Podlasie residents express concern over Tarcza Wschód project

Residents of the Podlasie region are raising concerns regarding the Tarcza Wschód (East Shield) project, a government initiative designed to strengthen the eastern border through military infrastructure and natural obstacles like forests and wetlands.

Critics and local officials highlight a lack of consultation and potential economic impacts. The project may involve changes to forest management and land use, with some estimates suggesting up to 80 percent of the Podlasie Voivodeship could fall within a restricted development zone. Concerns include the potential seizure of private property under special legislation, which currently offers relocation assistance equivalent to 250 percent of the minimum wage, and the loss of tax revenue for local municipalities and forest districts.

Maciej Żywno, Vice Marshal of the Senate, has intervened with various ministries to demand a support package for the region to prevent economic marginalization of border communities.