In a speech delivered in Olsztyn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak stated that under the current administration Poland will defend every inch of its land. He stressed a commitment to expanding the military presence with more units, reinforcing the view that national defense remains a central pillar of the country’s development. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
Gazeta Olsztyńska Man of the Year
At the 7th Congress of the Future, Błaszczak accepted the title of Man of the Year, awarded by Gazeta Olsztyńska, the event’s principal organizer. The jury praised what it called a historic and unprecedented contribution to Poland’s security. The minister also congratulated Andrzej Śliwka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets, who shared the moment on social media. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
In his remarks, Błaszczak tied national growth to safety, arguing that prosperity cannot exist without robust protection. He noted a notable rise in enlistments, describing it as a strong signal of citizens’ confidence in defense and broad civic support for military service. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
A safe Poland requires a strong, modern army
The minister outlined ongoing efforts to rebuild and expand the armed forces, naming Ostróda and Olecko as focal points. He highlighted plans to establish new units within the Warmia-Masuria region to reassure the nation and deter potential threats, underscoring the strategic importance of a visible regional presence. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
Błaszczak also reflected on lessons from the Ukraine crisis, arguing that it confirmed early warnings about regional aggressors and the risks they pose. He affirmed that Poland remains anchored in the North Atlantic Alliance, with NATO units and American forces stationed in Warmia-Masuria conducting joint drills with Polish troops. This collaboration, he said, strengthens the homeland’s security landscape. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
According to the minister, the strength of the Polish military remains the single most important factor for national security. He noted that last year marked the largest wave of new recruits since the suspension of compulsory service, signaling broad public engagement with defense. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
“We are not waiting, we are strengthening the Polish army”
On armaments, the minister highlighted investments in modern equipment, including K2 tanks slated for domestic production. He stressed that the defense sector and the industry must advance together to build resilience and ensure strategic autonomy for the country. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
He recalled the arrival of the first HIMARS launchers ordered in 2019, delivered to Poland the previous week, underscoring modernization as a central element of national defense. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
“We will not give up a piece of Polish territory.”
Błaszczak insisted that the government has enacted measures to defend every portion of Polish land and would not concede any territory. He explained that newly created units would be stationed in eastern regions, ensuring a robust presence where it is most needed and reinforcing territorial integrity through sustained military readiness. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
The defense leadership reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing expansion, inviting service in the Polish Army and the Territorial Defense Forces, and promoting participation in training campaigns like Train with the Army as part of a broader effort to deepen readiness across the force. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
Highway S16 as a strategic link
At the congress, Błaszczak discussed plans for a highway along the entire S16 corridor. Framed as a critical logistical and security corridor, the route is described as the region’s communication backbone, facilitating the movement of military and civilian resources across Polish, American, and NATO units. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
He noted that the decision would be forwarded to Parliament and argued that the highway would boost the local economy and support tourism by improving access to Warmia and Masuria. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
Organizers described the congress as a focal point for discussions on military and security topics, hosting panels with experts, policymakers, local officials, scientists, and business figures to chart development paths for the region and beyond. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)
Source notes indicate coverage by regional media and national agencies, with reporting attributed to the press pool. The overarching message emphasizes steadfast defense policy and regional growth alongside international cooperation. (Gazeta Olsztyńska)