The 11th edition of the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF), held on October 1-2, 2024, successfully brought together 2,600 participants from 90 countries, 30 governmental delegations, and over 250 speakers to address critical issues surrounding European and transatlantic security. With 1 million combined online views and over 14,000 live viewers, the WSF reaffirmed its importance as a leading platform for security dialogue in Europe.

The Weimar Triangle Meeting and WSF 2024 Report

One of the most anticipated aspects of the WSF 2024 was the Weimar Triangle meeting. This meeting brought together Benjamin Haddad (France), Anna Lührmann (Germany), and Adam Szłapka (Poland)—the Ministers of European Affairs from the three nations—to discuss leadership and cooperation in Europe. This meeting was particularly significant, as it was the first Weimar Triangle gathering since the formation of France’s new government.

During this session, the forum also launched the WSF 2024 Annual Report, which provided a roadmap for the future of European security. The report’s key recommendations included a coherent European vision for leadership in defense and security, strengthening defense and energy security cooperation between the three countries, and institutionalizing the Weimar Triangle to promote closer collaboration among France, Germany, and Poland.

The report, a product of the efforts of 25 parliamentarians and experts from the three countries, highlighted the need for strengthened trilateral relations. It suggested that by working together, the Weimar Triangle could bolster Europe’s credibility within NATO and influence the broader European security architecture. The report is available for the public and can be accessed online, encouraging further dialogue on how the Weimar Triangle can be a force for greater integration and strategic action in Europe.

Sweden as the 2024 Partner Country

This year, Sweden held the prestigious position of Partner Country at WSF 2024. Sweden’s delegation was led by Pål Jonson, the Minister of Defence, and included high-level officials such as Carl-Oskar Bohlin (Minister of Civil Defence), Henrik Landerholm (National Security Adviser), and leading figures from the Swedish Armed Forces—including Lt. Gen. Carl-Johan Edström (Chief of Defence Staff) and Rear Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum (Chief of Navy).

Sweden’s presence as a NATO ally and its role in Baltic Sea security were central themes at the forum. The discussions underscored the significance of the North-Eastern Flank of NATO in the face of Russia’s imperial ambitions. Swedish speakers also provided insights into total defense strategies, focusing on how Sweden’s comprehensive approach to defense could serve as a model for Central and Eastern European countries (CEE) facing similar security challenges. Sweden’s expertise in psychological defense and democratic resilience was also a focal point, especially in light of the increasing threat of hybrid warfare.

In addition to panel discussions, Sweden’s role was further highlighted through partnerships with organizations such as the Swedish Institute of International Affairs and the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies, with SAAB acting as a Strategic Industrial Partner of WSF 2024.

Ukraine’s Role in WSF 2024

The Ukrainian Component of WSF 2024 was one of the most important segments, reflecting Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing war with Russia. High-level Ukrainian officials, including Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and Oleksandr Balanutsa, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for Euro-Atlantic Integration, led the Ukrainian delegation. Ukraine’s participation was crucial in shaping discussions on Euro-Atlantic integration and the future security architecture of Europe.

The Ukrainian Reconstruction Component, hosted by Paweł Kowal, the Polish Government Plenipotentiary for Polish-Ukrainian Development Cooperation, focused on Ukraine’s recovery and its clear path to joining both NATO and the European Union. The discussion also addressed military aid and the shape of EU enlargement, reinforcing the importance of swift and decisive action to support Ukraine.

A special session, in partnership with the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, featured emotional testimonies from Ukrainian prisoners of war and representatives from communities affected by Russian atrocities, underlining the genocidal nature of the Russian invasion.

Wargaming Report on the Transformation of the Polish Armed Forces

A pivotal announcement at WSF 2024 was the presentation of the Wargaming Report on the Transformation of the Polish Armed Forces, prepared by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation in collaboration with RAND Corporation. The report evaluated Poland’s military readiness to respond to conventional threats, particularly on NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Key findings of the report included a rapid increase in military personnel, acquisition of heavy military equipment and munitions, enhancement of strike capabilities, and greater investment in the domestic defense industry and civil defense.

The report was based on a wargame exercise held earlier in the year and attended by senior military officials, including Gen. Jukka Jokinen (Chief of Staff of the Finnish Armed Forces) and Gen. Tod Wolters (former NATO Supreme Allied Commander). The report concluded that the transformation of Poland’s armed forces is crucial for NATO’s broader security strategy.

The report on the Transformation of the Polish Armed Forces will soon be available on the Casimir Pulaski Foundation website.

High-Level Receptions Hosted by Polish Leaders

Two high-profile receptions were held during the WSF 2024. The first was a High-Level Dinner hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski. This event brought together key international and Polish leaders to discuss the future of European security. The second event, a Presidential Reception, was hosted by National Security Adviser Jacek Siewiera and took place at the Presidential Palace in the presence of President Andrzej Duda. Both events underscored Poland’s leadership role in European and transatlantic security matters.