Formation/Members

In 1948, several European countries signed the "Brussels Treaty," which set forth terms of collective defense among the signing nations, as well as collaboration and cooperation in other areas, such as economics, social, and cultural issues. The countries that were parties to the Brussels Treaty were Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In 1954, Germany and Italy signed the Brussels Treaty group, and thereby formed the Western European Union. In the 1990's, Portugal, Spain, and Greece all joined the Union. These 10 members are all members of both the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In addition to the 10 regular members, there are associate members, associate partners, and countries that are granted "observer" status. Associate members are members of NATO but not the EU. Observer nations are members of the EU but not NATO. Associate partners are members of neither the EU or NATO.

Purpose

The Western European Union has as its purposes mutual defense obligations among the member countries and promoting the integration of Europe. The Union is also in place to enable the nations that are parties to the Brussels Treaty to fulfill their obligations under that document.

Structure

The Union's highest decision-making body is its Council. The Council meets only as necessary. Major decisions only require the participation of the 10 full-member nations. These nations send delegations to Council meetings. Other Council meetings include associate members, associate partners, and observers.

The Union has a Secretariat, which is the permanent administrative body for the organization. It also has a Parliamentary Assembly.

The Western European Union is in the process of merging its functions into the European Union.

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