NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
Photo Courtesy Of NATO
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Though most people think it was founded in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union in the aftermath of World War II, there’s more to it. In addition to deterring the further expansion of the Soviet Union, the alliance was created to stop the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe and encourage European political integration.
The treaty was signed on April 4, 1949, by 12 countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Greece and Türkiye (formerly Turkey) followed in 1952 and West Germany in 1955. Finland became the latest country to join the Alliance on April 4, 2023. In the meantime, four more partner countries have declared their aspirations to NATO membership: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Sweden and Ukraine.
Although NATO’s headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium, meetings are held in different countries. This year’s summit meeting will be held in Washington, D.C., July 9-11, providing the opportunity for the Heads of State and Government of NATO member countries to discuss important issues facing the Alliance and provide strategic direction for its activities.
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, NATO has created a mural competition for artists aged 35 and under. The piece should feature the artist’s interpretation of peace, security, unity and freedom. It’s open to any citizen of a NATO country and Sweden. The deadline to enter is May 1.
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