Limits are imposed concentrically to avoid concentration of armed forces. This configuration has the effect of permitting free movement of forces centrifugally from, but not centripetally toward, Central Europe, thus inhibiting a surprise attack in this critical region. During the reduction period, well over 48,000 pieces of equipment have been destroyed, including tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery, combat aircraft, and attack helicopters. More than 2,500 on-site inspections have been undertaken, including inspections of declared sites, specified sites, and reduction sites. NATO has established a system to cooperate in monitoring the treaty.
Parties have rights to monitor the process of destruction without quota limits.
A Protocol on Notification and Exchange of Information stipulates an annual exchange of mandated data that helps ensure verification of compliance with the Treaty. A Protocol on Inspection details procedures for verification. These OOVs and sites are listed in each information exchange. The Concluding Act of the Negotiation on Personnel Strength of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe outlined below. Summary The CFE Treaty remains the cornerstone of European security and stability.