Poland, a member state of the EU and NATO, believes that Europe can win against Russia in the arms race.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Europe is determined and ready to take responsibility for its own security. He expressed confidence that the European Union (EU) is capable of winning the arms race that he accused Russia of starting.
“Today, everything has changed. I would like to refer to both the proposals of the European Commission and the determination of all my colleagues in Paris and London yesterday. Everyone is determined to face this challenge (strengthening defence capabilities),” he said in a speech at the EU summit in Brussels, Belgium.
Mr. Tusk commented that this event could mark a turning point for Europe in strengthening defense, developing the arms industry and dealing with the challenge posed by Russia.
He stressed that discussions on strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities have been going on for a long time.
Mr. Tusk said that the war in Ukraine, the change in the US administration’s stance towards Europe and above all the arms race “ignited by Russia” are posing new challenges for Europe.
“Europe must face this challenge and must win. I am convinced that Russia will lose the arms race, just as the Soviet Union lost a similar race 30 years ago,” the Polish Prime Minister stressed.
This would help prevent a larger conflict, he added.
“Today, Europe is ready to act for security. We are ready to arm ourselves faster, smarter and more effectively than Russia. There is no reason to be overly optimistic at this time, but I believe that this is a turning point, because Europe is aware of the responsibility it bears,” he added.
Russia has not commented on Poland’s assessment.
On March 4, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the ReArm Europe program, which could mobilize up to 800 billion euros ($866 billion) for European defense.
Ms Von der Leyen said the EU security summit was taking place at a “turning point” for Europe, where decisions had to be made to strengthen defence capabilities and strengthen Ukraine.
“In extraordinary times, we need extraordinary measures. This is a turning point for Europe, and Ukraine is part of our European family, this is also a turning point for Ukraine. Europe is facing a clear and present threat, so Europe must be able to defend itself, as well as put Ukraine in a position to defend itself and promote a just and sustainable peace,” she said.
“We want peace through strength, and that is why today I present to leaders the ReArm Europe plan, which provides up to 800 billion euros for investment in defence,” she added.
She stressed that this would create an opportunity for European countries to make significant investments in their own defense industries, as well as to produce weapons for Ukraine right in Ukraine and purchase weapons to support Kiev.
