## Overview The term "European allies" typically refers to the collective network of countries in Europe that cooperate closely on matters of security, economics, and governance, often in partnership with the United States and Canada. While there is no single organization named "European Allies," the most prominent embodiment of this concept is the **North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)**, an intergovernmental military alliance that includes 30 European countries, the United States, and Canada[1]. Additionally, the **European Union (EU)** and the **Council of Europe** represent other key pillars of European cooperation, though their mandates extend beyond security to include economic integration, human rights, and rule of law[3]. ## What the Organization Does NATO operates as a system of collective security, where member states pledge mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party—a principle enshrined in Article 5 of its founding treaty[1]. The alliance conducts joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and crisis response operations. Beyond defense, NATO engages in training missions, counterterrorism, and cyber defense, reflecting its adaptation to modern security challenges. The EU, meanwhile, focuses on economic integration, regulatory harmonization, and fostering a single market, which has profound implications for business and technology across the continent[3]. The Council of Europe promotes democracy, human rights, and legal standards, complementing NATO's security mandate[3]. ## History NATO was established in 1949, in the early years of the Cold War, to counter Soviet influence and ensure the security of Western Europe[1][3]. Its founding members included the US, Canada, and 10 Western European nations. The EU traces its origins to the European Coal and Steel Community (1951) and the Treaty of Rome (1957), which laid the groundwork for economic and political union[3]. The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 to uphold human rights and democratic principles[3]. ## Key Achievements - **