Atlantic Treaty Association

The Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) is an umbrella organization which acts as a network facilitator in the Euro-Atlantic and beyond. The ATA draws together political leaders, academics, and diplomats in an effort to further the values set forth in the North Atlantic Treaty, namely: democracy, freedom, liberty, peace, security, and the rule of law. The ATA is, however, an independent organization separate from NATO.[1]

The ATA was created on 18 June 1954.[1]Since the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the role of the Atlantic Treaty Association has changed considerably. Following an early application for membership by the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, in 1992 the ATA Constitution was amended to accommodate associate members and observers from non-NATO countries. Given the shifting nature of security politics, and NATO’s continued transformation, the ATA now works beyond the borders of the Euro-Atlantic – promoting new initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the South Caucasus. Following the ascension of the new NATO countries in 1999 and 2004, the ATA membership expanded considerably, and naturally its security focus has shifted eastward.

The ATA is active in NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) and Mediterranean Dialogue programmes, as well as in directing its own initiative, the Central and South Eastern European Security Forum (CSEESF).

The Atlantic Treaty Association seeks, through discussion and political channels, to support the values set forth in the North Atlantic Treaty: Freedom, Liberty, Peace, Security, and the Rule of law. As such, the ATA acts as a forum for debate in which member associations can realize common interests and democratic goals in the ever-changing security environment of the 21st century.

The youth branch of the ATA, the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA) was created in 1996.[1] The ATA is now fully dedicated to engaging the youth of the Euro-Atlantic through close cooperation with its youth division. YATA seeks to educate and promote debate amongst the successor generations in an effort to create responsible future political leaders who have an understanding of the values set forth in the North Atlantic Treaty.

The Atlantic Treaty Association firmly believes in the strength of the transatlantic relationship – one which is fundamental to the stability of the international system in the 21st century. As such, the ATA remains instrumental in bridging values from both sides of the Atlantic in its effort to underpin the broader goals of the NATO Alliance.

Member organizations

NATO countries

Partnership for Peace countries

Presidents

2003-2008 HE Ambassador Bob Hunter, former US Ambassador to NATO

2008- Dr Karl A. Lamers MdB

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Atlantic Treaty Association and Youth Atlantic Treaty Association". NATO. 7 April 2016.

External links

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