Treaty, which commits to mutual defense between the allies, would still not apply.. But Stoltenberg has repeatedly assured that, if necessary, a formula would be sought to apply de facto from the moment the accession process begins, one for all, all for one. “I am sure that we will find a way to resolve the concerns that you may have in relation to the period between the possible request and the final ratification”, said the secretary general of the OTAN last April. And, on Sunday, Stoltenberg reiterated that the Alliance is willing to offer the two Nordic countries “security guarantees” during the accession process.

Who have been the last allies to enter?

Montenegro, in 2017, and North Macedonia, in 2020.

Is there a candidate in the waiting room?

In 2008, at the Bucharest summit, it was agreed that Ukraine y Georgia would one day be members of the OTAN, but without specifying the offer or launching any negotiation. The decision was promoted by the then US president, George W. Bush, despite the reservations of Germany and France, who feared stirring up Moscow. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has precisely put forward the possibility of Ukraine joining the OTAN as one of the reasons to start the attack on the country, which the Kremlin describes as a preventive military operation.

Do you have real chances to enter Ukraine?

After the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24, the Ukrainian government itself, headed by Volodymyr Zelensky, has resigned itself to forgetting about joining NATO. “For years we have heard about the so-called open door, but we have already understood that we must not enter. That is how it is and we must admit it,” she said in March.