Kwaśniewski's comments come ahead of the 25th anniversary of Poland's accession to the alliance.
The former president said in an interview for the Polish News Agency PAP that it is crucial for all NATO countries to prioritize maintaining the alliance's integrity, effectiveness, and readiness for defence and deterrence.
Kwaśniewski pointed out the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House and his 'sceptical attitude' towards NATO.
"I think that at this moment, the number one task of all NATO countries is to maintain the integrity of the alliance and sustain this structure as effective, operational, and truly ready to defend us, and above all, to deter," he explained.
As the next necessary change in the alliance, the former president highlighted "increasing European participation in NATO structures."
He acknowledged the convenience European countries have had in relying on American support but stressed the need for Europe to "contribute more to security matters, strengthen its defence industry, start thinking - first and foremost about joint rapid response forces, and perhaps a European army in the future."
Kwaśniewski also recalled the historic moment when, on February 26, 1999, he signed documents ratifying Poland's membership in NATO.
Tuesday, March 12, will mark 25 years since the day the foreign ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary formally presented documents confirming Poland's accession to NATO to US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in the US city of Independence.
(ał)
Source: PAP