What notable countries in Western Europe are not members of NATO and why?

Answer 1

Finland is not a member, because of the possibility of strained relations with Russia. Many countries feel aligning with Russia is more to their benefit.

Sweden is not a member, because it wants to remain neutral in war.

Serbia and Montenegro was to become a member in 2005, but Serbia is not a member because of NATO's support of Kosovo in 2008.

Answer 2

As of August 30, 2014

(Note: includes some Middle Eastern nations often thought to be a part of or at least has some territory in what is thought to be part of Europe)

Albania (potential candidate)

Andorra

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Bosnia and Herzegovina (potential candidate)

Georgia

Iceland (candidate)

Kazakhstan

Liechtenstein

Macedonia (candidate)

Moldova

Monaco

Montenegro (potential candidate)

Norway

Russia

San Marino

Serbia (potential candidate)

Switzerland

Turkey (candidate)

Ukraine

Vatican

They are not a part of the European Union because some don't meet the EU requirements, while others might not want to become members because they have to give up some of their power. Then of course you have those on the list that are currently potential candidates, and those that are currently being considered for membership.

Answer 3

Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Turkey, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.

However, a number of these countries want to be, and some are actually in the process of becoming a part of, the European Union. Here is more detail:

- Croatia is acceding, meaning they are currently assuming a position in the European Union, and will actually become a member on July 1, 2013.

- Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Turkey are all candidates, meaning they have sent in their applications to join the EU and are awaiting approval, in addition, they still have to go through more steps to proceed to the acceding stage. Members in this stage may still be denied, for example, Turkey. Turkey is a very controversial member and countries such as France and Germany do not want the country to join because they would have the 2nd largest population (meaning the second largest number of representatives) and they are barely even European, as 3% lies in Europe and the country is not necessarily close with Europe. However, countries such as the UK want Turkish membership because the EU seeks close ties with Eastern Europe (keep that in mind as you read this data, as you will see almost all of these listed countries are in the east) and the country will also bring some sort of economic and social stability.

- Albania and Serbia have sent in their applications, meaning their applications must be approved before they can move to the candidate stage, where they must go through more steps to then move on to the acceding stage.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are recognized as potential candidates, which means the EU wants them. However, they must send in their applications themselves where they will then be reviewed and accepted.

However, almost all the countries listed before not in the current process of admission are considering and want to join the EU. There are a few exceptions, however, which are countries that currently have no interest to join (however, they may show interest in the future): Andorra, Vatican City, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and somewhat Azerbaijan. That means the remainder of the nations are definitely considering applying. I know that Georgia and the Ukraine are in partners in working for EU membership. Also, there are talks about Romania and Moldova joining to become one country (in which Moldova would just be swallowed by Romania); this would make "Moldova" a member of the EU by default. Armenians have taken vote and about 70% of the citizens approve of applying for membership.

There are also members outside of Europe that are potential candidates! These include the countries of Israel, Morocco, and Cape Verde.

Lastly, to the point. Countries in Europe that do not seek membership have mainly one reason why they do not want to. They simply have no need. They either have their own unions (for example, Russia and Belarus are engaged in a close union), are doing fine on their own and do not want to be disturbed or involved, or the EU does not want them. For example, the EU has proposed many sanctions on Belarus and aren't too friendly with the nation. Belarus has already been described as a dictatorial country with little freedom and human rights, and they would have much cleaning up to do if they seek EU candidacy.