When did Poland join Nato?

POLAND is one of the countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) that is ready to protect a fellow nation if it is ever attacked. Let’s find out when Poland joined Nato. GettyPoland joined Nato in 1999[/caption] When did Poland join Nato? Poland joined The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) in 1999. Although Poland and Ukraine share a 535km border, Poland is a Nato member state and Ukraine is not. Speaking on a video call with the Ukrainian military, Zelensky said: “Ukraine is not a member of Nato. “We have heard for years that the doors were open but we also heard that we could not join.” Read more on Russia-Ukraine WARMONGERS Russian invasion of Europe ‘more likely than ever' reveal bombshell leaked docs VLAD TANK GRAVEYARD Snaps of liberated Ukraine city of Lyman sum up Putin's war effort What is Nato? Nato was established in 1949 as an international military alliance for mutual defence against the perceived threat of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It first started with 12 member states, however, since then it expanded to 30. Poland ceased to be a member of The Warsaw Pact – the USSR’s alternative to Nato – when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. In 1999 Poland joined Nato along with Hungary and Czech Republic. Most read in The Sun GROVELLING APOLOGY I did send acid attack voice note, Ferne McCann sensationally admits HELPING HAND Millions on benefits to get new £650 cost of living payment TRIAL CHALLENGE I’m A Celeb fans all say the same thing as they notice cruel trend in camp DOUBLE YOUR MONEY Squeezed Brits in line for up to £1,100 boost under Sunak Budget plan PAIN GAME Warning to anyone who takes paracetamol over 'bizarre side effect' RIGHT BACK AT YA Gary Neville hits back at Ronaldo after Utd star said 'he's not my friend' The organisation is considered to be the largest and most powerful military alliance in history. It is committed to individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law with all decisions taken by consensus. Nato’s permanent headquarters are in Brussels where the Secretary-General chairs senior decision-making bodies sit. The current Secretary-General is former Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg. Summit meetings are not regular, heads of government and state meet at key moments in the Alliance’s evolution. Summits are used, for example, to introduce a new policy, invite new members into the Alliance, launch major initiatives and reinforce partnerships. Which other countries are in Nato? There are 30 member states in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The post-war alliance has expanded to include 28 European member states and two North-American states. Read More on The Sun XMAS CHEERS Martin Lewis reveals how to get £200 free cash for Christmas & top gifting tips NEW LOOK Big Brother's Lisa Appleton looks unrecognisable as she goes glam for new career Here are all the Nato member states and the year that they joined. UK (1949)US (1949)Canada (1949)Denmark (1949)Belgium (1949)Portugal (1949)Norway (1949)Iceland (1949)Italy (1949)Netherlands (1949)France (1949)Luxembourg (1949)Greece (1952)Turkey (1952)Germany (1955)Spain (1982)Hungary (1999)Czech Republic (1999)Poland (1999)Slovakia (2004)Slovenia (2004)Lithuania (2004)Estonia (2004)Latvia (2004)Bulgaria (2004)Romania (2004)Albania (2009)Croatia (2009)Montenegro (2017)North Macedonia (2020)