Romania and Euro-Atlantic integration

Book abstract:

Since the fall of communism, extending the NATO alliance to include Eastern Europe has become an important and much discussed issue. Initially, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary were those thought to be most ready to join, and were invited to do so at the Madrid Summit in 1997. However, given its continuing commitment to democracy, Romania is now considered by many to be a serious contender.

It is against this background that the present volume discusses the progress Romania has made since the fall of communism and the significant contribution the country can make to peace and security in Europe as a member of the NATO alliance. The criteria for membership of NATO include: a demonstrated commitment to democracy; progress in the creation of a market economy; respect for human rights and the rights of ethnic minorities; good relations with neighbouring countries; and assuring civilian control over the armed forces. Different aspects of the criteria for membership are examined, and Romania's security strategy, defence policy, military policy, foreign policy and ethnic relations policy are studied, in addition to an introductory chapter, a chapter on NATO and one on the Euro-Atlantic alliance in the 1990s.

Dr Kurt W. Treptow is the Director of the Center for Romanian Studies, while General Mihail E. Ionescu is the Director of the NATON/WEU Integration Division at the Romanian Ministry of Defence. The majority of the other contributors work in the Romanian Government or the army in different capacities.