Geopolitics
Defence24 Supports Polish-Lithuanian Cooperation in the Defence Sector
The Polish-Lithuanian Defence Business Forum took place in Warsaw on 5 September. The event aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the context of arms production and threats from the Russian Federation. Presidents Andrzej Duda and Gitanas Nausėda expressed their support for bilateral activities. The forum involved representatives of the arms industry, government administration, experts and academics. Partners of the event included the Polish Armaments Group, Innovation Agency Lithuania, and Defence24, which signed a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the field of cyber security with Infobalt from Lithuania.
The event began with speeches by Presidents Andrzej Duda and Gitanas Nausėda. This was followed by a debate with both heads of state, which was moderated by PhD Jacek Raubo of Defence24. During it, the presidents touched on a number of topics, including Polish-Lithuanian relations, security policy issues, as well as plans for closer economic relations and infrastructural expansion. Projects such as Via and Rail Baltica and gas interconnectors were on the agenda. The importance of supply chains and the importance of military mobility were also highlighted.
The debate served to present European realities in the era of the Ukraine-Russia war, which has been changing the security architecture of Europe for nearly three years. Emphasis was placed on the importance of the defence sector and the need for mass production of military equipment, primarily artillery munitions, which, from the perspective of the war in Ukraine, are necessary for high-intensity warfare. These words are confirmed by the defence budgets of Poland and Lithuania, which are targeted to reach 5% of GDP and 3% of GDP respectively.
In the presence of the presidents, agreements (Memorandums of Understanding) were signed between the Lithuanian Defence and Security Association and the Polish Defence Industry Association, the National Defence Industry Association and the Polish Defence Industry Association, the Lithuanian Digital Technology Association »Infobalt« and the Polish »Defence24«. The parties to the latter were Piotr Małecki, CEO of Defence24 and his Lithuanian counterpart Simonas Černiauskas.
Security must be discussed
The event also served as an arena to raise important topics from a strategic point of view. One of the pressing issues discussed during the debate chaired by dr hab. Robert Czulda (Defence24), was the issue of cooperation between Poland and Lithuania. The panel addressed the possibility of joint action between the private and public sectors in the field of security and support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with the Russian Federation.
The next debate referred to the support and development of regional start-ups. It was attended by representatives of businesses, but also state authorities, including Deputy Minister of Economics Erika Kuročkina and Colonel Michal Zolnierowicz, head of the International Cooperation Branch of the Innovation Department from the Ministry of Defence. The panel was moderated by the Director of the Innovation Development Department of the Polish Development Fund, Eliza Kruczkowska.
Two panels were devoted to the topic of defence in cyberspace. The first, moderated by PhD Aleksander Olech, featured Oskar Klimczuk (representative of CyberDefence24) and Simonas Černiauskas (CEO of Infobalt), where the threats and challenges of and challenges for Poland and the Baltic States in terms of cyber defence.
The second debate included issues in the field of collaboration between government, business and academics to enhance cyber defence capabilities. The panellists included representatives from academia and business, who explained how cyber security can be strengthened through trilateral cooperation - state-business-science. The forum was closed with a presentation block, during which Polish and Lithuanian entities were able to showcase their capabilities and products.
Reinforcing its position
Warsaw is strengthening its position in Central and Eastern Europe as a key player in the region. Expanding its presence in Lithuania allows Poland to develop its capabilities and increase its economic and military potential. Additionally, Polish companies have the opportunity to win new contracts and opportunities in the neighbouring market.
The Forum was held on the 445th anniversary of the Union of Lublin, the celebration of which should be a milestone in strengthening Poland’s position within multilateral formats such as the Lublin Triangle, the Three Seas Initiative or the Bucharest Nine. Moreover, regional cooperation has a positive impact on the defence and production capabilities of all participating countries, which is why it is so important for Poland to consider partnership with its neighbours, such as Lithuania, as one of the pillars of national and regional security.