Radosław Sikorski, Poland's Foreign Minister, firmly rejected the idea of forming a unified European army, emphasizing that such a proposal "will not happen"12. This stance comes in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for the creation of a European armed force at the Munich Security Conference3. Despite dismissing the concept of a single European military, Sikorski acknowledged the ongoing efforts to enhance the EU's defense capabilities, including the formation of a reinforced brigade45. The Polish minister's position reflects a broader debate on how to strengthen European security in the face of Russian aggression and potential shifts in U.S. support for the continent's defense.

Poland's stance on European defense emphasizes its commitment to NATO while rejecting the idea of a unified European army. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski outlined key aspects of Poland's defense strategy:

• Poland's primary duty is to protect its eastern flank as part of its NATO obligations1

• Deploying Polish troops to Ukraine is not under consideration2

• Poland is allocating 4% of its GDP to defense, setting an example for other NATO members1

• Sikorski advocates for strengthening national armies rather than creating a unified European force1

• The country supports developing EU defense capabilities, including subsidies for the arms industry1

• Poland has proposed the creation of a "rearmament bank" to boost Europe's defense spending3

This approach reflects Poland's focus on bolstering its national defense within the NATO framework while supporting enhanced European defense capabilities without compromising its alliance commitments.

Sikorski outlined a three-pronged approach to European defense, emphasizing the importance of national military elements, NATO partnerships, and EU defense capabilities with industry subsidies12. This strategy aims to strengthen Europe's collective security without creating a unified army. The EU is currently working on enhancing its defense capabilities through various initiatives, including the formation of a reinforced brigade and efforts to establish an EU force "worthy of its name"34. These developments come amid concerns about potential changes in U.S. support for European defense, highlighting the need for a more robust and self-reliant European security framework5.

The debate over European defense capabilities has intensified amid concerns about potential shifts in U.S. support for NATO. While rejecting the idea of a unified European army, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties12. He stressed that any European defense initiatives should complement, not replace, NATO's role in regional security3.

Despite these reservations, Sikorski acknowledged the need for increased European involvement in defense matters. He suggested that European troops might eventually be deployed to Ukraine as part of future peace agreements4, highlighting the evolving nature of EU security considerations. Additionally, Sikorski proposed the creation of a "rearmament bank" to boost Europe's defense spending5, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing the continent's military capabilities while preserving the crucial partnership with the United States.