Changes in the Oversight of the Defence Industry in Poland
Photo. Jakub Borowski/Defence24
Donald Tusk’s government reshuffle will affect the ministries responsible for Polish defence companies as well as Polish diplomacy.
The ministry supervising Polish defense companies has a new minister. Wojciech Balczun has been appointed head of the Ministry of State Assets, replacing Jakub Jaworowski in that role. Most recently, Balczun was associated with the Industrial Development Agency.
Key Task: Energy
Previously, he served as CEO of PKP Cargo (2008–2013) and of Ukrainian Railways (2016–2017). These positions, as well as Donald Tusk’s remarks today, indicate that the primary task assigned to the new minister will be the energy transition.
Three Priorities of the Ministry of State Assets: Ammunition, Industry, Synergy
“Mr. Wojciech Balczun, the new Minister of State Assets, has taken on the task of directly transposing onto the State Treasury companies, particularly those in which the state holds a key share, especially in the energy sector, the energy policy that will be developed by the government, and State Treasury companies will implement the policy of energy security,” said the Prime Minister.
Sikorski Climbing Up
In terms of overseeing state-owned defense companies, the key role will continue to be played by the Deputy Minister of State Assets (Marcin Kulasek since early 2024, and as of February this year, Minister Konrad Gołota). Let us recall that this ministry—tasked with creating a strategy for the state defence industry by the end of this year—oversees companies such as H. Cegielski-Poznań; Huta Stalowa Wola; OBR Przemysłu Oponiarskiego Stomil in Poznań; Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa; Polski Holding Obronny; Stomil-Poznań; Wojskowe Przedsiębiorstwo Handlowe; and Zakłady Chemiczne Nitro-Chem.
The government changes will also affect the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to some extent. From now on, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski will also serve as Deputy Prime Minister of the Polish government.
