In an interview with private broadcaster Tok FM on Monday, Radosław Sikorski said that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was holding preliminary discussions on the allocation of this potential portfolio.
Sikorski noted that the position of defense commissioner does not currently exist in the European Union, but is being proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking a second term in office.
"She has said that if she wins, she will create this position," Sikorski said. "This would be in line with the position of the European People's Party, which proposed strengthening European defense even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine."
He detailed the potential responsibilities of the defense commissioner, including overseeing a unified command, managing a European defense budget, and coordinating a rapid reaction force.
Sikorski stressed the significance of this role, particularly for the defense industry, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
"A defense commissioner will be the de facto commissioner for the defense industry. A very important brief," he added.
Sikorski acknowledged that France, with its well-developed defense industry, is a strong candidate for this portfolio.
"If this portfolio were taken by a commissioner from any of the major countries, it would show that the EU is finally taking defense seriously," he said.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP
