Beyond compromise: towards the Europeanization of NATO’s Eastern Flank
NATO’s post-Cold War enlargement promised a stable and prosperous future for Central and Eastern Europe. Yet compromises meant to accommodate Russia left the Alliance’s Eastern Flank exposed for years. Today, with renewed uncertainty in transatlantic politics, European allies face the challenge of strengthening deterrence without relying too heavily on the United States.
September 25, 2025 -
Eoin Micheál McNamara
-
Issue 5 2025Magazine
Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk (right) meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in 2024. Poland leads European spending in defence, with nearly five per cent of GDP already in 2025. Photo courtesy of NATO

This article is for members only
Join the New Eastern Europe community to unlock this article — plus enjoy full access to premium content, our digital archive, newsletter insights, and podcast updates.
Already a member? Sign in to read the full article.




































