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  • 14 Dec. 2007 - NATO
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NATO Contact Point Embassies

Helping NATO to work closely with its Partners

Since the early 1990s, NATO has developed a network of Contact Point Embassies (CPE) in order to support the Alliance’s partnership and public diplomacy activities in countries participating in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), Partnership for Peace (PfP), Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI).

In every Partner country an embassy of one of the NATO member states serves as a contact point and operates as a channel for disseminating information about the role and policies of the Alliance.

CPEs work closely with NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) to provide information on the purpose and activities of the Alliance in the host country while also supporting the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division (PASP) with its management of EAPC, PfP, MD and ICI policy.

What are its tasks and responsibilities?

CPEs are not NATO’s diplomatic mission in the host country; however, they play an important role in distributing information about the Alliance. CPEs identify key decision makers, opinion formers and public diplomacy opportunities within the country and coordinate with the Public Diplomacy Division on events. CPEs also inform individuals within the host country on how to apply for NATO fellowships and scientific programmes, such as the Science Reintegration Grant Programme.

CPEs offer advice to NATO Headquarters on various project proposals as well as on an array of NATO-related issues within the host country, such as political discussions, debates and concerns and changes in public opinion. CPEs also assist with the logistical support of visits to the host country by the Secretary General, NATO International Staff and NATO forces.

Who participates?

NATO’s member countries volunteer the services of their embassies in Partner countries to assume the duties of CPE for a period of two years. The final decision on the assignment of CPEs is taken by consensus in the North Atlantic Council – the principal decision-making body within NATO. PDD coordinates the CPE network and liaises closely with each CPE.

What do I need to remember?

CPEs act as an important channel to:

  • Communicate NATO’s policies in Partner countries;
  • Assist the Public Diplomacy Division with its communication activities; and
  • Support the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division in the management of EAPC, PfP, MD, and ICI policy.