Poland will become one of the leaders of NATO, the undisputed leader on the eastern wall of the Alliance – said the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, General Wiesław Kukuła. He believed that Polish efforts to develop and sustain defense capabilities are being noticed in NATO. “We are held up as role models there,” he added.
In an interview with PAP, General Kukuła was asked about Poland’s achievements in NATO after 25 years of membership in the Alliance.
I am confident that over the past 25 years we have completely reevaluated our place in the Alliance. Today, NATO is just us. We have achieved a massive transformation of our role in the Alliance. Our proactive approach to force development, and thus the growing contribution of our defense competencies and active involvement in the Alliance’s missions and plans, makes us a regional leader and translates into increasing influence on NATO
– he said.
General Kukuła believed that, despite various political turbulences, the Alliance is the best response to today’s security threats.
Our position in NATO, which we have developed over the past 25 years, and our ability to anticipate and respond to threats, set standards that are being carefully studied by many countries. This gives a good chance that the future of the Alliance will also be shaped in Poland
– added.
European Armed Forces
When asked about the ideas currently existing in the public space regarding the creation of a European armed force, the general replied that this did not seem rational at this stage.
At the same time, he said he sees great opportunities in the synergistic combination of NATO and EU efforts.
The Alliance has been and remains focused on processes related to military security. The European Union has enormous potential to create economic and industrial security for military security processes. This model of cooperation between these organizations currently appears to be the most suitable in the context of existing threats
– he emphasized.
General Kukuła also commented on the possible creation of the position of EU Commissioner for Defense. He said this idea “makes a lot of sense.” He added that a commissioner in this position could focus on managing the EU’s defense policy and synchronizing its activities with other processes implemented in the organization.
This does not necessarily mean that the EU should develop its own armed forces.
However, he noted that the EU’s potential today “is visible with full clarity in the context of supporting Ukraine.”
He emphasized that the EU and NATO have many things in common.
Twenty-three countries belong to both organizations. This includes Poland, which will deliver a Battle Group to the Union in 2024 and 2025. Poland is also home to a key component of the EU’s training mission to Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have already been trained in CAT-C, funded by EU funds under the EUMAM program
– he noted.
The Chief of the General Staff also referred to the entry of the 32nd member – Sweden – into the North Atlantic Alliance. He assessed that Sweden was the “missing piece of the puzzle” when it comes to the strategic and security situation in the Baltic region.
From a ‘technical’ point of view, Sweden has long been prepared for the process of integration with NATO. This is a country that has successfully implemented a total defense strategy. Sweden also has a very well-equipped armed forces and a resilient society
– he said.
General Kukula believed that Sweden will of course be a recipient of security, but at the same time “will greatly strengthen the Alliance, that is, us.” He added that Poland’s cooperation with Sweden in the field of security has been ongoing for many years and “has always been very fruitful.”
- The anniversary of Poland’s accession to NATO is next Tuesday, March 12, 1999. Foreign Minister Bronisław Geremek presented US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with Poland’s instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, formally establishing a Poland’s accession process to the Alliance came to an end. From that moment on, Poland is covered by security guarantees arising from, among other things: joke. 5 of the Treaty is also obliged, among other things: to continuously maintain and develop its own defense capabilities and to assist other allies.
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mly/PAP
Source: wPolityce