Prime Minister in Parliament: Hope Cannot Replace Strategy
Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister
07.03.2025
New European financing opportunities for defense, the protection of the eastern border, Europe's role in decisions regarding the war in Ukraine, and military training - these were some of the international and domestic initiatives presented by Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Parliament on Friday, aimed at strengthening the defense potential of both Europe and Poland. The head of government emphasized the need to reinforce transatlantic relations and urged politicians to refrain from actions that could disrupt the bipartisan consensus on national security.
Poland's National Security Consensus
Following a series of international meetings with Western leaders in Paris, London, and at the special European Council summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Donald Tusk briefed Parliament on the current international situation and Poland's security. He highlighted that, despite challenging geopolitical realities, Poland's strength lies in its unity on security matters across party lines.
"One thing is certain—when it comes to fundamental issues of the Republic's security, there has been a consensus in Poland for decades. [...] The key elements of this consensus have been two dimensions of our security: the transatlantic alliance and an unshakable partnership with the United States, as well as a strong position in a united Europe," the Prime Minister said in his address to Members of Parliament.
Despite some voices attempting to align with Russian narratives regarding the war in Ukraine, Poland's security consensus remains steadfast.
"In the Western world, and certainly in Poland, such views remain on the political fringe—significant and potentially dangerous given the international context, but still a fringe nonetheless," Tusk emphasized.
Maintaining Poland's security requires balancing strong NATO ties with a strong position in the EU. Poland will continue striving to maintain close transatlantic relations despite geopolitical turbulence.
"Every country, especially a superpower like the United States, has the right and duty to shape its foreign policy and strategies. But every country, including Poland, also has the right and duty to carefully and precisely assess what serves our security and what may create risks. [...] Poland has not changed its view on the absolutely fundamental need to maintain the closest possible ties with the United States and NATO," declared Prime Minister Tusk.
At the same time, Poland's stance on Ukraine remains unchanged - its independence directly impacts Poland's security.
"We all hope for full U.S. engagement in security guarantees for Ukraine. Let's be clear—when we talk about Ukraine, we are also talking about our own security. But I want to state unequivocally: hope is not enough. Hope alone cannot replace strategy," the Prime Minister warned.
"Supporting Ukraine while keeping Russia as far away as possible, strengthening Europe, and maintaining strong relations with the U.S.—this is our strategy and should be the guiding principle for all of Europe."
Supporting Ukraine is in Poland's Security Interest
The second pillar of Poland's national security consensus has been unequivocal support for Ukraine following Russia's aggression. If Ukraine remains a sovereign, independent, and pro-Western state, it will strengthen the security of Poland and Europe. However, if Ukraine loses the war and is forced into a truce that allows Russia to gain control over it, Poland will face a significantly more challenging geopolitical reality.
"Supporting Ukraine must remain part of Poland's national consensus. For three years, we have hosted large groups of Ukrainian refugees and migrants. [...] It is the responsibility of the entire political class to understand the frustration and sometimes anger, while also remembering the reasons for this migration and our strategic interest," the Prime Minister urged.
Ukraine's situation affects the security of all of Europe. That is why the European Council's extraordinary meeting once again reaffirmed unwavering support for Kyiv. Europe must be engaged in the peace process to ensure the stability and durability of any potential ceasefire. Poland's role in this will be crucial, particularly in securing the EU and NATO's eastern border.
"Everyone understands this—in Kyiv, Brussels, European capitals, and the United States—that Poland's primary task is to secure its eastern border, which is also NATO's and the EU's eastern flank," Tusk stressed.
Poland's contribution to supporting Ukraine, combined with its exemplary approach to NATO security spending, places it in a unique position. The government will safeguard this reputation—of Poland as a courageous, responsible, and solidarity-driven country.
New Financial Instruments for Defense
Intelligence reports indicate that Russia is preparing to expand its mobilization capacity, necessitating a swift European response, including efforts to enhance defense capabilities. Recent decisions show that Europe increasingly understands this urgency. The conclusions from the European Council's meeting pave the way for member states to strengthen their defense capabilities both nationally and collectively. One of the most significant measures will be the introduction of EU budget-backed loans of up to €150 billion for defense.
"European funds will be allocated to strengthening defense capabilities—in air defense, artillery systems, ammunition, missiles, drones, military mobility, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence in military applications, and cyber weapons. These funds will be available under highly favorable conditions for all interested member states, including the Polish defense industry," the Prime Minister explained.
Thanks in part to Poland's proposals, EU defense spending will not be counted toward national budget deficits. The Polish government will wisely utilize this greater flexibility in EU funding. Poland was the first to initiate the reallocation of PLN 30 billion from the National Recovery Plan to defense and armament.
"We will not hesitate. We will make decisions to shift funds from projects that are not deemed crucial by the government or local authorities. These funds will be used to enhance our defense capabilities," Tusk announced.
European leaders also discussed deregulation in the defense sector, which would accelerate industrial investments, including private-sector engagement.
"This is about easing regulations on public procurement and cutting bureaucracy—processes that currently delay the construction of ammunition factories by years," the Prime Minister pointed out.
Tusk also proposed the establishment of a European Defense Bank, modeled after the European Investment Bank, to finance defense projects.
Assertive Steps to Enhance National Defense
Poland will maintain high defense spending in the coming years. The global situation demands swift decisions in multiple areas. Plans are underway to introduce training programs for civilians who are not enlisted in the military—not as a return to compulsory military service, but as preparation for citizens to assist in national defense.
"We are already talking about the need for a 500,000-strong army in Poland, including reservists. [...] Intensive training programs should prepare civilians to become fully capable soldiers in the event of conflict," the Prime Minister announced.
The government will explore all available options to enhance defense capabilities—including reconsidering Poland's participation in the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines. The Prime Minister requested a formal assessment from the Minister of National Defense on this matter.
"We are aware of the arguments that led the world to restrict the use of this horrific weapon. But today, we must utilize every available measure to strengthen our defense," he declared.
A serious competition for security is ahead, and Poland must leverage the most advanced technologies, including nuclear and unconventional weapons. This approach will help Poland avoid historical mistakes.
"Some people like the idea of Poland as a frontier outpost. I do not want Poland to ever be a frontier outpost again. Fortifications should be beyond our borders. We must be inside, as a bastion, as the stronghold of the European fortress that we are now beginning to build—with great effort, but we have started," Tusk emphasized.
Poland faces challenges that demand unity and determination, but history has shown its ability to emerge stronger. National security and a stable position in Europe can be achieved through collective effort. By acting decisively and staying true to the values that have shaped the nation for centuries, Poland will remain not only secure but also invincible.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
