# Poland joins NATO (1999)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1999-poland-joins-nato
Location: Independence, Missouri
Categories: main-event

On 12 March 1999 Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary joined NATO in Independence, Missouri. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (12 March 1999), the governing authority was Aleksander Kwaśniewski (President of Poland). Two-term president who oversaw the 1997 Constitution and accession to NATO and the EU. Poland joins NATO mattered because diplomacy defined Poland's relations with its neighbours and the wider world. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Poland joins NATO mattered because diplomacy defined Poland's relations with its neighbours and the wider world.

Ruler at the time: [Aleksander Kwaśniewski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/aleksander-kwasniewski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Poland–NATO relations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland%E2%80%93NATO_relations)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Poland joins NATO](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Poland+joins+NATO)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))