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Poland outlines 'Shield East' defense plan to EU ministers in Brussels

29.05.2024 11:00
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk has outlined his country's "Shield East" project to EU defense ministers in Brussels, detailing plans for a comprehensive system of fortifications and barriers along Poland's eastern border.
Cezary Tomczyk
Cezary TomczykPhoto: Przemysław Chmielewski/Polish Radio

The project, aimed at bolstering the country's defense capabilities, was met with significant enthusiasm from the attending ministers, Tomczyk said on Tuesday.

The meeting in Brussels also focused on the broader topic of financing the European arms industry.

"We discussed ensuring that both the EU and NATO are explicitly involved in projects that impact all of Europe," Tomczyk told reporters, emphasizing the "positive reception" of Poland's Shield East project.

"The European missile shield and Shield East are critical for the defense of the entire EU space," he stated.

Tomczyk highlighted discussions with the defense ministers of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia about integrating Shield East with their national defense systems.

"We have the planned Baltic defense line, to be built in the future, and Shield East; these projects must work together," he said.

Poland’s Shield East National Defense and Deterrence Plan, announced earlier this month by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, focuses on constructing and upgrading much of the country’s military infrastructure.

These include logistics and reconnaissance improvements to enhance the Polish Army's capabilities and the establishment of barriers and fortifications to hinder potential aggressors.

On Monday, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, along with Tomczyk and Gen. Wiesław Kukuła, chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, unveiled details on the Shield East initiative. The PLN 10 billion (EUR 2.35 billion, USD 2.55 billion) project is set to be completed by 2028.

(jh/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP