"Our shared purpose is to, over time, do for Eastern Europe what NATO has already helped to do for Western Europe. Constantly and systematically, we will continue to erase the line drawn in Europe by Stalin's bloody boot," said then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. twenty-five years ago welcoming the first new members of NATO since the end of the Cold War.
Unfortunately, a new line is being drawn in Europe today - a dictator by another name, who, however, does not hesitate to commit the same heinous crimes as the previous one.
A lesson from the past
25 years ago, on March 12, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary became the first countries from the former "Eastern Bloc" to join NATO. This event changed the course of history for both the Czech Republic and NATO.
The successful integration of these three countries into the policies and structures of NATO helped to open the door to other countries of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Already in 2002, Prague hosted a NATO summit where a decision was made on a new wave of enlargement.
The expansion of NATO to Central and Eastern Europe was of greater importance and urgency than its creators could have imagined. What would Europe look like today if the leaders of the West at the time had taken 10 years to think about it? Had the Czech Republic, led by Vaclav Havel, not used its newfound freedom, political capital and determination to join the West? Maybe NATO would never find the courage to commit to the defense of Central Europe. Perhaps today we would fear that Western weariness with Central Europe would prevail and that, in the interest of peace, the West would accept Russian influence or control over Riga, Warsaw and even Prague?
We demonstrate our resolute commitment to shared security through our daily diplomatic efforts, our active participation in current and historic allied operations - such as those in the Western Balkans and the Middle East - and our unwavering support for the defense of Ukraine, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the recent procurement program ammunition.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and the subsequent escalation in 2022 served as a stark reminder of NATO's key role in collective defense. We are now preparing for a new chapter in the history of the NATO alliance. Ukraine, which is bravely resisting the Russian army, is in a confusing situation. Although not integrated into NATO or the EU, Ukraine has sacrificed far more for Western values than any other country since World War II. We must not give up on our partner. We must offer him credible security guarantees.
In today's world, as authoritarian regimes pose a threat to our security and way of life, we are witnessing the consequences of a lack of rules. With doubts about the cohesion and future of the Alliance emerging in various places in Europe and the US, it is clear that a stronger NATO is essential now, more than ever. Although the world has always been a complicated place, there comes a time when action is necessary. Postponing a solution to a problem may seem easier, but it often leads to a dead end. Since 1999, the Czech Republic has stood shoulder to shoulder with its allies and we act together, paving the way forward.
The author is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
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