1. Why should Latvia Join NATO Following Attacks on the US?

• Together with NATO allies Latvia can adapt the alliance to fight non-traditional threats, particularly international terrorism
• NATO military, technical and intelligence resources, as well as experience are fundamental prerequisites for combating international terrorism and other threats
• Future security and defence - insurance against possible risks
• Assistance in times of crisis - as a NATO member, Latvia will have permanent and reliable allies
• Participation in the political and military decision-making process that affects Europe and Latvia.
• Symbolic indicator of belonging to the family of affluent Western democracies
• Development of a modern defence system compatible with the highest NATO standards
• A sign of security and stability for future foreign investors

2. Why Latvia Cannot Remain Neutral?

• Latvian historic precedents indicate that neutrality does not provide security
• Neutrality is an out-dated concept. Sweden and Finland have initiated debates on the adequacy of remaining non-aligned
• Absence of allies is a costly option. Sweden and Finland can afford considerably more for national defence
• Neutrality does not indicated an option of isolation from global events, e.g. peacekeeping and fight against terrorism.

3. Would it be Better to Join EU First/Or Only EU?

• Current EU security and defence policy is limited to crisis management - peacekeeping missions. NATO remains the only factual guardian of EU member security
• The US is the foremost global power and co-operation with it is essential. NATO is the central mechanism of co-operation among the US and European countries

4. Why Antagonise Russia by Joining NATO?

• Czech, Polish and Hungarian relations with Russia have improved following their acceptance to NATO
• The Cold War has ended. Russia and NATO are partners
• Relations with Russia are stable
• Certainty instead of unpredictability

5. Is NATO Ready to Accept a Country with an Sizeable Russian Minority?

• Respect of freedom regardless of ethnic origin is a fundamental NATO principle. NATO does not discriminate marginalise minorities, especially when they support democratic values and membership in the Alliance
• EU and NATO are two sides of one coin - that indicate the common values and support for democratic and minority rights principles

6. Does NATO Support Respect for Individual Rights, if for Example Turkey has Serious Human Rights Problems?

• NATO no longer accepts countries that do not prove and uphold their respect for common values
• Numerous candidate countries have carried out additional efforts to solve minority issues and neighbour disputes (e.g. Rumania and Slovakia)

7. What are Latvia`s Responsibilities Joining NATO?

• Latvia is required to implement common NATO values and principles (democracy, market economy, individual rights, civil control over military, etc.)
• Readiness to act according to NATO treaty Article 5
• Readiness to participate in joint peacekeeping missions (similar to current participation in the Balkans)

8. What are Latvia`s Rights Joining NATO?

• Aggression upon Latvia shall be treated as an act of aggression against all NATO members. Every NATO member is fully for avoiding such situations by all necessary means
• Latvia shall have permanent and reliable allies

9. Will Latvia Lose its Sovereignty by Joining NATO?

• Latvia`s sovereignty will not be influenced, as all NATO decisions are made on the basis of consensus
• Each member retains the right of veto. No one can enforce their will upon Latvia.
• If sovereignty is seen as a country`s ability to decide on important decisions, Latvia gains more sovereignty as a NATO member

10. How Much Does NATO Membership Cost, Compared to Neutrality?

• NATO members spend as much or in some cases less percent of their GDP on national security as neutral countries
• The common NATO budget is minute, thus Latvia`s 2% of GDP expenses will be mainly devoted to improvement of our own security
• New NATO members increased their their share of defence expenditures by 0.5% of GDP, while investments increased by 500 - 600%

11. How will the Increasing Military Expenditures be Utilised?

• Defence expenditures - stimulus for the domestic economy: defence expenditures are re-absorbed by the domestic economy - technical supplies, education, wages
• NATO membership from the long-term perspective will save money as neutrality is more costly

12. How will NATO React if Latvia is Threatened (Is Latvia strategically defendable)?

• In accordance with Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, an attack upon one, is an attack upon all NATO members
• NATO membership is the most effective tool for eliminating threats

13. Will or to what Extent NATO Dislocate its Infrastructure in Latvia?

• NATO enlargement enhances security and stability in Europe and is not aimed against any particular country
• The requirements for infrastructure shall be discussed between Latvia and NATO. Till now NATO has not requested Latvia to allow dislocation of NATO infrastructure, forces and bases.
• On its part, Latvia shall implement all necessary steps to be ready for Article 5 implementation

14. Will Latvian Units Become “Cannon Fodders” for a joint military machinery at global hot-spots?

• 21st century warfare does not require “cannon fodders” - NATO expects highly qualified Latvian military specialists - medics, communication experts, chemists, military police officers, etc.
• The decision to participate in a specific operation is made jointly by NATO members, keeping mind NATO as well as individual interests
• NATO requires a technologically advanced and educated army that highly values its personnel
• NATO is not involved in all global hot-spots and does not consider the lives of its officers and soldiers as expendable. NATO is greatly concerned for the safety and lives of its military personnel
• In the contemporary world a country`s isolation from global events is unimaginable. UN Peacekeeping missions are no less dangerous than NATO missions.
• Participation in peacekeeping missions is on a voluntary basis. Soldiers` occupation always involves risk.