In Strasbourg, during the European Parliament’s plenary session, the importance of trans-European transport infrastructure was discussed in the context of slowing economic growth and serious threats to Europe’s security. Speaking on behalf of the ECR Group, PiS MEPs Kosma Złotowski and Piotr Müller called for support for the construction of the Via Pomerania, emphasizing its strategic importance for the region and for national defense.
Kosma Złotowski stated that “infrastructure means development, jobs, and new opportunities for the tourism industry, but it is also an element of the security architecture.”
“We know that Europe faces the threat of a traditional-style war—with masses of infantry, mechanized divisions, and tanks that will move along the transportation routes we build in peacetime,” said the PiS politician, pointing out that this is why it is so important for road, port, and airport projects to take military considerations into account. “That was the purpose of the Central Transport Hub—initially criticized, and today scaled back and delayed by the current Polish government: to ensure the rapid deployment of allied troops to Central Europe,” the MEP recalled.
As Złotowski explained, the Via Pomerania should also serve this purpose, connecting the naval port in Ustka with Bydgoszcz and Inowrocław. “The European Commission should find the funds and support the construction of this expressway as a vital component of Poland’s security infrastructure,” urged the EP quaestor.
Piotr Müller also emphasized the importance and role of the new Via Pomerania expressway in the discussion on trans-European transport networks. “It is extremely strategic from the perspective of my region, Pomerania, but also for Poland,” he noted.
As he explained, this road would connect the Baltic Sea—from Ustka, through Słupsk, Bytów, Chojnice, all the way to Bydgoszcz—and improve economic opportunities there, while also ensuring transportation security in terms of potential military deployment and in the context of crisis situations. “This is very important for Poland’s security, but also for the security of the Baltic Sea and the security of the countries located in this body of water,” he emphasized.
The PiS spokesperson in the European Parliament called on the European Commission to expedite the revision of the current transport network list in light of this, so that these new, security-critical routes can be included.
“At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Polish Presidency to quickly prepare a corridor study that can be submitted to the European Commission,” Müller added.
