The consultation process

Consultation between member states is a key part of the decision-making process at NATO, allowing Allies to exchange views and information prior to reaching agreement and taking action.

The process is continuous and takes place both on an informal and a formal basis with a minimum of delay or inconvenience, due to the fact that all member states have permanent delegations at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

The practice of exchanging information and consulting together on a daily basis ensures that governments can come together at short notice whenever necessary, often with prior knowledge of their respective preoccupations, in order to agree on common policies or take action on the basis of consensus.

What does this mean in practice?

Consultation takes many forms. At its most basic level it involves simply the exchange of information and opinions. At another level it covers the communication of actions or decisions which governments have already taken or may be about to take. Finally, it can encompass discussion with the aim of reaching a consensus on policies to be adopted or actions to be taken.

How did this policy evolve?

Consultation and consensus were accepted as the basis for all NATO decisions when the Alliance was created in 1949. These working procedures are still in place.

Who plays a central role in implementing this policy?

The principal forum for political consultation is the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s principal decision-making committee. The Secretary General, by virtue of his chairmanship, plays an essential part in this process. Consultation also takes place on a regular basis in other forums, all of which derive their authority from the Council.