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Poland to use state-owned land for Eastern Shield project: defense ministry

12.11.2024 16:50
Poland's defense ministry has pledged that the Eastern Shield border security project will primarily rely on state-owned land, with the use of eminent domain for private property limited to isolated cases.
Officials brief reporters on the Eastern Shield initiative at a press conference in Białystok, eastern Poland, on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
Officials brief reporters on the Eastern Shield initiative at a press conference in Białystok, eastern Poland, on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Photo: PAP/Artur Reszko

On Tuesday, officials revealed more details of the Eastern Shield initiative at a press conference in the eastern city of Białystok.

"All our efforts, including the Eastern Shield initiative and the construction and modernization of the border barrier, aim to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists," said Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk.

Another deputy defense minister, Stanisław Wziątek, said that the Eastern Shield project will be carried out using state-owned land, including areas managed by the State Forest Authority and other public assets.

He assured the public that there are no plans for "large-scale expropriations," with any such cases being rare and incidental.

Eastern Shield: investing €2.3 bn in border security

The PLN 10 billion (EUR 2.3 billion) project will be funded by the government and EU grants, with support from NATO.

Officials say its goal is to create the most secure and innovative border in Europe, featuring a range of fortifications, terrain obstacles and military infrastructure along Poland’s borders with Russia and Belarus.

Tomczyk told reporters that the effort is designed to guarantee security for local communities and visitors alike.

(mp/gs)

Source: PAP/MON/TVN24/X/@SztabGenWP