Poland plans to increase defence spending substantially

Copyright: European Union

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has presented the main points of 2025’s budget for the nation, calling it “generous” and aimed at further economic growth. His proposal includes a record defence spending of 187 billion zlotys ($48.7 billion). In Poland, security concerns are high due to its border with Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian hybrid attacks, and the Kremlin’s constant threats.

PM Tusk stated at a news conference that the defence sector funding is a significant effort with no turning back. Poland, which supports Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s invasion, is making substantial purchases of military equipment, including fighter jets, tanks, and missile defence systems from the U.S. and South Korea. The proposed budget would surpass the previous defence spending record of 159 billion zlotys ($41.5 billion) in the 2024 budget. Tusk described it as a “construction and force” budget that would strengthen Poland’s security, including energy security.

Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski stated that the defence spending proposal would constitute 4.7% of the gross domestic product, compared to 4.2% this year, making Poland a leader in NATO and the European Union. Poland’s economic growth is expected to be 3.9% next year, up from 3.1% in 2024, with an expected inflation rate of 5%, up from around 4% this year. He said the deficit is expected to reach 289 billion zlotys ($75.3 billion). The government will discuss the budget plan with trade unions. It also requires approval from Poland’s lawmakers and President Andrzej Duda.

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