Warsaw backs NATO's decision to boost defence spending
Polish President Andrzej Duda and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski have praised NATO's long-awaited move to ramp up the recommended defence spending level from 2 percent to 5 percent, with Duda saying the new threshold aligns with his suggestions and the "current situation."
Demanded by US President Donald Trump, the alliance collectively reached an agreement on elevated military spending targets on Wednesday at the NATO summit in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Commenting on the move at the press conference following the talks, Duda thanked the American leader for backing the initiative while mentioning Washington's significance and strength in the alliance. He said that the changes followed more than a year-long Polish bid for a new rule.
The new defence spending goal, Duda added, influences Poland: "A strong alliance means strong Poland."
Sikorski spoke about the breakthrough decision in a video he posted on X on Wednesday.
"A historic decision was made that all member states will spend 3.5 percent of GDP on core defence, and 5 percent of GDP in total," the top diplomat said.
Speaking of how "Russian imperialism" jeopardises foreign security, the head of state said NATO's Eastern flank members "don't need an explanation" on the matter.
NATO's new minimum on military expenditure comes over a year after Poland started rapidly exceeding the former two-percent target, aiming for a 5-percent-of-GDP allocation to defence. In 2025, this figure is projected to hit 4.7 percent.
The decision comes just over a month before newly elected leader Karol Nawrocki officially succeeds Duda.
Duda said he is leaving Poland's highest office at peace about a pivotal shift in NATO's military focus. He added that "everyone" in the alliance "knows" defence spending needs to be higher. (PAP)
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