Poland faces the excessive deficit procedure, a point of contention for one deputy defence minister, Cezary Tomczyk, who argued that Poland shoulders a heavy burden defending the eastern flank of the EU and NATO. Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski echoed the sentiment, calling any attempt to curb Poland’s economic power a path to nowhere.
During a panel at the Poles of the Future Campus in Olsztyn, attended by Tomczyk and Trzaskowski among others, questions arose about EU assistance for border defense and whether the community should deepen its efforts in this area.
Tomczyk reminded attendees that Poland is subject to the excessive deficit procedure and stressed that the country guards the eastern border of both the EU and NATO.
He stated frankly that he disagreed with how the European Union has approached this issue, noting that Poland bears a substantial share of the burden for securing the entire EU and NATO, and expressing a desire for Brussels to recognize this responsibility.
Trzaskowski highlighted a clear shift in security approaches between the current and previous administrations, expressing hope that future leadership would continue this trajectory.
– said the deputy head of PO.
Praise for Tusk
Trzaskowski argued that the essential difference lies in the EU influence that can be exerted. He suggested that without Prime Minister Donald Tusk actively steering actions in the European Parliament, Poland might not be positioned to wean itself from Russian energy dependency.
The goal, he said, is not only to bolster Poland’s military readiness and upgrade its equipment but also to ensure these priorities are reflected within EU policy. He emphasized that Poland should shape EU priorities alongside its national needs.
Trzaskowski further asserted that the European Union must acknowledge Poland’s role in ensuring EU security. Attempts to limit Poland’s economic autonomy and decision-making power — including through the excessive deficit procedure — would be counterproductive. The EU should prioritize border security and strengthen its defense capabilities, a path Poland is prepared to lead.
According to him, Poland has taken on a leadership role in shaping EU security policy and should continue to do so. He added that President Andrzej Duda is not always consulted on core issues, a situation he views as limiting Poland’s influence within the bloc.
The deputy head of PO recalled that discussions on the new EU budget are imminent and that Poland’s priorities must be recalibrated. He expressed confidence in Poland’s ability to drive this change.
With a capable government and an effective presidency, Poland could expand its influence on broadly recognized security matters beyond national defense, touching on the strategic direction of both the EU and the North Atlantic Alliance.
– Trzaskowski noted. He argued that this shift would not be limited to modernization of the military but would involve changes in the EU and NATO’s behavior and governance.
In July, the EU Council announced the initiation of the Excessive Deficit Procedure against Poland, France, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Malta, and Slovakia. Poland’s 2023 deficit stood at 5.1%, with expectations of around 5.5% this year. Government forecasts warn that without consolidation measures, Poland’s government debt could exceed 60% of GDP in the coming years.
Finance Minister Andrzej Domański told the Poles of the Future Campus that maintaining a robust GDP growth rate would be key to resolving the Excessive Deficit Procedure. He added that Poland remains in a technical dialogue with the European Commission, arguing that the substantial portion of GDP spent on defense — more than 4% this year — is a contribution not only to Poland but to Europe, and should help steer the deficit toward a more moderate target.
He commented that Brussels’ actions toward Poland have not deterred the government from pursuing defense priorities. The exchange underscores the belief that defense investment can align with broader EU fiscal stability goals.
– the minister noted.
mly/PAP
Source: wPolityce