NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Organizations and agencies

Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) - General View

A number of organizations and agencies fall under the NATO umbrella that deal with specific subject areas or approaches – from research, logistics and communication to pipeline management and helicopter production. They provide a focus for specialized research and advice, the implementation of Alliance decisions, the management and operation of cooperative programmes and systems, and education and training.

The starting point of an organization or agency is an agreement by Alliance members on a Charter that lays out the tasks and responsibilities of a NATO organization. A board is normally set up to guide the work of the new organization, and an agency is often created to carry out its activities. In some cases, more than one agency works within the framework of an organization.

Although NATO organizations and agencies are autonomous, they are required to follow the terms set out in their charters and usually report to either the North Atlantic Council or the Military Committee, or to both. They benefit from NATO’s tax-exempt status and primarily serve the Alliance and its member states. Some, however, also assist with the needs of NATO partners when this benefits the Alliance.

NATO’s organizations and agencies are located within the Alliance Headquarters in Brussels and a number of Allied countries.

As part of the NATO reform process, the structure and organizations of the Alliance’s agencies are currently under review.

NATO’s organizations and agencies include 1:

1. Please note that NATO's agencies are undergoing a review process and could be subject to change.

Last updated: 26-Nov-2010 11:34

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