The EU-NATO Relations in the Post-Cold War Security Context

This article aims to analyze the EU-NATO relations in the post-Cold War security context in order to find out whether the two interlocking organizations cohabitate or separate. The first part of the article discusses the evolution of EU-NATO relations in the post-Cold War era. The second part analyzes the resolution of the main obstacle for the finalization of the security arrangement between EU and NATO, which would enable the EU to use NATO assets and capabilities through Berlin Plus arrangement. The third part examines the first EU-led military operation with recourse to NATO assets, Operation Concordia (2003). This article concludes that evolving and dynamic nature of the EU and NATO relations do not allow us to give a clear answer to whether the EU and NATO cohabitate or separate. The answer to this question is closely dependent on the political will of major powers to overcome obstacles for effective EU-NATO relationship. However, given the insecure environment of the post-Cold War era and new security challenges like global terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, it can be argued that EU and NATO should strive for cohabiting and working together in a complementary and harmonious way to tackle with these challenges.