Poland’s foreign-policy priorities in the east and in the EU

Standfirst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was a shock to Poland, but an anticipated one. For 30 years, Warsaw’s eastern policy has prepared for and attempted to deter potential territorial aggression by Moscow. Since the invasion, Poland has been one of the most enthusiastic providers of military assistance to Ukraine – notable in light of the countries’ shared history. More broadly, while Poland will support efforts by European Union member states to increase the bloc’s security and defence capacities, it will only do so to the extent that these efforts do not take resources away from NATO.