Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a significant investment of 10 billion zloty (€2.35 billion) on Saturday, aimed at bolstering defenses on the borders.
The initiative, which is part of the National Defense and Deterrence Program “Eastern Shield,” includes fortifications, construction of lateral roads for troop movements, and the creation of natural obstacles like embankments and flooded areas.
A multi-ministerial team, including representatives from the defense, climate, infrastructure, state assets, and internal affairs ministries, will oversee the project.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said: “Investments on the border will take several years” and will draw on the experiences of Baltic Sea countries like Finland.
Eastern Shield
According to Jarosław Wolski, a journalist and civilian analyst, the Eastern Shield initiative is not focused on constructing a network of bunkers and shelters.
In an interview with the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, he said: “First and foremost, it’s about preparing the terrain, such as creating roadblocks and, possibly, partially flooding the area. It involves preparing anti-tank ditches and establishing permanent firing positions. These are measures taken by countries like South Korea, Israel, Iraq, Syria, as well as Turkey, India, and Pakistan.”
He added: “Countries that fear an attack from their neighbor often prepare the terrain for defense through engineering. This is especially true in the so-called obstruction zone, which extends from the border up to 50–100 kilometers into the country, where the aim is to slow down the opponent. Bridges are prepared for easier demolition, roads for destruction, or areas for partial flooding. Similarly, anti-tank ditches and roadblocks are set up.”
The Eastern Shield plan also involves input from the Polish General Staff, which will determine the locations and types of engineering fortifications. The Ministry of Defense is drafting legislation to streamline the construction of these defenses, along with new military barracks and aircraft hangars.
Set-up concerns
Local governments and managers of protected areas, such as the Białowieża National Park, have not been informed of the specific details of the Eastern Shield plan, raising concerns about environmental and property impacts.
The new plan may include expropriation, with property owners entitled to compensation, although these processes are frequently criticized for delays and insufficient payouts.
Legal expert Mirosław Ochojski told Rzeczpospolita: “As a rule, expropriation cannot be avoided. The transfer of property ownership to the State Treasury, in connection with the realization of a public purpose, occurs through an administrative decision and does not require the consent of the current owner. In return, they are entitled to fair compensation.”
Other defense plans
Besides the Eastern Shield, Poland is also trying to become a member of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
ESSI, led by Germany, aims to establish a multi-layered air and missile defense system across Europe. ESSI focuses on countering aerial threats by deploying advanced technologies like the IRIS-T, Patriot, and Arrow 3 systems. This initiative involves collaboration among various European nations to enhance collective security, particularly in response to the heightened risk from Russia.
In contrast, Poland's Eastern Shield program specifically envisages fortifying its eastern borders with Russia and Belarus. Unlike the ESSI, the Eastern Shield emphasizes constructing physical defensive structures such as roadblocks, anti-tank ditches, and permanent firing positions.
