NATO 2022 Strategic Concept

Madrid, Spain - 29 June 2022

The NATO 2022 Strategic Concept, adopted by Heads of State and Government at the NATO Summit in Madrid on June 29, 2022, outlines the Alliance’s purpose, principles, strategic environment, and core tasks.

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Key Highlights:

• Purpose: NATO’s primary purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of Allies and ensure collective defense against all threats.

• Transatlantic Bond: The document emphasizes the indispensable transatlantic bond between nations, united by common values such as individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

• Core Tasks: NATO will continue to fulfill three core tasks:

  • Deterrence and defense
  • Crisis prevention and management
  • Cooperative security

• Strategic Environment: The Euro-Atlantic area is not at peace, with the Russian Federation identified as the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Other challenges include:

  • Terrorism
  • Instability in Africa and the Middle East
  • The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) stated ambitions and coercive policies.

• Deterrence and Defense: NATO will significantly strengthen its deterrence and defense posture, based on a mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities, complemented by space and cyber capabilities. The fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression.

• Crisis Prevention and Management: NATO will continue to work to prevent and respond to crises that have the potential to affect Allied security, investing in crisis response, preparedness, and management.

• Cooperative Security: NATO reaffirms its Open Door policy for European democracies that share its values and are willing to assume the responsibilities of membership. The European Union is recognized as a unique and essential partner for NATO.

• Climate Change: Climate change is identified as a defining challenge with a profound impact on Allied security, exacerbating conflict, fragility, and geopolitical competition. NATO aims to become a leading international organization in understanding and adapting to its impact on security.