The integration into the EU obliges no candidate state to become a NATO member first. “This matter is discussed in Moldova. But no parallels should be drawn between Poland and Moldova in this respect. This was Poland’s choice, but there are many EU member states that are not NATO members,” Polish Ambassador in Chisinau Artur Michalski said in an interview for IPN.

The diplomat said the people are misled by the assertions that the accession to the EU implies accession to NATO, of which many are afraid. “They are two different organizations, even if they are both western ones. A country can be an EU member without being a NATO member, as for example Sweden and Austria,” he stated.

Poland became a NATO member 15 years ago and an EU member – 10 years ago.