At the European Parliament in Strasbourg, during the ongoing plenary session, a debate took place on the White Paper on European Defense, which Ursula von der Leyen had announced would be published on March 19. PiS MEPs Adam Bielan and Beata Szydło spoke during the discussion.
Adam Bielan said that the White Paper and its implementation provide a good opportunity to ensure that Europe strengthens its commitments, which will translate into real capabilities and increased protection for citizens. The MEP noted that the war in Ukraine has highlighted the consequences of inaction and overreliance on external partners in the area of European defense. He also noted that, beyond Ukraine, Europe is increasingly becoming a target of hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns that directly threaten political and economic stability. “However, despite all possible efforts, NATO remains the cornerstone of our security,” he emphasized. According to the Polish politician, Europe must get involved, but it is crucial that its initiatives complement, rather than duplicate, NATO’s role. In Bielan’s view, in its current form, “the joint resolution is troubling.” “Instead of strengthening Europe’s security, it promotes an alternative to NATO, undermines the autonomy of member states on defense issues, and risks deepening the confrontation with the United States—our most important ally,” he noted. The PiS politician believes that Europe should instead focus on genuinely strengthening security: rebuilding capabilities, deepening transatlantic ties, and investing in effective and credible deterrents.
Beata Szydło said that “war is being waged here and now” and immediate action must be taken. She also stated that a discussion on the future of Europe’s defense and security is necessary and that it is good that it is taking place. At the same time, the former Polish prime minister recalled the 2022 Versailles summit, when discussions were also held on strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities. “Three years later, we’re back to square one. Well, perhaps the difference is that, in the meantime, Europe has lost its economic competitiveness, and heavy industry has practically disappeared,” she noted. According to Szydło, anyone who thinks Europe can manage without NATO and “who is currently trying to take offense at the United States” is making a huge mistake. “We need to learn from this and move forward,” she cautioned. In this context, she mentioned President Andrzej Duda’s proposal, in which he suggested that the Polish government amend the constitution to enshrine 4 percent of GDP from the Polish budget as guaranteed defense funding, even though Poland already spends 5 percent of GDP on this purpose. “I hope the Polish government will accept this proposal and that other NATO member states will understand that they must fulfill their obligations to ensure Europe’s security,” she said.
