Under what circumstances can a NATO member invoke Article 4?

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Flag of NATO featuring a white compass rose emblem with four lines radiating from the center on a blue background. — North Atlantic Treaty Organization Flag of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, any member state may invoke the provision whenever they believe their territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.1

When invoked, the article mandates that the parties consult together to address the situation. It is important to note that invoking Article 4 is not a prerequisite for triggering Article 5—the alliance's collective defense clause—nor does it guarantee that Article 5 will be activated.1