More active and credible NATO needed: Polish Foreign Minister

“We live in a turbulent world with violent conflicts along NATO’s periphery and beyond. It is imperative that we send a strong message of unity to the world: NATO matters,” Waszczykowski said in the article, published by papers including Le Soir, Die Welt and Corriere della Sera.

Waszczykowski recalls that 1999 was “a milestone in Polish history”, because it was then that Poland joined NATO, “the most successful military Alliance in the world”.

'Dream becomes reality'

“We had a dream that one day NATO troops would be present in Poland. Today this dream becomes a reality,” he said.

Waszczykowski continued: “The security environment has become more demanding and unpredictable. The concept of Europe whole, free at and peace is endangered. The use of force has become a rule, not an exception.”

He pointed to terrorism, the uncontrolled flow of migrants and military provocations and creating tensions by Russia as the biggest threats to NATO.

NATO 'cannot afford to be passive'

Under these conditions “NATO cannot afford to be passive or complacent,” wrote Waszczykowski. “What the transatlantic community needs is a more active and credible NATO that takes concrete steps to ensure the real security of all its citizens.”

He stressed that Poland “is a fully-fledged member of NATO and actively shapes its future”.

“We remain a significant contributor to the security of the Alliance, also far from our borders.”

The Polish foreign minister added: “The Warsaw Summit legacy should embrace a clear and ambitious vision of how the Alliance will function in the evolving security environment. It should be built on three pillars: adaptation, credibility, and leadership.” (pk)

Source: Polish Foreign Ministry