Poland Urges EU to Boost Defense Spending Amid Rising Security Threats

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Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, addressed the European Parliament urging EU member states to significantly increase their defense budgets in light of the escalating security challenges, particularly from Russia. Speaking in Strasbourg, Tusk emphasized that Europe must prioritize military spending, echoing U.S. President Donald Trump's call for NATO allies to raise defense expenditures to five percent of their GDP, a figure more than double the current two percent requirement.

Highlighting the urgent need for heightened security, Tusk stated, “This is a time when Europe cannot afford to save on security. If Europe is to survive, it needs to be armed.” His remarks come amid ongoing tensions due to Russia's military actions in Ukraine, which have prompted NATO to strengthen its eastern defenses.

Poland leads NATO members with a defense budget of 4.12 percent of its GDP, positioning itself as a frontline state against potential Russian aggression. Tusk encouraged other EU nations to take responsibility for their security by adopting a proactive approach rather than relying solely on American support, paraphrasing a famous quote from John F. Kennedy.

The call for increased defense spending has met with skepticism from some European leaders, but Tusk's government believes securing the EU's future necessitates immediate actions to bolster military preparedness.

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