The reason: to start enlarging the 16-nation defense alliance and to discuss reorganizing the alliance's military structure to take into account the new challenges of the post-Cold War period.

CNN: AllPolitics - Big Issues Confront NATO At Madrid Summit

France is the only power among NATO's 19 allies whose military forces are not part of the alliance's integrated command structure.

CNN: NATO battles EU over defence

NATO's integrated military structure, could provide a boost to the alliance.

ECONOMIST: The Western alliance

Alliance leader David Ford said there should be a proper management structure for such an important waterway.

BBC: Environment committee motion