Poland is shifting its security policy towards northern Europe by strengthening ties with Sweden, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This move aims to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia through arms production, ammunition supplies, and energy infrastructure support.
A Shift Away from Germany
This move is a shift away from Poland’s traditional close partnership with Germany. Despite efforts to secure reparations for World War II survivors and investments as a frontline state on Europe’s eastern border, progress has been slow. The breakup of the coalition government in Berlin has further delayed cooperation.
Strengthening Ties with Northern Europe
Poland is reorienting its security policy to focus more on northern Europe. This includes closer ties with Sweden, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania through the NB8 (Nordic-Baltic 8) countries group. The Polish government aims to demonstrate that it has room to maneuver and is not dependent solely on Germany.
Support for Ukraine
The new partnerships are also aimed at supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Poland, along with other Nordic-Baltic countries, has announced plans to support arms production in Ukraine, increase ammunition supplies, and strengthen its energy infrastructure so that Ukrainians can survive the winter. They will also support Ukraine on its path to NATO and EU membership.
Quotes
-
“Poland is a star,” said the Swedish premier, Ulf Kristersson, commending the government in Warsaw for its high level of defense spending.
-
“We are adapting to the new geopolitical situation,” Marek Prawda, undersecretary of state at Poland’s ministry of foreign affairs and former ambassador to Berlin and Stockholm, told the PAP news agency.
