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Polish commander of the Eurocorps

29.06.2023

"History is being made before our eyes. This is a milestone in the history of Poland and the Eurocorps, as today's event is another important step in Poland's integration into the Eurocorps. After we became the 6th framework country of the Eurocorps last year, today we open another chapter of Polish participation in this structure. A Polish general will take command of this structure for the very first time. The Eurocorps is a crucial element in the chain of command, both in NATO and in the European Union." - Mariusz Blaszczak, Minister of National Defense, said during his visit to the Eurocorps.

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On June 29 in Strasbourg, the head of the Ministry of Defense took part in the ceremony of the assumption of command of the Eurocorps by Lieutenant General Jaroslaw Gromadzinski. It was the first time in history that a Pole took command of this multinational structure.

- The last year's events have fundamentally changed Europe's security environment. The unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine has destroyed our sense of peace and stability in all areas. Moscow does not follow the order of international law and wants to undermine all collective efforts to enhance security. Right now, more than ever, Europe must be united against this aggression. We must also do everything to prevent Russia from making progress. Given the situation at hand, this command and standby, as well as the ability to respond, are very important. Effective deterrence is vital. Eurocorps, as well as other commands with this kind of capability, are a very important part of our security

- Minister M. Blaszczak said during the ceremony.

During the ceremony, the head of the Ministry of Defense also handed out medals of the Polish Armed Forces to Eurocorps officers.

- I am convinced that General Gromadzinski will fulfill his role very well as commander of the Eurocorps and will show full professionalism and commitment to his duties

- the minister noted. 

Minister M. Blaszczak emphasized the role of the Eurocorps in the context of the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius.

- The duality of the Eurocorps, however, creates an obligation to maintain a balance between the two organizations. Given the Russian aggression, we should show our readiness for the Eurocorps to be able to take on the most responsible roles within NATO. The Vilnius Summit will have a key impact on the entire Alliance for the coming years. A new force model, new plans and also an increase in the number of readiness forces will demonstrate the role of the Eurocorps as well. The establishment of the Eurocorps as a credible command structure within NATO will allow this command, as well as the entire North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union, to develop

- he said.

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Eurocorps is a multinational rapid reaction command based in Strasbourg. Forces assigned to the multinational command can be used in operations under the auspices of the European Union, NATO and the United Nations - including humanitarian and rescue missions or peacemaking and peacekeeping missions.

Eurocorps began operations in 1993. In 2022, Poland, from an associate country, became one of the framework countries - influencing the structure and tasks of this multinational command.

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