WARSAW, Poland — In light of a shifting security landscape in Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Friday proactive measures to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities, namely large-scale military training for all adult men. This move aims to bolster a reserve force capable of addressing any potential threats. Tusk articulated this strategy in a detailed address to Poland’s Sejm, the country’s lower house of parliament.
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of expanding the military to an envisioned strength of 500,000 soldiers, which would significantly enhance Poland’s existing military capabilities that currently include approximately 200,000 active soldiers, with projections to reach 220,000 by this year. Ultimately, the plan seeks to expand the number to around 300,000.
Recent escalations in security threats, particularly following Russia’s intensified military actions against Ukraine involving missile and drone strikes, have heightened Poland’s defense concerns. These threats are compounded by changes in the United States’ military and intelligence support under the Trump administration, leading to potential uncertainties around U.S. commitments to NATO.
Tusk clarified that the proposed reserve force would not involve reinstating universal military service. Instead, it employs a model reminiscent of Switzerland, where every male citizen has an obligation to serve in the military or fulfill an alternative civilian service, with provisions allowing women to volunteer.
Poland, a nation of 38 million situated on NATO’s eastern periphery, is particularly vigilant about developments in Ukraine. Historical experiences underscore the fear of potential Russian imperial expansion into territories such as Poland, once under Moscow’s influence during both the 19th century and the Cold War era.
Jaroslaw Kaczy?ski, leader of the opposition party Law and Justice, underscored the importance of fostering a societal shift, reviving a traditional ethos where men embrace the role of soldiers ready to face adversities, including the risk of life.
Amidst a backdrop of greater apprehension across Europe, influenced by President Donald Trump’s evolving foreign policy that suggests support for Russia’s stance, Tusk issued a cautionary note. He asserted that Poland’s geopolitical situation could become precarious if Ukraine were to lose its sovereignty or yield to unfavorable peace terms following its conflict with Russia.
In response to the prevailing security environment, President Andrzej Duda on Friday proposed a constitutional amendment mandating a defense expenditure of at least 4% of Poland’s gross domestic product annually. Currently, Poland stands as NATO’s leader in defense spending relative to its economy, surpassing even the proposed 4% threshold this year. Duda advocates solidifying this defense investment as a constitutional directive.
These developments arise as the Trump administration expresses potential reservations about maintaining alliance obligations should member nations fall short of defense spending benchmarks.
