Abstract
The collapse of the Cold-War order in Europe brought about a radical change in the global security system. The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the disbandment of the Warsaw Pact created a situation where the only serious and effective guarantee of stability in Europe was NATO. Central European states, which until that time had been subordinated to the USSR, unequivocally and consistently chose to pursue the Euro-Atlantic direction in their security policy. The decision resulted in their gaining full, even though gradual, membership in the Alliance during the years 1999–2004. The accession process was first completed by the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Central Europe is not free from dangers stemming from national and supranational transformations. NATO is facing the need to increase its activity and systematically ensure joint cooperation and security guarantees as regards all its member states. This is primarily caused by a revival of Russia’s superpower ambitions under the presidency of Vladimir Putin and an escalation of terrorism and cyberspace threats. The decisions and practical actions related to biennial NATO summits are of vital importance in this respect. The text presented here is an analysis of the security of Central Europe within NATO structures in the light of the last three NATO summits: in Newport in 2014, in Warsaw in 2016 and in Brussels in 2018.
Highlights
It mainly pertains to some dubious theories related to the creation of an alternative to NATO security policy within the EU, based for instance on a joint European army
The escalation of threat primarily related to Russia’s activities requires of NATO to confirm the permanent presence of its armed forces in Central European states, including Poland
Regardless of the difficulties presenting themselves in the process, the Warsaw summit imposed on NATO an obligation to launch concrete discussions and take decisions concerning the actual perspectives as regards those states
Summary
Central European states are playing an ever increasing role in NATO. One can no longer speak of “second-class” membership or “new” member status. Unanimous stance as regards the subjective participation in the implementation of NATO security policy and securing those states’ interests is the only way for them to be heard It is only by means of cooperation that they stand a chance of being taken seriously and gaining a strong position which is warranted by their membership in the Alliance. It mainly pertains to some dubious theories related to the creation of an alternative to NATO security policy within the EU, based for instance on a joint European army. Such ideas could result in a weakening of the Euro-Atlantic ties rather than improve European security (Franke, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
