NATO Increases Defense Spending. Andrzej Duda: A Strong NATO Means a Strong Poland

At the historic NATO summit in The Hague, allied nations reached a unanimous decision to significantly increase defense spending. The move, hailed by Polish President Andrzej Duda as a milestone akin to the 2016 Warsaw summit, reflects a strategic shift across the Alliance in response to escalating geopolitical threats.

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25 june 2025   |   20:30   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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– A strong North Atlantic Alliance today means a strong and secure Poland, President Duda stated during a press briefing, emphasizing the critical role of collective defense in ensuring regional stability.

Defense Readiness in the Face of Russian Imperialism

President Duda pointed out that frontline NATO states like Poland require no convincing about the reality of Russian imperial ambitions.

– We must strengthen our national defense and be prepared. But realistically, if Russia were to attack us, even with all planned modernization efforts, we’d struggle to manage on our own. However, within NATO, we are safe, he noted.

The summit reaffirmed NATO’s eastern flank as a focal point for readiness and deterrence.

4% of GDP for Defense: A Constitutional Proposal

In one of his final acts in office, President Duda submitted a constitutional amendment proposal to the Polish parliament mandating defense spending at 4% of GDP.

– This is my final act of responsibility for Poland’s security. It would constitutionally bind all future governments—regardless of political affiliation—to uphold this level of defense investment, unless a political majority agrees to change it, Duda explained.

Unified Support for Ukraine and Collective Deterrence

On the topic of Ukraine, President Duda reiterated Poland’s firm stance:

– Russia cannot be allowed to win this war. I firmly believe Ukraine’s future lies within our transatlantic community. This was unanimously supported—no dissent was voiced.

In direct response to Russia and Belarus’s planned “Zapad–2025” exercises, Poland will host NATO drills on its eastern flank at the same time.

– There is already strong interest from allies. American forces stationed in Poland will participate, and we expect a broad coalition of NATO troops, he said.

Fuel Infrastructure on NATO’s Eastern Flank: A Strategic Asset

For maritime and defense logistics, President Duda underlined the importance of extending NATO’s fuel pipeline infrastructure eastward.

– Currently, NATO pipelines end in Western Europe. Extending them to the eastern flank is critical to ensure operational defense capabilities, he stated.

This development holds significant implications for port infrastructure, maritime fuel terminals, and logistic corridors vital to sustaining military operations across the region.

U.S.–Poland Relations: Stronger Than Ever

Duda emphasized the decade-long effort to deepen strategic ties with the United States.

– Experts now say Polish–American relations are at their best since 1989. I take pride in building those relationships across successive U.S. administrations, he reflected.

He also welcomed the symbolic gesture of President Donald Trump hosting Poland’s President-elect Karol Nawrocki at the White House, calling it “a promising signal for future bilateral cooperation.”

Legacy and Final Message from the Outgoing President

– I’m ending my presidential mission at this final NATO summit with peace of mind. A significant shift has occurred. Everyone now agrees that 2% of GDP is no longer enough. We need to double our military effort—and it’s happening, President Duda concluded.

For defense, maritime, and energy infrastructure stakeholders, NATO’s renewed investment direction presents significant opportunities. The push to extend strategic fuel pipelines to the eastern flank may drive upgrades in port logistics, naval resupply capabilities, and integrated civil-military infrastructure. Additionally, Poland’s leadership in NATO-led exercises reinforces the country's role as a key logistics and security hub for the Baltic and broader Eastern European region.

NATO Andrzej Duda bezpieczeństwo militarne Europy obronność Polski NATO zwiększa wydatki

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