The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA) was formed in 1996 during the Atlantic Treaty Association's General Assembly held in Rome. Its formation was the natural progression of meetings, conferences and seminars organized by youth groups that exist in nearly all ATA member organizations. The Danish Atlantic Treaty Association was one of the pioneers in this respect, organizing since 1985 an annual conference that has attracted many young people interested in Atlantic security and international relations.

First YATA Seminar

In order to reunite youth from all over the Euro-Atlantic community interested in the major international issues, the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association organized its first seminar, entitled “The Future of NATO” on September 15, 2003, in Brussels. This significant event dealt with NATO and the role of youth, transatlantic relations in the post 9/11 world, NATO-EU relationship, NATO’s new capabilities after Prague, and the evolving role of PfP and the Mediterranean Dialogue. One of the most important moments of the seminar consisted in discussing the Memorandum on the Future of NATO, which was then presented to NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson. Other speakers in the event included Dr. Jamie Shea, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for External Relations, Public Diplomacy Division (PDD); Dr. Stefanie Babst, Head, NATO Countries Section, PDD; Mr. Mark Laity, Deputy NATO Spokesman, PDD.

YATA General Assemblies

Every year, the Executive Committee of YATA meets at the ATA General Assembly to discuss ideas and to develop education and communication strategies for the upcoming year. On November 4-5, 2003, the General Assembly of the YATA was held simultaneously with the 49th ATA General Assembly in Edinburgh. Throughout the YATA sessions, the members of the Executive Council and the participating delegations presented the reports for 2003. Also, a new Executive Council of the YATA was elected.

©2008 YATA