„We have decided to undertake a verification of whether there are grounds to trigger the procedures under Article 4 of NATO. In addition, a decision has been taken to raise the readiness of some military units on Polish territory,” government spokesman Piotr Muller reported after the BBN meeting.
Today there was an explosion in the Hrubieszów district which led to the death of 2 Polish citizens. There are services on the scene who will be investigating this. I would like to inform you that procedures have been implemented in connection with this situation. A moment ago, a decision was taken to raise the combat readiness of some military units in Poland and to increase the combat readiness of other uniformed services in the country. At the same time, we have decided to undertake a verification whether there are grounds to activate procedures under Article 4 of NATO.
the government spokesman conveyed.
In turn, Jacek Siewiera, head of the National Security Bureau (BBN), said that “the President has finished his conversation with the head of NATO”.
We are reviewing the rationale for the use of Article 4 of NATO. That is, the consultation of all members of the Alliance regarding the appropriate response. We are in very intensive contact with key allies. We are expecting a discussion with the US party. I am in constant contact with security advisor Jake Sulivan. Any communication requires a great deal of caution, hence we are limited to this information I am giving you.
he said.
Article 4 of NATO is widely regarded as the starting point for major NATO operations and is therefore intended for emergency or urgent situations. It officially calls for consultation on military matters when “the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any party is at risk.” Once invoked, the issue is discussed in the North Atlantic Council and may formally lead to a joint decision or action (logistical, military or otherwise) on behalf of the Alliance. It has been formally invoked seven times since the Alliance was established.
It should not be confused with Article 5. This is because this one obliges each member state to consider an armed attack on one member state, in Europe or North America, as an armed attack on all of them. In the event of such an attack, each member state is to provide assistance by taking “such action as [the member state] deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area”.