Strength in depths

摘要

Some 12 years after Poland joined NATO, and with Polish membership of the European Union entering its seventh year, we may firmly state that - as a result of our effective maritime policy - we possess a modern and highly skilled naval force. Poland is situated in the middle of Europe, an area traversed by numerous land and sea communication routes. The Polish maritime borderline is 770km and Poland possesses a water territorial area of 8,700km2. The Polish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is close to 2,300km2. Poland has the right to protect its borders and to protect its interests on these waters, and consequently to monitor the Baltic Sea. It is Poland's duty to secure the safe transportation of goods and raw materials and their safe loading and unloading in ports, while also protecting maritime interests such as the development of the shipbuilding industry, exploration of gas and oil from the sea bottom, fishing, and tourism.