NATO’S projects and initiatives within its security policy: Ukrainian experience

Abstract

The fundamental tasks that the founders of the North Atlantic Treaty laid in the foundation of its functions are collective defence and the preservation of peace and security. It demands joint, well-planned and organized actions of all member countries aimed at repealing external military aggression or armed attack with an appropriate package of forces and means (diplomatic, political and military).

The well-organized rebuff of an armed attack on a NATO member state or the implementation of measures to maintain peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond requires clear and coordinated action by both government officials and armed forces of member-countries and partners.

The Allianceʼs ability to carry out common tasks lies in the light of effective defence planning, interaction and coordination at all levels of governance in political and military spheres, as well as standardization.

The Alliance actively relies on partnership and cooperation in every area of its activities.

The partnership acquires different forms and content. Some countries participate in the “Partnership for Peace Program” (PfP), which is based on an agreed Framework Document and Individual or Special Partnership Programs. Cooperation with the countries of the Mediterranean Dialogue, the Istanbul Cooperation Initiatives and the other Partners across the globe (Contact Countries Initiatives) are based on agreed work programs and plans. All practical bilateral and multilateral cooperation (partnership) programs with NATO differ based on the national interests, ambitions and priorities of the Partner-countries themselves. The only thing they have in common is the issue of standardization, namely the achievement of an appropriate level of compatibility, interchangeability or commonality, depending on the military-political ambitions in the field of cooperation of a particular Partner nation with NATO.

The process of gaining full membership of Ukraine in NATO, among other things, involves the implementation of Alliance standards in all areas of the Defense Department, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian State as a whole. When we talk about the implementation of NATO standards, we mean the transformation of Ukraine's security and defense sector to the best world principles, procedures and practices. It is not only about reforming the Armed Forces, the defense industry, the intelligence community and special services of Ukraine, but also about effective civil democratic control and parliamentary oversight over the defense forces, ensuring transparency in decision making proceses at all levels, improving the effectiveness of existing anti-corruption bodies, introducing effective operational planning process focused on needed operational capabilities, etc.