EU leaders are set to propose the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) defence umbrella to the European Council and the Commission “in a few days”, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Monday.
This initiative, likened to Israel’s Iron Dome by Tusk, aims to protect Europe from missile and drone threats and has been estimated to cost the bloc a whopping £3.4 billion.
The European Sky Shield Initiative was a topic of discussion between Tusk and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during her visit to Warsaw last month.
Tusk stressed the necessity of such a defence system, especially in light of recent events. “Creating an iron dome against missiles and drones is necessary. (…)
“The recent attack on Israel showed how essential such systems are. There is no reason for Europe not to have its missile defence shield.”
He added that Europe is in a danger zone similar to Israel and needs to take preventive measures.
Tusk expressed his satisfaction with Frederiksen’s positive response to Poland joining the European project aimed at building a protective dome over the continent. He noted that work on the project has already begun in Poland.
Originally set up by Germany in 2022, the ESSI project started with 15 participating countries and now includes 21, according to the Polish Press Agency (PAP). However, the initiative has faced criticism within Poland. President Andrzej Duda described ESSI as a “German business project” and highlighted Poland’s preference for collaboration with the US and the UK, citing the deployment of Patriot systems in Poland.
Despite this criticism, Tusk remained unperturbed by the German-led project. Jacek Siewiera, head of the President’s National Security Office, suggested that if Poland’s existing air defence projects were effectively integrated with ESSI, President Duda would support it.
In addition to ESSI, Poland is making significant investments in its eastern border security. Tusk announced on Saturday that Poland is investing about £2 billion in the Shield-East project to enhance security and deterrence against Russia and its ally Belarus. The plan involves constructing military fortifications and environmental modifications to make the border impenetrable.
“We have taken the decision to invest into our safety and first of all, into a safe eastern border, some 10 billion zlotys (£2 billion),” Tusk said. He emphasised the importance of a secure border for Poland, which lies on the eastern flank of NATO and the European Union.
Addressing Polish troops in Krakow on the anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, Tusk highlighted Poland’s commitment to border security. The previous right-wing government had built a £315 million wall on the Belarus border to control migrant inflow, but the current government sees a need for further strengthening.
Poland continues to be a strong ally of Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion, reflecting its proactive stance on regional security and cooperation within Europe.