Polish President Andrzej Duda and Karol Nawrocki criticized Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent interview questioning the strength of NATO’s mutual defense commitments.
Tusk Raises Concerns About NATO Article 5
In an interview published on April 24th, Prime Minister Tusk stated he sometimes “has certain problems” with believing that Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, concerning mutual defense within NATO, remains fully effective.
Tusk emphasized that the US views Poland as a key ally in Europe, but questioned how that alliance would function “if something were to happen.” He asked whether the United States is prepared to be as loyal as outlined in existing treaties.
Tusk also warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within “rather months than years,” and suggested the EU should strengthen its own mutual defense clause, Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union.
Nawrocki Deems Interview “Harmful” to Poland
Presidential aide Karol Nawrocki labeled Tusk’s interview “clearly harmful to Poland,” responding to questions from journalists on April 28th in Dubrovnik.
Nawrocki stated that Polish generals were “also surprised” by the Prime Minister’s remarks, and that “scaring Poles with war, when the commander of the armed forces has no such information, is deeply irresponsible.”
Duda Criticizes Impact on Alliances and Domestic Atmosphere
President Duda echoed Nawrocki’s concerns, stating the interview was “harmful to our allied relations and to the atmosphere of the Republic itself.”
He cautioned against involving international and strategic alliances in internal political disputes, deeming it “unequivocally bad for Poland.” Duda also sought to reassure the public, stating intelligence reaching the Presidential Palace does not indicate an imminent war, while still stressing the need to build military resilience.
Concerns About Increased Anxiety
Nawrocki noted the interview had caused “some anxiety among Poles,” who have been contacting him directly. He emphasized that current information does not suggest a war within the coming months.