Polish MPs back Eastern Shield defense plan

Poland's lower house of parliament has approved a national security resolution endorsing the government's Eastern Shield border defense plan, despite opposition from conservative and far-right lawmakers.

Polish lawmakers passed a key national security resolution on Thursday, highlighting the importance of the Eastern Shield defense plan and supporting a similar measure previously approved by the European Parliament.

Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

The Polish lower house, the Sejm, passed the measure in a 220-171 vote with no abstentions on Thursday.

The resolution backs the Eastern Shield program, which aims to bolster Poland’s border defenses against potential threats from the east.

The right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party and the far-right Confederation group opposed the measure, which also calls for stronger defense cooperation within the European Union and deeper NATO involvement.

Opposition 'chose disgrace': PM

Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the two opposition parties for rejecting the resolution, taking to social media to express his disapproval.

"They had a choice: support the resolution or disgrace," he wrote on X. "They chose disgrace, and we still passed it."

Mieli do wyboru: poparcie uchwały albo hańbę. Wybrali hańbę, a uchwałę i tak przegłosowaliśmy. PiS i Konfederacja ponownie przeciw Tarczy Wschód i europejskiej jedności wobec rosyjskiej agresji.

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) March 20, 2025

While the government sees the Eastern Shield as crucial for deterring threats from Russia and its ally Belarus, the opposition claims it weakens Poland’s sovereignty.

(mp/gs)

Source: IAR/PAP/X/@donaldtusk

Read more about this subject:

• Poland secures EU funding for 'Eastern Shield' defense project
• PM Tusk pushes for stronger EU defense, warns Polish opposition
• Poland's 'Eastern Shield' vital for Europe's defense: EU executive