In his first interview with the media since taking up the post, Rose described Poland as “a model ally - strong, capable, sovereign, and willing to do what is necessary.”
The diplomat argued that Europe must assume far greater responsibility for its own security.
“We need Europeans to become the first guardians of the continent,” he said, adding that several EU countries still fall short of Poland’s level of engagement.
Europe pressed to step up as Washington pivots to China
The ambassador stressed that the new US National Security Strategy reflects a fundamental shift in American priorities.
China, he said, represents the United States’ principal geostrategic challenge.
“We cannot be everywhere, all the time,” Rose warned.
“For America to remain an indispensable NATO partner, Europe must do what Poland has done.” He noted that the EU’s economy is nearly the size of America’s.
“The resources are there. Poland has shown that. What is missing is engagement from many of your neighbours.”
NATO, Russia and the US presence in Poland
Asked about Article 5 and the stability of the American troop presence in Poland, Rose insisted: “If anything were to happen, we expect our footprint here only to grow. Poland is family.”
As the US concentrates on China, he argued, Europe must confront its own primary threat.
“Your main challenge here in Europe is, of course, Russia. Poland understands this - the rest of Europe must as well.”
Personal roots and a delicate historical dialogue
Rose spoke warmly about his family’s Polish origins, describing Poland as “wonderful - clean, safe, friendly.”
Addressing tensions over a past Yad Vashem post concerning Nazi-imposed badges, he urged greater historical precision and sensitivity.
“No country besides Israel and Poland has done more to commemorate the Holocaust,” he noted, adding that Poles often understand the Jewish dimension of the history “better than many Jews understand the Polish one.”
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Source: TVN24/PAP