The speculation by politicians from the ruling left-liberal camp about plans to establish a European army in the future, or joint planning of military spending, has been confirmed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk who left no doubt about the direction Poland would go under his rule.
”The idea, which has been appearing for some time, must become our European project. Not a matter of debate, but a decision. I’m talking about a minimum of €100 billion, as well as possible additional funds for the defense and security of Europe,” he recently declared.
The prime minister was supported by his deputy and head of the Ministry of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who said that Europe must get used to war.
“A special council for security and defense industry should be established in Europe, as well as a new commissioner with competencies and a budget of €100 billion for the arms industry. Rapid reaction forces should also be created and air and missile defense should be shared. Europe must face these challenges in order to defend our common values, if necessary,” said the defense minister.
These ideas are now being put into action. Poland is becoming a member of the European Dome project. This shift in European defense policy is being welcomed by the Left party because of its European aspect.
And this is precisely the aspect that worries the conservative Law and Justice (PiS). While in power for years, they successfully resisted similar ideas of closer military cooperation within the EU, preferring to rely on the U.S.
“This is an idea that threatens Poland’s security. If we were to place the Polish army under the supervision of the European Union led by Germany, we would be putting a noose around our own neck,” said PiS MP Sebastian Kaleta.
He is not only concerned about the creation of a single European army or joint investment in the arms industry but also draws attention to what such moves may lead to and believes that it is, in essence, a German plan.
“This is also a plan to drive out competition, for example, American competition, from Europe, and it is in Poland’s interest to have a close alliance with the USA, not with Germany, which has failed Europe many times in recent years,” says Kaleta.
Any defense rapprochement between EU countries will only be possible after June’s elections to the European Parliament and the subsequent election of the new European Commission.
