We consider security in Europe to be indivisible and shared. The strengthening of European security means also the enhancement of security of the Slovak republic. We do not expect the process of NATO enlargement to create new spheres of influence and artificial dividing lines in Europe. We expect it to enhance mutual trust and cooperation between countries and strengthen peace not only in Europe but worldwide. The basis for considerations about the future European security architecture has to be viewed in the light of the realization that the security system can only be built in a way making everyone in Europe feel safe.
Mutual distrust lays firm ground for tension and conflicts.
For decades, the past division of Europe into two blocks unable to reach peace, created a source of tension and the threat of open confrontation that could break into a global conflict. The disintegration of the bipolar block structure reduced the risk of global conflict, yet it also increased the potential of new unforeseen security problems. Only gradually have we come to recognize them and we keep on looking for means of solving them. These issues pose new challenges to our trans-Atlantic and European area. We consider the Madrid decision on NATO enlargement, the signing of the Founding Document between the North Atlantic Alliance and the Russian Federation, as well as the endorsement of the Charter between the North Atlantic Alliance and the Ukraine to be a historical breakthrough in construction of a new security architecture in Europe.