European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has thrown her weight behind Poland's massive military modernisation programme, labelling the nation's defence buildup as 'extremely important' for the security of the entire European continent.
The show of support came during a joint press conference in Warsaw with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Her comments arrive at a critical juncture, as Poland undertakes one of the most ambitious military expansions in modern European history, largely in response to the ongoing war on its eastern border in Ukraine.
A Strategic Investment in Continental Security
Von der Leyen praised the Polish government's commitment, stating the investment was crucial not only for Poland's sovereignty but for the stability of the whole EU. 'This is extremely important for the security of Europe as a whole,' she emphasised, framing Poland's rearmament as a direct contribution to the bloc's collective defence posture.
This public endorsement from the EU's top official provides significant political cover for Prime Minister Tusk's government. It aligns Poland's national security strategy directly with broader European Union objectives, strengthening the bloc's eastern flank against potential aggression.
On the Frontline of European Defence
Poland, a key NATO member, has emerged as a pivotal military and logistical hub since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The nation has:
- Committed to spending more than 4% of its GDP on defence—one of the highest rates in the entire NATO alliance.
- Engaged in multi-billion dollar arms deals with South Korea and the United States for advanced fighter jets, tanks, and artillery systems.
- Played a vital role in channelling Western military aid to Ukrainian forces.
The presence of Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whose country follows a tradition of military neutrality, further highlights the wide-reaching European consensus on supporting Ukraine and bolstering defence capabilities where needed.
Von der Leyen's statements in Warsaw signal a unified European front, reinforcing that national security investments are viewed in Brussels as essential to safeguarding the future of the entire project of European integration.
