The Polish Parliament (Sejm) overwhelmingly voted to suspend its involvement in a longstanding international treaty limiting military forces in Europe.
This decision aligns with NATO’s broader move to suspend the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) following Russia’s unilateral withdrawal from it last year. The CFE, established in 1990, aimed to regulate conventional military equipment among NATO and Warsaw Pact countries toward the end of the Cold War.
https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1765505401129197621
Russia’s withdrawal from the treaty in November, citing NATO’s eastward expansion, prompted NATO’s condemnation and decision to suspend treaty operations. Moldova, a non-NATO member, also announced plans to suspend their participation. Last week, the Sejm voted in favour of a government bill to suspend its involvement, with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski highlighted security concerns and Russia’s actions undermining the treaty’s integrity. While some MPs questioned why Poland didn’t withdraw entirely, Bartoszewski explained the lack of NATO consensus on termination. The bill, likely to pass the Senate with the government’s majority, will reach President Andrzej Duda’s desk for final approval.
Suspending the treaty frees Poland from military size restrictions and reporting obligations.
Image: X (@MON_GOV_PL)
Author: Sébastien Meuwissen
