The Defence Planning Committee

It provides guidance to NATO's military authorities and oversees the force planning process, which identifies NATO's military requirements, sets planning targets for individual countries to contribute to those requirements, and assesses the extent to which members meet those targets and provide other forces and capabilities to the Alliance.

What are its tasks and responsibilities?

The Defence Planning Committee is the ultimate authority within NATO with regard to the Alliance's integrated military structure, as are the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and the Nuclear Planning Group on matters within their competence.

It implements decisions taken by the participating countries in relation to collective defence planning and issues related to the integrated military structure of the Alliance. It also approves Force Goals and Ministerial guidance for future NATO defence planning.

Who participates?

Members participating in NATO's integrated military structure (all member countries except France) are part of the DPC. It is chaired by the Secretary General.

How does it work in practice?

As is the case of all NATO committees, decisions are taken by consensus within the DPC. Although the work of the DPC focuses on the integrated military structure and military and defence related issues, in recent years, the NAC has also discussed some of these matters.