Poland in talks with US on permanent military base

Poland is actively pursuing the establishment of a permanent U.S. military base on its soil, a move that would significantly bolster its strategic position on NATO's Eastern flank. Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski confirmed that talks with Washington are underway, with both sides exchanging proposals.

This initiative comes as the United States conducts a broader review of its military presence in Europe, aiming to encourage the continent to take greater responsibility for its conventional defense. Poland, a key NATO and EU member bordering both Ukraine and Russia, is a strong candidate for such a base due to its strategic importance and its commitment to defense spending, allocating approximately 5% of its GDP.

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We have already completed the initial stage (of the process), not to mention the political will, which was expressed long ago.

While the proposals are not yet official, Zalewski indicated that a U.S. team will be established to partner with Poland in these discussions. The move also reflects a broader push within NATO for member states to meet defense spending commitments, with a pledge made at the Hague summit to dedicate at least 5% of GDP to security by 2035.

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of the creation of an American team that will ... be (Poland's) partner