PROFILBARU.COM

The NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) is a collaborative body established in July 2023 during the NATO summit in Vilnius, replacing NATO-Ukraine Commissions. It serves as a platform where NATO Allies and Ukraine engage as equal participants to advance political dialogue, enhance cooperation, and support Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership. The NUC facilitates joint consultations, decision-making, and coordinated activities, including crisis consultations between NATO and Ukraine.^[1]

Background

The NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) was established at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, replacing the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which had been the primary body for developing NATO-Ukraine relations since 1997. The Commission, formed the same year by the NATO-Ukraine Charter on a Distinctive Partnership signed in Madrid,^[2] was the primary decision-making body for NATO-Ukraine relations.^[3] It directed cooperative activities and ensured the Charter’s implementation, assessing and planning future developments. In December 2008, NATO Foreign Ministers introduced the Annual National Programme^[4] (ANP) to further support Ukraine’s reform efforts.^[5]

The transition from the Commission to the Council in 2023 marks a significant strengthening of political ties and Ukraine's closer integration with NATO. Unlike the Commission, where Ukraine was a partner invited to meetings, the new Council format allows Ukraine to sit as an equal participant alongside all NATO member states. This change underscores NATO's commitment to treating Ukraine as a key ally and provides a more robust framework for joint consultations, decision-making, and crisis management. The NATO-Ukraine Council operates on a consensus basis, reflecting the collective will of all its members, including Ukraine. It is chaired by the NATO Secretary General and can be convened by any member, including Ukraine, for crisis consultations. This structure differs from the previous format where Ukraine's participation was by invitation from NATO.^[6]

The establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council is a pivotal step in reinforcing the NATO-Ukraine partnership, demonstrating an elevated level of cooperation and integration as Ukraine continues its journey towards NATO membership and greater alignment with Euro-Atlantic standards.^[7]^{[according to whom?]}

Post-establishment developments

The inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council happened on 12 July 2023 at the NATO's 2023 Vilnius Summit. The Council met at the level of Heads of State and Government, including the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.^[8]

On 10 January 2024, NATO called meeting of the new Ukraine Council on the request of Ukraine amidst massive Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. This followed Allies to further pledge additional air defence systems to Ukraine.^[9]^[10]

On 4 April, another meeting of the Council took place in Brussels with the participation of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and was focused on long-term support for Kyiv.^[11]

Sub-structures

The NATO-Ukraine Council meets in various formats, including in five main sub-committees:^[12]

The Political Affairs Committee – NUC(PAC) – consults on political and security-related subjects.
The Defence and Security Sector Committee – NUC(DSSC) – oversees the practical implementation of NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, with a focus on the defence and security sector.
The Strategic Communications Committee – NUC(SCC) – supports Ukraine’s efforts in this area and helps coordinate NATO’s strategic communications approach to and with Ukraine.
The Innovation and Hybrid Committee – NUC(IHC) – oversees cooperation on innovation, hybrid threats, cyber defence, energy security and environmental security.
The Military Representatives Working Group – NUC(MR-WG) – exchanges views and discusses the practical implementation of NATO-Ukraine military cooperation, with a focus on the capability development and interoperability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.