Reflecting NATO Enlargement (2004) and Subsequent Relations with the European Union. (London Security Policy Study Book 35)

The latest enlargement of the NATO alliance, the fifth in its 55-year history came on March 29, 2004 to 26 members. The enlargement came weeks before a strategic enlargement of the European Union on May 1, 2004 – also the fifth enlargement in it’s 47-year history to 25 members. After the two enlargement processes, the two organizations will have 19 members in common. Clearly the two enlargements are intertwined since members of each entity will not be able to function independently or commit forces simultaneously. This article captures a moment of history: a) detailing NATO enlargement (2004) and b) informing of subsequent relations between NATO and the European Union showing the emergence of a viable EU CFSP/ESDP.