Corina Cretu, who, as a presidential adviser was part of Romania’s delegation in 2004 at a ceremony in Washington for depositing the instruments of ratification of the protocol on Romania’s accession to NATO, still relives, after 20 years, the emotion of the historical moment and remembers with joy even the magnolia-filled setting in which the ceremony took place.

„Frankly, the emotions are bigger now, looking back, than they were then. I knew it was a crucial moment, but only with time did I realise how important this North Atlantic Alliance membership is. It was a special ceremony, held in Washington in the open air, in a setting full of magnolias, and my hopes since then have remained the same: Romanians will live better, develop and modernise,” Cretu told AGERPRES recently.

The former presidential adviser believes that there is still much to be done, but the work and efforts of those who contributed to Romania’s accession to NATO and then to the European Union must be recognised.

„In my opinion, it was the only country project to which all political parties contributed. Now, unfortunately, the fact that we do not have a national development strategy and to benefit to the fullest, as a country, from our NATO and the European Union memberships costs us and brings disappointment to the people.”

She believes that perhaps only now does the population understand the importance of that historical moment on March 29, 2004, in Washington, amid the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

„Perhaps it was only with the war in Ukraine and Russia’s aggression that many realised the importance of that moment, which keeps our peace and makes us feel safe,” MEP Cretu said.

She added that, besides the benefit of NATO’s collective defence system, Romania contributes to strengthening stability and security in the Black Sea region and on the eastern flank.

„We share the longest border with Ukraine, a state at war, and that gives us an important role in the North Atlantic Alliance. Equally, through our integration into NATO, we managed to consolidate Romania’s position and role on the international stages. From security advantages to strengthening external relations and military modernisation, we have succeeded in promoting economic development and Euro-Atlantic identity. The fact that we are part of the North Atlantic Alliance ensures the strengthening of diplomatic ties, trade and collaboration with other member states and partners outside Alliance.”

As a NATO member, added the former presidential adviser, Romania benefits from extremely important security guarantees and participates directly in making essential political decisions for Europe’s security.

AGERPRES