On Tuesday, October 4th, at the time of this year’s edition of the Warsaw Security Forum, Deputy Prime Minister opened the expert panel devoted to defense. The forum is a two-day conference organized by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. The head of the Ministry of National Defence of Poland draw attention to the fact that in the previous months the European security environment changed its shape drastically.

- February 24 reminds us that the horrors of a full-scale war in Europe do not belong to the past. Undoubtedly, it brings many questions on how to enhance our common security

– he said.

Deputy Prime Minister expressed his hope and trust that the effects of the conference will lay the firm foundation, which would let effectively face Russian aggression.

- As a result of the Russian brutal invasion in Ukraine we face a security crisis we have hoped we would never face again – a full-scale armed conflict in Europe. Russia’s aggression has proven Moscow’s neo-imperial ambitions, its general disregard for the European security architecture and rule-based international order, as well as readiness to use military force against its neighbors

- mentioned Minister.

Additionally, he underlined that from the very beginning of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the Belarusian regime has sided with Moscow supporting the aggression. Therefore, Belarus should feel the same level of pressure as Russia.

- No country can address the entire spectrum of threats and challenges alone. The entire Euro-Atlantic community must take a proactive stance to counter Russia’s efforts to undermine the rule-based international order and threaten our security

- Deputy Prime Minister added.

Warsaw Security Forum is a place to exchange experiences and debate on the subject of current security issues, with the participation of world-class experts. This year’s conference is the 9th edition of the Forum organized by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation.

- It is of crucial importance to enable Ukraine to push Russians back from captured territories(…). We should maximize comprehensive pressure on Russia to limit its capacity for action and finish the conflict as soon as possible

– he mentioned.

The head of the Ministry of Defence expressed his satisfaction with the decisions taken at the Madrid NATO summit in June, among others to strengthen the battalion battle groups on NATO’s eastern flank and transform them into brigade level.

- It demonstrates the unified perception of all Allies on the need for long-term NATO adaptation and an increase of Allied presence in NATO’s Eastern flank

- noted Deputy Prime Minister.

- The adaptation should transform NATO assurances from forward presence, endorsed during NATO Warsaw Summit in 2016, to forward defence. Able to ensure deterrence by denial of every inch of NATO’s territory. There is no alternative to such an approach. We cannot afford the risk of regaining territories that potentially would be occupied by Russia, also taking into account atrocities and war crimes committed by its army in Ukraine, nor can we afford  the devastation that is always the price of pushing Russia back

- underlined.

The forum is also a platform to discuss all the present dangers, with emphasis on the subject of the ongoing war in Ukraine and resilience against cyber threats, as well as matters of NATO growth. The debates will also cover the aspects of energy and climate security.

Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that until Russia is not ready to accept a political solution to the conflict, guaranteeing the long-lasting security of Ukraine, there is a need to continue sufficient, comprehensive support to Ukrainians. Equally military, humanitarian, and financial aid are needed both now, and when the war is over.

- We need to remember that they pay the highest price fighting for their and our freedom. What Kyiv can achieve at the negotiating table is very closely linked to the situation on the battlefield

– mentioned Minister Błaszczak.

The head of the Ministry of National Defence of Poland added that integrating Ukraine with the Euro-Atlantic community should be our best investment in stability and prosperity.

- There is a need for synergetic effort on both sides of the Atlantic in this regard, including coordination between EU and NATO countries.

Moreover, he underlined that the new reality of security in Europe requires investments in territorial defence, and to that aim, we must rapidly extend the Armed Forces’ quality and quantity. It is underpinned by the Bill on Homeland Defence, adopted in march 2022. The Bill allows to release of additional significant funds for both purchasing new equipment and increasing the number of troops. Defence expenses of Poland will reach 2,2% of GDP this year, and will reach the level of at least 3% from 2023.