Membership procedure

The request is addressed to the Secretary-General by the minister responsible for foreign affairs or their representative. It states the reasons for the application, the department that will act as focal point and the ratification timetable, if any.

An acknowledgement of receipt is sent within fifteen days (indicative), with the name of the contact person in charge of the file.

The Member States Relations Directorate checks each condition, requests additional information where necessary and drafts a review report. It consults the competent regional office and, if needed, a Member State from the region.

The report is forwarded to the Council, which submits it to the General Assembly with a reasoned recommendation.

The General Assembly decides by a two-thirds majority of the States present and voting. The applicant may be invited to present its request in session. Each Member State has one vote.

In the event of rejection, the applicant may resubmit a request after a period of one year, taking into account the reasons communicated.

After the vote, the State is admitted on a probationary basis for twelve months (indicative). It pays a first contribution, officially designates its focal point and receives its access to the members' area.

During this period, it does not yet have all the prerogatives: it takes part in meetings without a deliberative vote on budgetary matters.

At the end of the probationary period, the Directorate draws up an assessment: ratifications, transposition of the directives, payment of the contribution, participation in the work. The Assembly then confirms final admission.

If commitments remain outstanding, the period may be extended once, on the Council's proposal.