Poland’s President wants to amend the Act on Defense

Last week, President Andrzej Duda presented a draft amendment to the law on the actions of state authorities in the event of an external threat to state security. The head of the National Security Bureau emphasizes that the amendment is a key element of the country’s defense. “It is a response to the growing challenges in the area of security,” says Jacek Siewiera.

On May 2, 2024, President Andrzej Duda, in cooperation with the National Security Bureau (BBN), presented a draft amendment to the law aimed at improving the Polish defense system. The proposed changes include a reform of the command of the Armed Forces and the creation of the Armed Forces Joint Command. The project places particular emphasis on strengthening the role of marshals in the country’s defense structures, eliminating competence ambiguities and increasing the effectiveness of response to external threats.

This initiative, as emphasized by the head of BBN Jacek Siewiera during the Defence24Days conference in Warsaw, is a response to the growing security challenges arising both from the experience of recent decades and the need to increase the country’s readiness in the event of conflicts.

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The draft amendment to the act on the actions of state authorities in the event of an external threat to state security, proposed by President Andrzej Duda, is in line with the guidelines of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Poland. It was developed on the basis of a detailed analysis of the military activities of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and a series of advanced defense exercises. The amendment is intended not only to increase the continuity and effectiveness of state management in difficult times, but also to ensure democratic control over the Armed Forces. The changes are intended to strengthen Poland’s security and its position on the international stage.

Paulina Zaborowska / Jedrzej Stachura