Why Is Croatia Part of NATO Despite Not Being on the Atlantic Ocean?

Many often wonder why a country like Croatia, which is not situated on the Atlantic Ocean, became a member of NATO. To understand this, we need to explore the history and current conditions of NATO membership, as well as the strategic reasons behind Croatia's inclusion.

Historical Context and Current Membership

NATO membership is not based on geographical proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Greece and Turkey, as well as other countries, joined NATO in 1951, far from the Atlantic Ocean. The North Atlantic Treaty, signed in 1949, provides Article 10, which states:

The Parties may by unanimous agreement invite any other European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty.

This means that any European state that aligns with NATO's principles and contributes to its security can become a member. Croatia, like Slovenia, Hungary, and others, joined NATO in 2009 because it met these criteria.

Strategic Importance of Croatian Membership

Croatia's location in the Balkans makes it a crucial member for NATO. Firstly, its proximity to Russia and the remnants of the former Yugoslavia has strategic significance. For example, Romania, a significant member since 2004, joined in part to gain protection from Russia and to have American military bases on its soil. This is not an isolated case; any country that was part of the former USSR or Warsaw Pact and later sought NATO membership did so for similar reasons.

Croatia's Role in Allied Defense

Croatia's inclusion ensures a more robust NATO presence in the region. While it does not have a direct Atlantic coastline, its strategic location, coupled with its ability to gain access to the Atlantic through other NATO member states, provides a buffer against potential Russian aggression. Croatia, along with other landlocked countries like Hungary, has a shared interest in maintaining regional stability and avoiding conflicts that could bring nearby adversaries closer.

Security and Alliance Benefits

Membership in NATO means more than just a defensive advantage. It offers countries like Croatia access to military support, training, and resources. Croatia can also participate in joint exercises and operations, contributing to regional defense capabilities. The United States, as a key partner, further strengthens these ties, providing a sense of security and a distant yet influential overlord compared to a nearby hostile power.

Conclusion: The Uniqueness of Landlocked NATO Members

To summarize, Croatia's membership in NATO is not due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Landlocked countries like Croatia, along with other Northeast European nations such as Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, gained NATO membership because they share a common interest in regional stability, defense, and the principles of collective security. Despite the lack of an Atlantic coastline, these countries have found significant benefits in aligning with NATO, ensuring they have a voice and a stake in global security matters.

Keywords

NATO membership, Atlantic Ocean, Northeast European countries