NATO and Russia Sign the Rome Declaration: Establishing the NATO-Russia Council

On May 28, 2002, a significant diplomatic event took place as NATO and Russia signed the Rome Declaration, which established the NATO-Russia Council (NRC). This event marked a pivotal moment in post-Cold War international relations, aiming to foster cooperation and dialogue between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Russian Federation.

Context and Background

The end of the Cold War in 1991 brought about a new era in international relations, characterized by the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of Russia as its successor state. NATO, originally formed in 1949 as a military alliance to counter Soviet influence, found itself in a transformed geopolitical landscape. The 1990s saw efforts to redefine NATO’s role and to engage with former adversaries, including Russia.

Prior to the Rome Declaration, NATO and Russia had already taken steps towards cooperation. The 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act established a framework for mutual relations, cooperation, and security. However, the relationship was often strained by differing perspectives on security issues, particularly regarding NATO’s eastward expansion.

The Rome Declaration

The Rome Declaration was signed at a summit held in Pratica di Mare Air Base near Rome, Italy. The declaration was a joint effort by NATO member states and Russia to enhance their partnership and to address common security challenges. Key aspects of the Rome Declaration included:

• Establishment of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC): The NRC was created as a platform for consultation, consensus-building, cooperation, joint decision-making, and joint action. It was designed to operate on the principle of equality, allowing Russia to participate in discussions on a range of security issues alongside NATO members.

• Areas of Cooperation: The NRC aimed to address a wide array of security concerns, including counter-terrorism, crisis management, non-proliferation, arms control, and missile defense. The council also sought to enhance military-to-military cooperation and to promote transparency and trust.

• Commitment to Peace and Stability: Both NATO and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to building a stable, peaceful, and undivided Europe. The declaration emphasized the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Significance and Aftermath

The signing of the Rome Declaration was seen as a milestone in NATO-Russia relations, symbolizing a willingness to move beyond historical animosities and to work collaboratively on shared security challenges. It reflected a broader trend of engagement and dialogue in international diplomacy during the early 2000s.

However, the relationship between NATO and Russia remained complex and was subject to various geopolitical tensions. Issues such as NATO’s continued enlargement, the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, and differing views on missile defense strained the partnership. Despite these challenges, the NRC continued to serve as a forum for dialogue until relations were further complicated by the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia.

In conclusion, the Rome Declaration and the establishment of the NATO-Russia Council represented a significant effort to bridge divides and promote cooperation between NATO and Russia. While the council faced numerous challenges, it underscored the importance of dialogue and engagement in addressing global security issues.