The protocol of Romania’s accession to NATO- the historical significance of a legal document

Abstract

This article commemorates the 20th anniversary of Romania's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a pivotal achievement in the country's post-1989 foreign policy. Romania’s engagement with NATO evolved through key milestones, including the 1994 Partnership for Peace, the formal request for membership in 1997 and its eventual invitation during the 2002 Prague Summit. Despite initial exclusion, Romania's ongoing reforms facilitated its accession in 2004, marking a significant step in its integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. This article reflects on Romania's NATO accession process and includes the official document of Romania’s accession to NATO.