ARE WE SAFE IN EUROPE?
Amid ongoing threats and unexpected conflicts from its eastern neighbors, Europe's future is uncertain. Poland, in response, has invested heavily in strengthening its military defenses. Despite being part of NATO and the EU, the question lingers: can safety and security be guaranteed in such unpredictable times?
Poland's Strategic Response to Regional Threats
As regional tensions rise and the Russian aggression in Ukraine continues, Poland has started a new program to boost its national defense. Called "Holidays with the Army" this summer initiative offers basic military training to young people from the age of 18 to 35. The goal is to expand Poland's 198.000-member army.
The program takes place in eastern Poland and focuses on teaching essential combat and survival skills. In exchange for their commitment, participants receive 6.000 Złoty (around $1.500) for the 28-day training period.
„The threat has become real, and we feel it. It is direct, it is very close.“
Major Michał Tomczyk, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Defence
Major Michał Tomczyk from the Operations Centre of the Ministry of National Defence evaluates the current state of Poland's military defense and the importance of initiatives such as "Holidays with the Army".
Major Michał Tomczyk, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Defence
Poland's Strategic Role in NATO: Contributions and Challenges
Since its formation in 1949, NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has stood as a cornerstone of collective defense and security for its 31 member countries across North America and Europe. At its core is the principle of mutual defense: an attack on one member is deemed an attack on all, invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
Poland joined NATO in 1999. Today Poland plays a pivotal role within NATO. It is home to a European corps that integrates forces from several European NATO states.
NATO member countries are expected to allocate 2% of their GDP to defense spending. Last year Poland spent 3.9% of its GDP on the military which is the highest amount in the alliance.
Poland initially hesitated to join the EU's Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), which aims to enhance military cooperation among EU countries. Poland had concerns about how it might affect its sovereignty over defense decisions and its relationship with NATO. However, Poland eventually decided to join PESCO in 2019, showing its willingness to participate in EU defense initiatives despite earlier reservations.
As shown in the maps on the right, European countries are managing their military decisions in very different ways. Only a few countries are executing a compulsory military service. The budget used for military forces also varies strongly.
As Poland continues to navigate its role within NATO and its own defense strategies, we reached out to European citizens to gather their diverse perspectives on these critical topics and opinions varied widely.
Perspectives on European Militarization and Individual Commitment
Dr. Andriy Kharuk
In today's Europe, the intersection of military strategy and demographic challenges presents a complex landscape. Dr. Andriy Kharuk, a professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University, notes that while wealthier European nations can increase military spending, they face a severe human resource shortage due to depopulation.
Poland exemplifies this issue. Despite significant investments in armaments and new military units, effectively staffing these units remains a challenge. This is particularly pressing as Poland aims to establish two mechanized divisions along its eastern border, addressing the vulnerability of the Suwalki Gap, a potential entry point for Russian forces.
Dr. Kharuk highlights that Poland's strategic decisions mirror broader European concerns, emphasizing the need for rapid mobilization learned from the Russian-Ukrainian war. However, limited human resources hinder these efforts. Therefore, European nations must balance increased military spending with effective recruitment strategies to counter the threat from Russia and maintain regional stability.
Despite the ongoing human resource challenges in Poland's military, individuals such as Filip Kwiatkowski exemplify a profound commitment to service and national defense.
If you want peace, prepare for war.
Latin proverb
Filip Kwiatkowski
Sergeant Filip Kwiatkowski is a 26-year-old military cadet from Bydgoszcz. He thinks that the role of a soldier represents not just a career choice, but a deeply held conviction in safeguarding Poland's security and sovereignty.
Filip's journey into the military began early in life, sparked by a deep fascination with the army. After graduating from high school, he made the deliberate choice to pursue a career as a military doctor.
Did you always want to join the military?
What makes you fit to join the army?
Why do you think the military is so important?
Does the army has a special role in europe right now?
Does the military in europe needs to be stronger?
Do you really think Russia will attack Poland?
What is the role of NATO in polish military training?
Fortifying the Future
While the war in Ukraine continues, Poland has decided to increase their Military spendings even further to five per cent of the nations GDP. It’s evident when you look at Poland, that to them the threat of Russian aggression is very serious.
Although there has been some skepticism about Poland's ability to sustain an army of 300.000 soldiers, as some politicians have talked about, Poland's army has continued to increase in size since Russia launched their attack on Ukraine.
Right now Poles all over the country continue to enlist in the army. Some, like Fillip, join through a career in the military others through recruitment programs like “Holiday With the Army”. Each of them is trying to do their part in protecting their country from an enemy that they know all too well.
Regards
This multimedia story was created within one week in Warsaw, during the International School of Multimedia Journalism – a joint programme for austrian, ukrainian, georgian and danish journalism students.
Made by: Magdalena Bauer (Austria) Tamar Gogotchuri (Georgia) Peter-Emil Hornemann Carstensen (Denmark) Olena Sulikovska (Ukraine) Sarah Tiefenbacher (Austria) Mentor: Katya Starokoltseva-Skrypnyk (Ukraine)
Special thanks to: Austriackie Forum Kultury w Warszawie Anna Macko Filip Kwiatkowski Iryna Yavorska The Ministry of National Defence of Poland Major Michał Tomczyk Rafał Sejlis
– July 2024