Putin's behavior remained unaltered, according to Von der Leyen, and the only way to keep him in check is through robust deterrrent measures.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met at the Polish-Belarusian border on Sunday, marking a significant occasion that coincided with the 45th anniversary of the August Agreements. The meeting served as a symbol of contemporary solidarity, as Tusk chose the location to honour the historical deal between the communist government and striking workers that led to the creation of the Solidarity Trade Union, the first independent trade union in the Eastern bloc and a pivotal force in the collapse of communism in Europe.
Tusk compared Solidarity to a dream of independence and a movement to unite Europe and separate from the Soviet Union. In response, von der Leyen stressed Poland's resilience and commitment to security and defence cooperation. She described Putin as a "predator" and emphasized the need for strong deterrence.
The discussion between the two leaders focused on defence and security, including the SAFE preferential loan programme. Poland, as the largest defence spender in Europe and the biggest beneficiary from the SAFE programme, will receive additional funds as a member state with a direct border with Belarus and Russia. The EU plans to invest €800 billion in defence, with €150 billion allocated for joint purchases.
Poland will invest PLN 200 billion in defence next year, in the defence industry and the Polish army. This investment is part of Poland's plans for future military investments, aimed at strengthening its security in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.
The border between Poland and Belarus has been a source of contention since a migration crisis began in 2021, which Poland has described as "hybrid warfare" orchestrated by Belarus. Von der Leyen assured Tusk and the Polish people of Europe's solidarity and the importance of putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Von der Leyen's visit to Poland is part of a broader tour of EU countries bordering Russia and Belarus, which includes Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Latvia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Notably, Bulgaria, another EU member state on her tour, was recently the target of a suspected Russian GPS jamming attack.
The SAFE programme is an instrument designed to boost defence production across the EU, with the aim of fostering greater security and cooperation among member states. As the EU and its member states continue to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, these meetings and initiatives underscore the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of shared challenges.
