Poland has set targets to spend 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense by the year 2026, consolidating its ranking as NATO’s largest military spender in terms of GDP share. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz made the commitment on Thursday during a European Union defense ministers’ meeting in Warsaw.
Spurred on by security reasons due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has continually accelerated its defense spending. Poland already stands to account for 4.7% of its 2024 GDP on defense and is even eclipsing the United States in percentages spent within the NATO alliance.
During the Warsaw summit, attention was laid on the “White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030,” a strategic guide intended to advance the ReArm Europe Plan as well as amplify the military preparedness of Europe. EU ministers underscored that the document has critical significance as a guide towards building a block-level collective defense policy.
We need to prepare for the worst-case scenarios and make sure we are strong enough to discourage any conflict,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said. “Our aim is to make Europe so well-protected that no enemy would find it worth it to attack the EU or NATO.
Poland’s assertive defense build-up is part of wider European efforts to enhance security and diminish dependence on outside allies. Poland has greatly accelerated arms purchases, modernized its military, and enhanced cooperation with NATO.
As geopolitical tensions continue, Poland’s defense spending commitment reflects its leadership in European security and its resolve to counter possible threats in the region.
