Poland's Defense Spending Surge: A Strategic Shift Towards National Security

Poland is set to enshrine a defense spending target of at least 4% of GDP into the constitution, with military training for all adult males as a precaution against Russian threats. The government plans to increase spending to 4.7% this year and considers 5% a future necessity amidst growing security concerns.

In a decisive move to bolster national security, Poland's President Andrzej Duda has proposed enshrining a defense spending target of at least 4% of the country's GDP into the constitution. This initiative follows the heightened threat perceptions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

The Polish government's defense spending reached 4.1% of GDP last year, with projections to increase this to 4.7% in the coming year. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the necessity of escalating this figure to 5%, while also advocating for mandatory military training for all adult males.

During a press conference in Brussels, Duda urged NATO countries to raise their defense budgets to a minimum of 3% of GDP. Meanwhile, European Union leaders have backed increased defense expenditures. U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about NATO allies needing to contribute more only intensify the pressures for such commitments.

(With inputs from agencies.)