The historic decision adopted at NATO’s Prague Summit in 2002 started a new era for Romania, which was invited to start accession talks with the North Atlantic Alliance. Romania was granted Allied status in 2004. The instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty was deposited on 29 March 2004, in Washington, and then, on 2 April 2004, in Brussels, the flag of Romania was hoisted at the NATO Headquarters, a ceremony which, along with an Allied foreign ministers meeting, symbolically marked Romania’s accession to NATO.
This historic event, of foreign policy and national significance, is marked and celebrated by Romfilatelia through the postage stamp issue 10 years since Romania joined NATO.
One decade later, Romania’s profile in NATO speaks of continuity, coherence and dynamism in supporting the country’s security interests. Romania is a respected Ally, its contributions in areas of major importance for the Euro-Atlantic security being quite substantial. Romania has been actively involved in providing arguments for NATO decisions of a civilian and military nature, throughout the process of organizational and operational maturation. The fact that Romania hosted NATO’s Summit in 2008 came as a confirmation of our country’s efforts to become a net security provider.
Romania has been present alongside the Allies in NATO missions and operations aimed at promoting stability and security worldwide. NATO officials and the leaders of the Euro-Atlantic community have noted the participation of Romanian military and experts, across the years, for their high-level training and professionalism. Our country participated in NATO efforts to fight terrorism, such actions being aimed at enhancing the capacity of reaction and the detailed knowledge of the terrorist phenomenon and threats, as well as at developing adequate response methods.
Once an aspirant state itself, today’s Romania remains an active supporter of NATO’s open-door policy, being ready to share its experience with the aspirant countries that can fulfill the goals required in order to join the community of principles and values which is the North Atlantic Alliance.
Today, NATO is the main security provider for Romania and offers the most important framework for transatlantic dialogue and cooperation in the field of security. In 2014, as we mark 10 years since our accession, there is no doubt we are witnessing the attainment of the highest degree of security in Romania’s contemporary history, which directly benefits the safety of Romanian citizens.
