In the village of Momajny, located just off the border with Kaliningrad Oblast, a gathering of representatives of government administration, local governments and the Polish Army devoted to the Tarcza East programme took place on 7 August. The event organised at the initiative of the Warmia-Masurian voivode Radosław Król aimed at deepening dialog with local communities and explaining the objectives and benefits of the programme.
The gathering was attended by representatives of border municipalities and powiats concentrated within the Warmian-Masurian Association of Border Governments. Chiefs, councillors, local community leaders and residents were besides present. Many questions afraid the applicable aspects of the Shield East programme – the participants wanted to know what the real benefits of it would be for residents of border municipalities, both in terms of safety and infrastructure improvement and improving the regular functioning of local communities.
– Our experience so far shows that the Polish Army operates efficiently and professionally. Today's gathering is the consequence of my initiative – we want to build public awareness about the objectives of the Shield East programme. Therefore, we are here today, in Momajny, to talk to the residents and perceive to their voice," said Warmia-Masurian voivode Radosław Król.
Special activity was demonstrated by local farmers who asked, among others, about the future of the lease of border land from the National Agricultural Support Centre and about planned compensation mechanisms for land transferred for the purposes of the Tarcza East programme. Continuity of management and availability of replacement sites were besides raised. Military and administrative representatives declared openness to dialog and individual approach to each situation, while ensuring that the planned solutions aim at minimising the impact of defence investments on agricultural activity and the regular life of the inhabitants of the region.
There were no shortages of regular safety voices – residents asked about upgrading local roads, expanding the mobility of emergency and military services, and improving the method infrastructure in the region. It pointed out the request for better civil-military cooperation and an efficient crisis consequence system.
Lt-Gen Stanisław Czosnek, Deputy Chief of General Staff liable for implementing the programme, stressed the function of Warmia and Mazur as a key area in the east State safety System:
The east Shield is not a wall. It is simply a safety strategy that starts here – in border municipalities specified as Barciany.
Addressing the local government and localities, the general added:
The military does not come here with orders, but with a partnership proposal. Shield East is simply a common task – for residents and together with residents. This defence strategy grows from local foundations. Without cooperation with local communities, an effective and sustainable safety strategy cannot be built.
General Garlic concluded his speech with the words:
“War is besides serious to be left solely in the hands of the army. That's why our cooperation is so important. Your presence at today's gathering is the best proof that we realize the importance of safety as a common good for society as a whole. Thank you for your openness and trust. It is thanks to them that we can act faster, more efficient and smarter – the general concluded.
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