Poland becomes the 6th Framework Nation of EUROCORPS.
25.01.2022
“We will work toward fulfilling our obligation that we are taking today upon ourselves. Having been engaged in the work of EC’s internal bodies for couple of years now, Poland is already fully on board in HQ’s activities. That gives our military a good position to take up the highest flag posts in the HQ, including the Commander’s post next year.I expect that Polish officers who are already here, and those who will join soon, will show professionalism and commitment in their day-to-day activities, will collect experience and share their own perspective, how to make this HQ an effective tool of security and defence, for both NATO and the European Union” - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defence, during the ceremony of welcoming Poland as the sixth framework nation of the Eurocorps.
On Tuesday, January the 25th, the head of the Ministry of National Defence in Strasbourg attended the ceremony of Poland's accession as the sixth framework nation to the Eurocorps structures. The delegation's visit to the Eurocorps began with a meeting with Lieutenant General Peter Devogelaere, the commander of the Eurocorps and the chiefs of staff of the framework nations.
In the Aubert de Vincelles Barracks in Strasbourg, the head of the Ministry of National Defence took part in the ceremony of welcoming Poland as the sixth Framework Country in the Eurocorps structures. The ceremony was accompanied by the symbolic joining of the Polish flagship post as the sixth in the array of Eurocorps countries and the hoisting of the Polish flag on the mast. The ceremony was chaired by the commander of the Eurocorps.
“Poland becomes the next framework nation, the sixth framework nation of the Eurocorps, here in Strasbourg. This is a measure of our activity to ensure security on the European continent. Eurocorps is a command of a dual nature. It is the command of both the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance. So far, it has been focused on threats from the south. The aim of our activity is to show that Europe is also under the threat from the east. These are Polish experiences related to, for example, recent months, with a hybrid attack that was conducted on the Polish-Belarusian border. The aim of our activity is to show that Poland provide its contribution to create a safe community, a community that deter possible aggressors " - emphasized the head of the Ministry of National Defence.
Minister Blaszczak noted that with accession to the group of framework nations, Poland would become involved in the development of the Eurocorps.
“You will be aware that with the change of its status in the EUROCORPS, Poland will deliver a noticeable manpower and technical contribution to the HQ. Let me mention that vis-à-vis important projects in the Polish Armed Forces underway, as well as other multinational commitments, the decision to provide additional contribution the EC required some adjustment in our development plans, in order to ensure appropriate resources. Giving the recent malign dynamics around the Polish borders, this has not been an easy decision. But we consider it as a sign of Poland’s commitment and practical contribution to the Euro-Atlantic security – the opportunity to manifest that Poland is not a security consumer but a security provider, in accordance with the 360-degree approach” – said the minister.
Initially, Poland became an Associated Nation of the Eurocorps in 2002. In January 2003, the first Polish officer and non-commissioned officer joined the Eurocorps in Strasbourg.
Currently, the Polish contingent comprises more than 60 soldiers. Soon, Polish soldiers will take up several highest flag posts in the HQ, and in the years 2023-2025 the Polish general will act as the commander of the Eurocorps.
When asked about the role of Poland in the Eurocorps, the head of the Ministry of National Defence emphasized that the presence of the Polish Army in this structure would enable participation in shaping the security policy of NATO and the European Union.
“We want to be able to effect the decisions of NATO and European Union command structures, including the Eurocorps, which is located in Strasbourg. Through our activity and participation as a framework nation in the Eurocorps, we will have an influence on decisions and on the chain of command in NATO and the European Union. So these are the goals that we have set for ourselves and today they have been achieved. Poland will provide the commander of the Eurocorps as early as next year. We will deliver a noticeable manpower of the Polish Army in the Eurocorps. We want to talk about the threats from the east and about the aggressive Russian policy. We also want to show evidence of what is happening on NATO's eastern flank. Poland has been attacked, we are dealing with a hybrid attack. Our representatives in the Eurocorps will inform the partner countries on a daily basis " – minister said.
>>> GALLERY – Poland as the framework nation of the Eurocorps
