The most recent member state to be added to NATO in 2020 was ________.

The correct answer is North Macedonia.

Key Points

• North Macedonia officially joined NATO as the 30th member state on March 27, 2020.
• The accession of North Macedonia to NATO was made possible after resolving its long-standing name dispute with Greece, leading to the signing of the Prespa Agreement in 2018.
• North Macedonia’s membership in NATO is part of the alliance's continued expansion policy, aimed at enhancing collective security and stability in the region.
• The process of joining NATO involved the implementation of political, military, and institutional reforms as part of the Membership Action Plan (MAP).
• By joining NATO, North Macedonia gains access to collective defense under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which ensures mutual protection among member states.

Additional Information

• NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP):
  • The MAP is a program designed to assist aspiring countries in preparing for NATO membership.
  • It includes guidance on political, economic, defense, and institutional reforms required for accession.
  • North Macedonia benefited from MAP to align its policies and institutions with NATO standards.
• Article 5 of NATO Treaty:
  • Article 5 states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all members.
  • This principle of collective defense is the cornerstone of NATO's security framework.
• Prespa Agreement:
  • The Prespa Agreement, signed in June 2018 between North Macedonia and Greece, resolved the decades-long name dispute.
  • As part of the agreement, the country adopted the name "North Macedonia."
• NATO Expansion:
  • NATO has expanded over the years to include 30 member states, starting with 12 founding members in 1949.
  • The goal of expansion is to ensure broader security and stability across Europe and North America.