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Ukraine war, global threats discussed at Warsaw Security Forum

02.10.2024 21:00
The war in Ukraine was the main topic at this year’s Warsaw Security Forum, one of Europe’s key conferences focusing on security.
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Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attends the Warsaw Security Forum on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attends the Warsaw Security Forum on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada

The event, organized by the Pulaski Foundation, discussed the challenges posed by threats to Europe’s eastern borders.

The Warsaw Security Forum is a leading European platform focused on promoting transatlantic cooperation.

On the first day of the two-day conference, top government officials and defense experts explored critical international security issues, including continued support for Ukraine and the need to strengthen the transatlantic alliance.

Discussions also covered the military and defense capabilities of European countries.

Focus on Ukraine's challenges, transatlantic ties

Poland's President Andrzej Duda, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and parliamentary Speaker Szymon Hołownia emphasized the importance of international solidarity in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and other global challenges.

Duda highlighted the need to support Ukraine and bolster the defense of allied nations, while Hołownia called for restructuring the security architecture.

National Security Bureau head Jacek Siewiera stressed the need to remain vigilant.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili told the conference that Europe’s future could hinge on upcoming elections in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, urging support for her country.

Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition, said: "I constantly advocate for Ukraine because they are fighting not just for territory; they are fighting for democracy."

Enhancing cybersecurity

On the second day of the forum, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski announced consultations for a new national cybersecurity strategy aimed at enhancing the country’s resilience in cyberspace.

Gawkowski also said that his ministry would soon present a draft law on the National Cybersecurity System, aligning Polish regulations with the EU’s NIS2 directive, which requires key sectors to ensure adequate cybersecurity and report cyberattacks.

"Digitization and cybersecurity should be treated as a priority in every country, and this is exactly what Poland is doing," Gawkowski told the conference.

Selection of Poland's European prosecutor

Justice Minister Adam Bodnar confirmed that the name of Poland’s European public prosecutor, responsible for investigating violations of the EU’s financial interests, such as corruption and money laundering, would be announced shortly.

He told the conference that joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, a decision made by Donald Tusk’s government, helped unlock funds for Poland’s National Recovery Plan.

“The declaration was sent to the European Commission in December," Bodnar said. "We are formally part of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and practical cooperation will begin at the start of the new year."

He added: "Poland has already selected its European prosecutor, and the name will be revealed within days."

Poland nominated three candidates for European public prosecutor—Agnieszka Adamowicz, Grażyna Stronikowska and Paweł Wąsik—from whom the European Council will choose one for a six-year term.

Meeting with Garry Kasparov

The 2024 Warsaw Security Forum also featured a meeting with Russian opposition leader Garry Kasparov.

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Source: IAR/PAP/Warsaw Security Forum

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.