Has NATO ever used article 4?

Asked by: Alfonso Cole  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (38 votes)

Yes, NATO has invoked Article 4 multiple times, most recently in September 2025 when Poland requested consultations after Russian drones violated its airspace, and previously in February 2022 when several Eastern European nations sought discussions after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Article 4 allows member states to request urgent consultations on threats or developments affecting their security, a process used several times by Turkey and others in response to regional instability.

How many times has article 4 been activated?

It has been invoked nine times as of 19 September 2025.

Has any NATO member ever invoked Article 5?

NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in its history after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States in 2001.

What is the Article 4 of NATO?

The article states: “The Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened.” Any member country can formally invoke Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Did Poland invoke article 4 of NATO?

Poland has decided to invoke Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which concerns consultations among member states in the event of a threat.

What Is NATO Article 4? - Learn About Libertarianism

25 related questions found

When did France leave NATO?

In 1966, France decided to withdraw from the Alliance's integrated military command. That decision in no way undermined France's commitment to the Alliance's collective defence.

Is Poland's army stronger than Germany?

While Germany traditionally held a stronger military position, Poland is rapidly becoming stronger and is expected to surpass Germany in key ground forces by the late 2020s, thanks to massive investment (nearly 5% of GDP), a large personnel increase, and significant acquisitions of advanced tanks (Abrams, K2) and aircraft (F-35s). Poland is focusing heavily on heavy armor and ground strength, potentially fielding more tanks and armored vehicles than Germany, though Germany invests heavily in high-tech replacements like Puma IFVs and new Leopard tanks. 

Who is stronger, NATO or Brics?

NATO holds a significant military advantage due to its unified structure, advanced technology, and higher defense spending, especially with U.S. dominance, while BRICS wields power through its massive population, growing economies (especially China and India), and increasing influence in global trade and development, making NATO militarily superior but BRICS economically and demographically formidable, with their influence felt in different spheres. 

Does the president have the authority to pull out of NATO?

A U.S. President cannot unilaterally withdraw from NATO; recent legislation passed by Congress requires either a two-thirds Senate vote or a separate act of Congress to exit the alliance, blocking unilateral executive action, though legal challenges and potential political confrontations over this congressional authority remain. 

What is NATO article 5?

The alliance's commitment to Article 5 – NATO's collective defense agreement that means an attack against one shall be considered an attack against all – is the core of NATO's existence, evolution, and unparalleled strength.

What is the 2% rule of NATO?

NATO's 2% rule is a guideline, established in 2014, for member countries to spend at least 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense annually, showing political commitment to shared security, though it's not a legally binding obligation but a benchmark for collective defense burden-sharing, with recent increases driven by heightened security concerns following Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
 

Why doesn't Putin want Ukraine to join NATO?

In his speech on 21 February 2022, Putin again warned that Ukraine's membership of NATO would threaten Russia and that the alliance would use Ukraine to launch a surprise attack. At the time, Ukraine had not applied for NATO membership and was a long way from potentially joining.

What is the Article 7 of NATO?

Article 7. This Treaty does not affect, and shall not be interpreted as affecting in any way the rights and obligations under the Charter of the Parties which are members of the United Nations, or the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Has NATO article 5 ever been invoked?

Yes, NATO's Article 5, its collective defense clause, has been invoked only once in the alliance's history: following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. In response, NATO allies provided support, including deploying aircraft for U.S. airspace protection and participating in operations in Afghanistan, solidifying the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all. 

What has NATO ever done?

NATO has participated in a wide range of roles elsewhere, including relief efforts, counter-piracy, enforcing no-fly zones and naval blockades.

What is NATO's position on cyber warfare?

NATO's focus in cyber defence is to protect its own networks, operate in cyberspace (including through the Alliance's operations and missions), help Allies to enhance their national resilience and provide a platform for political consultation and collective action.

Why did France leave NATO?

This decision led by French president Charles de Gaulle complicated relations between the U.S. and Europe amidst clashing American and Communist spheres of influence. Though France remained politically in NATO, its actions cast doubt onto the organization's future as a counter to Soviet military power and influence.

What are 5 things the president can't do?

The U.S. President cannot make laws, declare war, decide how federal money is spent, interpret laws, or appoint key officials like Cabinet members or Supreme Court Justices without Senate approval, highlighting constitutional limits on executive power through checks and balances with Congress. 

What bill removes the US from NATO?

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced HR 6508, the NATO Act, to remove the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). “NATO is a Cold War relic. We should withdraw from NATO and use that money to defend our own country, not socialist countries,” said Rep.

What is the weakest country in NATO?

From Slovenia to Iceland: 7 NATO countries with the lowest military strength

  • Slovenia. Slovenia ranks 26th among NATO members with a PwrIndx of 2.1016. ...
  • Latvia. Latvia comes 27th, scoring 2.1246. ...
  • Estonia. Estonia ranks 28th, with a PwrIndx of 2.2917. ...
  • North Macedonia. ...
  • Luxembourg. ...
  • Montenegro. ...
  • Iceland.

Who is stronger, G7 or BRICS?

BRICS has surpassed the G7 in terms of global GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), holding a larger share, but the G7 still leads in nominal GDP and retains significant influence through capital markets, innovation, and established regulatory power, while BRICS gains strength from its massive population, rapid growth (especially India and China), and efforts to build alternative financial systems, making its overall power dynamic complex and shifting towards a multipolar world.
 

Who is the no. 1 army in the world?

The United States is widely considered the #1 military power in the world due to unmatched technology, global reach, huge defense spending, and advanced capabilities, followed by China and Russia, though China has the largest active personnel, while the US leads in overall power projection. Rankings often use metrics like defense budget, airpower, naval strength, and technology, with the U.S. consistently topping lists from sources like Global Firepower and Visual Capitalist.
 

Which country is Germany's best friend?

Germany's best friend country is widely considered to be France, forming a core partnership in Europe known as the Franco-German relationship, built on deep historical reconciliation, strong economic ties, and joint efforts within the EU, formalized by treaties like the 1963 Élysée Treaty and the 2019 Aachen Treaty. While France is the primary partner, other significant allies include the United States (US) for security and economy, and the Netherlands (NL) due to extensive military integration and shared interests. 

Does Poland have F-35 fighter jets?

F-35s in Poland

Three more aircraft will join the base at the turn of November and December, followed by an eighth aircraft in February 2026. The first Hussars will therefore only arrive in Poland at the turn of May and June next year, when 14 of the jets are scheduled to be delivered.

Which US state is the size of Germany?

Germany's size (around 138,000 sq mi) is comparable to the U.S. states of Montana, which is slightly larger, and New Mexico, which is a bit smaller, often making it the closest comparison, though Wisconsin is also frequently cited for similar landscape/climate. Germany is roughly the size of Montana but significantly more populous, unlike Texas, which is nearly twice as big but less populated, notes a 2019 Facebook post from the German Embassy.