Deputy justice minister from Poland, Sebastian Kaleta, has voiced concerns over proposed changes to EU treaties that could potentially grant the bloc the authority to dictate which member countries are allowed to maintain their own armies.
Speaking to PAP, Kaleta expressed his apprehension, stating that he could not fathom Germany and France having a say in Poland’s defense policy. The European Parliament (EP) passed a resolution on Wednesday, signaling the possibility of amendments to EU treaties, including the elimination of the unanimity principle and the veto mechanism.
Kaleta emphasized that the existing mechanisms have played a crucial role in safeguarding the sovereignty of member states, particularly in vital areas such as defense. He warned that without these safeguards, the EU might introduce new regulations governing which countries are permitted to maintain their own armies.
He further illustrated a hypothetical scenario where Poland would be required to procure equipment for a European army from Germany and France. In this situation, the armies could be commanded by the German and French authorities, potentially resulting in Polish soldiers stationed outside their home country.
Kaleta, a member of the Eurosceptic party Sovereign Poland and a junior member of the United Right coalition government, also raised concerns about potential implications for security services created by the EU. Under the proposed changes, these services could conduct operational activities in member states without their explicit consent.
The resolution is set to be presented to the Council of European Ministers on December 12. The EU’s Spanish presidency has indicated sufficient support for the resolution, suggesting that it could progress to the European Council, where a Convention might be established through a simple majority vote. This Convention would comprise representatives from member states and EU institutions, tasked with developing a new treaty for further consideration and ratification by member states. The outcome of these deliberations may have far-reaching consequences for the autonomy of EU member states in matters of defense and security.