Poland as a NATO Anchor on Europe’s Eastern Front
Poland is positioning itself as a leading force within NATO, especially on the alliance’s eastern flank. The Chief of the General Staff, General Wiesław Kukuła, asserts that Polish efforts to build and sustain defense capabilities are earning attention within NATO. He notes that Poland is increasingly looked to as a model of progress and readiness.
In an interview with PAP, General Kukuła reflected on Poland’s NATO journey after 25 years of membership. He expressed confidence that Poland has redefined its role inside the alliance. “Today, NATO essentially centers around us. We have driven a major transformation of our position in NATO,” he stated, underscoring Poland’s proactive force development and growing defense competencies that contribute to NATO missions and strategic plans. This, he argues, translates into greater influence and a stronger regional leadership position.
According to the general, despite political turbulence, NATO remains the strongest response to contemporary security threats. “Our 25-year evolution in NATO, and our ability to anticipate and counter threats, set standards that many countries study closely. This bodes well for Poland to help shape the alliance’s future,” he added.
On the topic of a European armed force, General Kukuła cautioned that creation at this stage does not seem rational. He did, however, see significant potential in a synergistic approach that strengthens collaboration between NATO and the European Union. He emphasized that NATO remains focused on military-security processes, while the EU holds vast potential to bolster economic and industrial security within those processes. This model of cooperation between the two institutions appears especially prudent given current threats.
Regarding the possibility of an EU Commissioner for Defense, General Kukuła said the concept “makes a lot of sense.” A defense commissioner could steer the EU’s defense policy and synchronize it with related efforts within the bloc. He stressed that this does not automatically imply the EU should field its own armed forces. Yet, he highlighted the EU’s current capacity, particularly visible in support for Ukraine, as a clear indicator of its potential today.
The general also noted the shared ground between the EU and NATO. Twenty-three countries participate in both organizations, including Poland. Poland is set to contribute a Battle Group to the EU in 2024 and 2025 and hosts a key component of the EU’s training mission in Ukraine through CAT-C, funded by EU resources under the EUMAM program. These steps illustrate how Poland is helping to strengthen collective security across Europe.
Sweden’s entry as the 32nd NATO member was cited as a critical development for the Baltic security landscape. General Kukuła described Sweden as the “missing piece of the puzzle” in this region. From a technical standpoint, Sweden has long prepared for integration with NATO, operating a comprehensive total-defense strategy with capable armed forces and a resilient society. He expressed the view that Sweden will bring security benefits to the alliance while also reinforcing Poland’s own security cooperation with Stockholm, a collaboration described as consistently fruitful over many years.
General Kukuła’s comments reflect a broader narrative about Poland’s ongoing collaboration with its allies. As the alliance continues to adapt to evolving threats, Poland’s role as a regional leader and contributor to European and transatlantic security remains a central thread. Poland’s commitment to training and defense readiness continues to shape NATO’s approach to deterrence, crisis management, and alliance cohesion.
- The anniversary of Poland’s accession to NATO is observed with reflection on the process and ongoing commitments to raise defense capabilities and support allied security guarantees. This history underscores a central obligation to maintain and advance national defenses while assisting partners where possible.
For further context on Poland’s quarter-century in NATO, analyses highlight the country’s broad contribution and the effort involved in aligning with alliance goals. These assessments emphasize a continuous commitment to strengthening collective security through proactive defense modernization and active participation in NATO missions.
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Attribution: wPolityce