The MAP is a programme of activities from which interested countries may choose, on the basis of national decisions and self-selection. The programme covers five areas: political and economic issues, defence/military issues, resources, security and legal issues. NATO stresses that the programme should not be regarded as a list of criteria for membership, and that active participation in the Partnership for Peace and in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council remains essential for countries interested in possible future membership. The Alliance underscores the fact that any decision on membership would be made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Madrid Summit Declaration and the Washington Summit Declaration.

After the Summit-level meeting of the North Atlantic Council, leaders or representatives from the countries in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council also met in Washington. EAPC leaders discussed the situation in Kosovo and expressed their support for the demands of the international community, and their abhorrence of the policies of violence, repression and ethnic cleansing being carried out in Kosovo by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Leaders expressed their support for broad-based security and for economic and democracy-building efforts for the south-eastern Europe region. They also endorsed a report entitled “Towards a Partnership for the 21st Century – The Enhanced and more Operational Partnership”, which aims to improve the ability of the Alliance and Partner forces to operate together in the future.

Although Russia declined to participate in the Washington Summit because of events in Yugoslavia, NATO leaders, through the Washington Summit Communiqué, reiterated their commitment to partnership with Russia under the NATO-Russia Founding Act. They also underscored the fact that close relations between NATO and Russia are of mutual interest and of great importance to stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO leaders also held their first-ever summit with the President of Ukraine. Both sides welcomed the progress in their Distinctive Partnership and discussed a variety of Euro-Atlantic security issues.

The Washington Summit Communiqué reiterates the importance of NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue as an integral part of the Alliance’s cooperative approach to security.