The European Parliament has recognized the East Shield, proposed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as a flagship project for the EU’s collective security. During the vote on the resolution to strengthen EU defense, an amendment was adopted stating that the protection of the EU’s land, air, and maritime borders contributes to the security of the entire Union, especially its eastern border. “This is a breakthrough because it means that Poland is currently setting the tone in Europe regarding defense policy,” said MEP Michał Szczerba.
The European Parliament passed the joint defense resolution with a significant majority (419 to 204). The resolution was introduced by five political groups, including the European People’s Party, which the PO-PSL delegation belongs to. As part of the resolution, the Parliament also adopted amendment no. 87, emphasizing that the protection of the EU’s borders, particularly through the East Shield and the Baltic Defense Line, should become flagship EU projects. The East Shield involves the construction of physical and natural fortifications along Poland’s eastern and northern borders, with a budget of 10 billion PLN allocated for 2024–2028.
“The priority for security is the protection of the EU’s external borders, which means that the Council, the Commission, and the Parliament have supported this initiative not just as a political declaration but as a formal stance that must be respected. This is a breakthrough that signifies Poland is leading Europe in security, defense, increased expenditures, integration of defense industries, and, most importantly, in concrete projects that will be implemented,” Michał Szczerba told Newseria.
The adopted resolution calls on the EU to take urgent action to ensure its security, strengthen partnerships with like-minded allies, and reduce dependence on third countries in defense matters. MEPs stressed the need to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities in light of an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the Bruegel think tank, failing to halt Russian aggression would put Europe in a critically disadvantageous position for decades, posing a long-term threat to peace.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has emphasized that security, including military security, is a priority for Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, particularly given the ongoing three-year war between Russia and Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions.
“The security we are discussing during Poland’s presidency also concerns the direct aspect of military security, particularly the need to equip member states’ armies with essential weapons and ammunition,” said an MEP from the Civic Coalition (KO).
In Wednesday’s resolution, MEPs urged EU member states to increase defense spending to at least 3% of GDP, support the creation of a defense, security, and resilience bank, and consider a system of European defense bonds to finance major military investments.
As part of the ReArm Europe plan, the European Union intends to allocate 800 billion euros to defense development over the next four years. The plan includes loans totaling 150 billion euros for member states to purchase modern weaponry and develop military infrastructure.
“The goal of all these initiatives, including the 150 billion euro initiative, is essentially to rearm Europe and achieve an effective advantage in this arms race initiated by the Russian Federation. Our military stockpiles must be complete, and there will be funding and very attractive loans that member states can take collectively or individually thanks to the European Commission’s initiatives,” explained Michał Szczerba.
The Bruegel think tank reports that Russia’s defense production is rapidly increasing. In 2024 alone, Russia produced and refurbished approximately 1,550 tanks, 5,700 armored vehicles, and 450 artillery systems of all types. It also deployed 1,800 long-range Lancet-3 cruise missiles. Compared to 2022, this represents a 220% increase in tank production, a 150% increase in armored vehicle and artillery production, and a 435% increase in long-range cruise missile production.
For comparison, preventing a rapid breakthrough of the Baltic States’ borders would require NATO to have at least 1,400 tanks, 2,000 infantry fighting vehicles, and 700 artillery pieces. This would amount to a larger combat force than the current land forces of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK combined.
For this reason, increasing defense spending and support for Ukraine remains crucial.
“The loan fund was modeled after Czech and Danish initiatives for building coalitions of states for joint arms procurement, such as ammunition for Ukraine. It turned out that when we act together, we can negotiate better prices and expedite the production of weapons and ammunition by ensuring long-term financing for these projects,” emphasized an MEP from the Civic Coalition.
