Poland in NATO

The talks at the Presidential Palace focused on the issue of military production in Europe, the need to extend the NATO Pipeline System to the countries of the eastern flank and the transfer of additional Polish fighters to Ukraine, provided that the skies over Poland are secured with aircraft from other NATO countries. The President of the Republic of Poland pointed out that we witness Russian provocations and violations of the airspace of NATO countries, including over the Baltic Sea.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Poland is consistently strengthening its army and increasing defence spending. Next year, our country plans to spend up to 4.7 percent of GDP for this purpose which is the highest figure among NATO countries. The Prime Minister also presented our efforts to fortify and strengthen the eastern border as part of the construction of the East Shield. Donald Tusk underlined Polish support to Ukraine and reiterated his statement: “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz talked with Secretary General about the most important challenges that NATO is facing and role of Poland in the Alliance. He also mentioned the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in Bydgoszcz. The meeting addressed a number of key issues, including strengthening of transatlantic relations, with a particular focus on the development of Poland’s defence capabilities and the eastern flank of the Alliance. It also covered the presence of Allied forces in Poland, defence expenditure and financing for the development of capabilities within NATO, and the priorities of the Alliance. The Head of the Ministry of Defence also made reference to the opening of the US Aegis Ashore missile defence base in Redzikowo that took place on the same day.

The talks in Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on security in Europe and the international implications of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The interlocutors agreed that considering the threat from Russia, it is crucial to further enhance NATO’s collective defence, especially on its eastern flank. They expressed hope for close cooperation with the incoming US administration in order to further strengthen the Alliance and transatlantic ties.

Another important item on the agenda involved a campaign of hybrid attacks targeting the Allies and the need to boost resilience and the ability to respond to this type of threats. In this context, Minister Sikorski noted the role of the Belarusian regime in destabilizing our region. The Polish Foreign Minister and NATO Secretary General also discussed the current situation on the Ukrainian front. Minister Sikorski declared Poland’s unwavering commitment to support Kyiv and our willingness to continue talks within NATO to ensure continued support for Ukraine’s war effort. Minister Sikorski briefed the new NATO Secretary General on Poland’s priorities and expectations ahead of next year’s NATO summit in The Hague. In view of Poland’s forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025, the officials discussed opportunities for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO with regard to improving European security and supporting Ukraine.

 

Based on the press releases from Chancellery of the President, Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Ministry of National Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo credit: Chancellery of the President, Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Ministry of National Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.