Poland and Greece urge EU to create common air shield
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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said European countries should stop competing while creating their air defence systems.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WARSAW – Polish and Greek prime ministers submitted a letter to the European Commission on May 23, urging the creation of a Europe-wide air defence system, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
The importance of air defence has been in sharper focus for Poland, which borders Ukraine and has seen missiles enter its airspace.
“I sent a letter to the European Commission, together with (Greek) Prime Minister (Kyriakos) Mitsotakis, regarding a common European defence policy,” Mr Tusk said during an interview with TVP Info on the evening of May 23.
“There is already a very positive reaction from the European Commission to make anti-missile air defence a common task for Europe, because it is a huge amount of money,” he added.
He also said European countries should stop competing while creating their air defence systems and start cooperation, including on joint investments in the defence industry.
“We need less fragmentation and common projects. Like an air defence shield as proposed by Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Donald Tusk,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X on May 23.
In April, Mr Tusk said Polish generals and Dr Jacek Siewiera, the head of the National Security Bureau, had told him it was a good idea for Poland to be part of several air defence projects.
“Only a strong, united Europe that pursues a common defence policy... will be able to prevent war. We are preparing for war not because this war is going to happen, but so that it won’t happen,” Mr Tusk said on May 23. REUTERS
