Rome Declaration: NATO–Russia Relations – A New Quality

Rome, Italy – 28 May 2002

The Rome Declaration established the NATO–Russia Council, allowing Allies and Russia to meet as equal participants “at 29” (at the time) to discuss and cooperate on issues such as counter‑terrorism, crisis management, non‑proliferation, arms control and confidence‑building measures, theatre missile defence, search and rescue at sea, and civil emergency planning.

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Highlights

• Replaces the 1997 NATO–Russia Permanent Joint Council with a more operational body (NRC).
• Emphasizes practical cooperation, transparency, and crisis consultation.
• Sets a cooperative agenda while reaffirming that NATO decisions remain for Allies and Russia retains independent decision‑making.

Later Developments

• NRC cooperation was progressively reduced following Russia’s actions in Georgia (2008) and especially after 2014 and 2022; political dialogue remained possible at times, but practical cooperation was suspended.

Source

• NATO, “NATO–Russia relations: a new quality – Declaration by Heads of State and Government,” Rome, 28 May 2002 (NATO Official Texts).