Shocking but real: in Poland, pupils have a new compulsory subject. From school classrooms we move directly to military training gyms, where young people learn to handle simulated rifles. “It’s not a game, but we’re ready”, declares a twelve-year-old Polish boy with determination, leaving us dismayed by the premature maturity imposed by circumstances. Will the next step be a militarized Europe, ready for a conflict with Russia? Sweden is also preparing, taking extraordinary measures that defy imagination.
Poland is the first country in the European Union to introduce compulsory weapons training courses in school programs. From primary school, children learn to assemble, disassemble and handle laser weapons under the supervision of qualified instructors. “We live in uncertain times, with the real risk of Russian aggression”say representatives of the Polish government, justifying a decision that has raised widespread controversy.
Deutsche Welle reported that school principals and political leaders believe it is essential to prepare the new generations to face crisis situations, underlining how the Russian danger is perceived as a concrete and imminent threat. Furthermore, a growing number of experts predict that a conflict between Russia and the European Union may become inevitable within the next decade.
This initiative is part of a broader national security program. Polish President Andrzej Duda has called on NATO members to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, underlining the urgency of countering the growth of Russian military capabilities fueled by the war in Ukraine. As highlighted by EuroNews, Poland is preparing to become a European military superpower, investing billions of dollars in advanced weaponry and planning to double its army over the next ten years. The objective is clear: to build military autonomy capable of facing any external threats without depending exclusively on NATO.
Krzysztof Papadis, a representative of a major laser weapons manufacturing company, said the equipment would be distributed as soon as possible in all 18,000 Polish schools. “The kids like this program and it reassures the parents,” says Papadis, underlining how military education is now perceived as a necessity. However, the price of this choice is high: the hours dedicated to health safety and first aid have been eliminated to make room for war training.
Sweden is also preparing for the possibility of a conflict with Russia.“We live in uncertain times. Armed conflicts, terrorism and disinformation campaigns threaten our stability”we read in a 32-page booklet distributed to Swedish citizens. The document offers practical instructions on how to deal with a war, from early warning systems to digital and psychological security.
The Swedish government is taking extraordinary measures, including preparing land for the burial of tens of thousands of soldiers. Katarina Evenseth, of the Gothenburg Burial Society, explained: “This planning is completely new for us. The war graves will have to be transferred to their countries of origin once the emergency is over.”
Despite not sharing a direct border with Russia, Sweden is increasing its military spending, which will go from 2.2% of GDP in 2024 to 2.6% by 2028. According to Swedish general Jonny Lindfors, “The Russians are fighting a war not only against Ukraine, but against the entire West.”
If in the United States, gun ownership is deeply rooted in national culture, in Europe, however, the situation is different: according to VoxEurop, there are over 35 million illegal firearms in circulation, while legal possession is mainly intended for hunting and sports. However, the growing perception of a Russian threat could also lead other European countries to follow Poland’s example by introducing military training into school curricula.
The implications of this transformation are profound. A more militarized Europe could guarantee greater security and deterrent capacity, but at what price? The risk is sacrificing the education and well-being of young people on the altar of defense. At the same time, this strategy could strengthen European autonomy, making it less dependent on the United States and more prepared to respond to global threats.
If the Polish trend expanded, Europe could turn into an armed continent and militarily autonomous. However, this militarization must find a balance with the fundamental values of the European Union: education, freedom and peace. The lesson from Poland is clear: prepare for the worst without betraying what it means to be European.
