Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the Eastern Shield project is now "formally underway." He highlighted that it is a collaborative defense effort that includes the Baltic states and Finland, and mentioned that he will be negotiating its co-financing in Brussels in the near future.
At a press briefing, the Prime Minister voiced his satisfaction that the "Eastern Shield" initiative is now fully in motion. He pointed out that it is not solely a Polish project but a joint effort, with the Baltic states contributing to strengthening the Baltic defense line. He also emphasized Finland's involvement in the initiative.
PM Tusk added that he is pleased the British are now actively collaborating on the Eastern Shield project, and noted that the Americans are prepared to join as well.
He emphasized that a large part of the infrastructure will serve civilian purposes. "This will be funded not only by national resources but also through European funds, which I will be discussing in Brussels in the upcoming days and weeks," the Prime Minister stated.
The resolution to establish the "National Deterrence and Defense Program – Eastern Shield," with a budget of 10 billion PLN (approximately 2.3 billion EUR) for implementation between 2024 and 2028, was adopted by the Council of Ministers.
A statement from the Chancellery of the Prime Minister indicates that the government plans to develop extensive defense infrastructure along NATO's eastern flank to address potential threats from Belarus and Russia.
Source: IAR/PAP/MON/X/@Platforma_org/@SztabGenWP
(m p)