The Defence24 Days conference in Warsaw, an important event dedicated to discussions on national security and defense, concluded with impactful debates and insights into Poland’s defense strategy. The conference brought together politicians from various parties and military experts, all emphasizing the critical need to numerically expand the military forces, enhanced by universal training instead of conscription.
During a panel titled “Europe in the Age of War,” Poland’s Minister of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, highlighted Europe’s evolving response to the heightened threat from Russia. He noted that after initial periods of misunderstanding and lethargy, Europe is beginning to respond more robustly, citing increased defense spending by Great Britain and France’s proactive involvement as prime examples.
Kosiniak-Kamysz praised the efforts of key Polish figures like Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk for their roles in spearheading a diplomatic offensive to boost Europe’s defense capabilities.
Adding to the strategic discussions, former Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak shared insights from his tenure, particularly focusing on the strategic military expansions east of the Vistula River, an area perceived as most vulnerable to potential threats from Russia. He stressed the importance of continuing the policies that have been initiated to strengthen Poland’s military, including the foundational National Defense Act which has significantly increased defense funding.
Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska from the Civic Coalition (KO) and Krzysztof Bosak from the Confederation party emphasized the importance of balancing quantity with quality in military recruitment. They advocated for high-quality training and maintaining respect for soldiers’ rights, which are crucial for sustaining a strong defense posture.
From the left-wing perspective, Anna Górska of The Left argued against reintroducing conscription, suggesting instead that more comprehensive training programs for individuals over 25 would be more effective. She also proposed enhancing incentives for reservists to return to service, which would utilize their experience in training new recruits and thus fortify the military’s capabilities.
Kosiniak-Kamysz praised the efforts of key Polish figures like Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk for their roles in spearheading a diplomatic offensive to boost Europe’s defense capabilities.
Adding to the strategic discussions, former Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak shared insights from his tenure, particularly focusing on the strategic military expansions east of the Vistula River, an area perceived as most vulnerable to potential threats from Russia. He stressed the importance of continuing the policies that have been initiated to strengthen Poland’s military, including the foundational National Defense Act which has significantly increased defense funding.
Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska from the Civic Coalition (KO) and Krzysztof Bosak from the Confederation party emphasized the importance of balancing quantity with quality in military recruitment. They advocated for high-quality training and maintaining respect for soldiers’ rights, which are crucial for sustaining a strong defense posture.
From the left-wing perspective, Anna Górska of The Left argued against reintroducing conscription, suggesting instead that more comprehensive training programs for individuals over 25 would be more effective. She also proposed enhancing incentives for reservists to return to service, which would utilize their experience in training new recruits and thus fortify the military’s capabilities.
The technological and operational advancements were also a focal point, with discussions on integrating new weaponry and restructuring the armed forces to address modern threats effectively. This includes a focus on deep-strike capabilities and enhanced reconnaissance to align with NATO’s evolving defense strategies.
The conference also spotlighted Poland’s military-industrial relations, particularly its cooperation with South Korea, underscoring the strategic importance of such partnerships. This cooperation aims to bolster Poland’s role as a hub for the maintenance and production of military equipment, enhancing both the country’s defense capabilities and its economic benefits.
Building on the success of the 2023 conference held on May 24-25 at the PGE Narodowy, which marked the event’s fifth edition, this year's Defence24 Days aimed to surpass its predecessor in both scale and depth. Last year’s conference boasted an impressive roster of participants including 350+ speakers and lecturers across 61 discussion panels, drawing over 3000 participants, which included two deputy prime ministers, 16 ministers, and 67 generals.
Overall, the Defence24 Days event encapsulated a broad spectrum of perspectives on national security, reflecting a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Poland’s future in an increasingly volatile global landscape. The consensus was clear: while increasing the numerical strength of the military is essential, effective spending and strategic international cooperation are equally crucial to developing a resilient defense system.
The conference also spotlighted Poland’s military-industrial relations, particularly its cooperation with South Korea, underscoring the strategic importance of such partnerships. This cooperation aims to bolster Poland’s role as a hub for the maintenance and production of military equipment, enhancing both the country’s defense capabilities and its economic benefits.
Building on the success of the 2023 conference held on May 24-25 at the PGE Narodowy, which marked the event’s fifth edition, this year's Defence24 Days aimed to surpass its predecessor in both scale and depth. Last year’s conference boasted an impressive roster of participants including 350+ speakers and lecturers across 61 discussion panels, drawing over 3000 participants, which included two deputy prime ministers, 16 ministers, and 67 generals.
Overall, the Defence24 Days event encapsulated a broad spectrum of perspectives on national security, reflecting a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Poland’s future in an increasingly volatile global landscape. The consensus was clear: while increasing the numerical strength of the military is essential, effective spending and strategic international cooperation are equally crucial to developing a resilient defense system.
Source: defence24.pl, TVP World
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