Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a law regarding the suspension of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). The suspension, announced by NATO countries last November, came as a response to Russia’s cessation of its treaty recognition.
The President's Chancellery reminded that the CFE Treaty’s goal was the reduction of conventional offensive armaments to then maintain them at agreed levels.
This encompasses commitments across five categories of conventional armed forces: battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery, combat aircraft, and attack helicopters. “The suspension of the Treaty means that the Republic of Poland, like other states that decide to do so, while formally remaining a party to this agreement, will not be obliged to fulfill its provisions,” the Chancellery stated.
The Polish Parliament initially approved the act in early March, followed by Senate support, leading to President Duda’s signature on Thursday.
Russia’s suspension
The CFE Treaty, signed in Paris on November 19, 1990, mandated adherence to equipment and ammunition storage limits in Europe, aiming to reduce the likelihood of surprise military attacks and large-scale operations.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suspended Russia’s participation in the Treaty in 2007, and on November 7, 2023, declared Russia’s complete disavowal of the Treaty.
This encompasses commitments across five categories of conventional armed forces: battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery, combat aircraft, and attack helicopters. “The suspension of the Treaty means that the Republic of Poland, like other states that decide to do so, while formally remaining a party to this agreement, will not be obliged to fulfill its provisions,” the Chancellery stated.
The Polish Parliament initially approved the act in early March, followed by Senate support, leading to President Duda’s signature on Thursday.
Russia’s suspension
The CFE Treaty, signed in Paris on November 19, 1990, mandated adherence to equipment and ammunition storage limits in Europe, aiming to reduce the likelihood of surprise military attacks and large-scale operations.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suspended Russia’s participation in the Treaty in 2007, and on November 7, 2023, declared Russia’s complete disavowal of the Treaty.
In reaction, NATO member states also decided to suspend the treaty; Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced comprehensive suspension actions “in relation to all its provisions indefinitely.”
This decision underscores that Poland “will not be legally or practically obliged to fulfill the CFE Treaty’s provisions, including those related to the limitations associated with the Polish Armed Forces.”
No other way
The Ministry highlighted Poland’s compliance with the CFE Treaty obligations since its inception in 1992, contributing to European security architecture. However, it noted Russia's treaty violations over the years, culminating in an unlawful and unprovoked war.
“In this situation, the security interest of the Republic of Poland requires further strengthening of defense and deterrence capabilities, through consistent national and allied actions. Meanwhile, Poland does not exclude taking further steps under international law in the future, including denouncing the CFE Treaty in response to Russia’s termination, if required by Poland’s security interest,” the Ministry stated.
The act will come into effect the day after its publication, marking a pivotal moment in Poland’s defense strategy amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
This decision underscores that Poland “will not be legally or practically obliged to fulfill the CFE Treaty’s provisions, including those related to the limitations associated with the Polish Armed Forces.”
No other way
The Ministry highlighted Poland’s compliance with the CFE Treaty obligations since its inception in 1992, contributing to European security architecture. However, it noted Russia's treaty violations over the years, culminating in an unlawful and unprovoked war.
“In this situation, the security interest of the Republic of Poland requires further strengthening of defense and deterrence capabilities, through consistent national and allied actions. Meanwhile, Poland does not exclude taking further steps under international law in the future, including denouncing the CFE Treaty in response to Russia’s termination, if required by Poland’s security interest,” the Ministry stated.
The act will come into effect the day after its publication, marking a pivotal moment in Poland’s defense strategy amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
Source:
More In Politics MORE...
