Poland and European Defence Integration

Poland’s reluctance to engage in EU defence cooperation and efforts to snub European defence companies were reducing its potential to emerge as a significant force in European defence. Political and personal considerations largely drive Polish leaders’ scepticism of EU attempts to develop genuine defence cooperation.

Much of the EU perceives the Polish government as needy, demanding, and lacking in solidarity, as well as often in violation of the rule of law. Defence is one area in which the government could offset some of these negative perceptions, by demonstrating its commitment to one of the signature initiatives of the EU.

For Poland, the risks of European defence cooperation are real, but the dangers stemming from a failure to cooperate are greater.