NAVO: The consultation process and Article 4

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 24 February 2022, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia requested to hold consultations under Article 4 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 23 September 2025, the North Atlantic Council met following Estonia’s request for Article 4 consultations after three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace on 19 September 2025.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 10 September 2025, Poland requested to hold consultations in the North Atlantic Council under Article 4 following the violation of Polish airspace by multiple Russian drones.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 3 March 2014, Poland invoked Article 4 following increasing tensions in neighbouring Ukraine, as a result of Russia’s aggressive actions.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 28 February 2020, Türkiye requested consultations following the death of Turkish soldiers in air strikes by the Syrian regime and its backer Russia in Idlib province.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 26 July 2015, Türkiye requested that the NAC convene in view of the seriousness of the situation following terrorist attacks, and to inform Allies of the measures it was taking.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 3 October 2012, Türkiye requested Article 4 NAC consultations when five Turkish civilians were killed by Syrian shells. Following these incidents, on 21 November 2012, Türkiye requested the deployment of Patriot missiles.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 22 June 2012, Türkiye requested a NAC meeting under Article 4 after one of its fighter jets was shot down by Syrian air defence forces.

Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked nine times: … On 10 February 2003, Türkiye formally invoked Article 4, asking for consultations in the NAC on defensive assistance from NATO in the event of a threat to its population or territory resulting from armed conflict in neighbouring Iraq.