4.15: Open Door Policy
Reaffirm NATO's open door policy. Other Information:
Open Door Policy. Since its founding in 1949, NATO has increased in size from a dozen members to twenty-eight. This open door
policy was authorized by Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty which provides that the "Parties may, by unanimous agreement,
invite any other European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of
the North Atlantic area to accede" to membership in the Alliance. Since 1995, the process of enlargement has been guided by
certain principles, including the following: - Democratic values and full support for NATO's political vision within the candidate
country; - The implementation of any necessary military reforms in order to achieve NATO standards with respect to professionalism
and to ensure civilian control over the armed forces; - The fair treatment of minority populations; - The peaceful resolution
of domestic and international disputes; - Domestic political support for NATO membership; and - The overall ability of the
candidate to contribute to the security of the Alliance and the Euro-Atlantic region. Recommendation: 1. The new Strategic
Concept should reaffirm NATO's open door policy, including the principles listed above.
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