During Tuesday’s European Parliament debate about the outcomes of the EU defence summit held in Strasbourg, Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) group, underscored the necessity for joint financing of the East Shield initiative by the European Union.
He argued that the responsibility for funding this project should involve all EU member states, not solely with Poland and the Baltic states. Weber emphasised that the EU requires flagship projects, such as anti-missile defence systems and airspace surveillance, to enhance collective security.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also contributed to the discussion.
In a press conference following the March EU summit, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reaffirmed that the East Shield had been solidified as a key defence priority for the EU, which carries significant implications for collective European security efforts.
At the time, PM Tusk explained, “If NATO is to continue as a guarantor of security for Poland and Europe, it is now clear that Europe must take on a greater share of defence responsibilities.” He called upon his colleagues in Brussels to advocate diligently for the East Shield, ensuring it remains a defined priority and does not diminish in importance.
The East Shield project includes establishing fortifications and natural barriers along approximately 800 kilometres of Poland’s eastern and northern borders, explicitly targeting key provinces such as Pomerania, Warmia-Masuria, Podlaskie, Lublin, and Subcarpathia. Construction of the initial components of the project is set to commence this year.
On 26 March, Prime Minister Tusk met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Warsaw, where they discussed the East Shield project. Tusk expressed his appreciation to Rutte for his solid support and genuine interest in this initiative, underscoring its significance within the broader context of European defence priorities.
“One for all, all for one! The NATO Secretary General confirmed full security guarantees for Poland, supported the East Shield and joint Baltic patrolling, and pointed to Russia as the main threat to the entire Alliance. A secure Poland is the highest priority,” PM Tusk posted on X after the meeting with Rutte.
