Poznań MP Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk says an analysis by Poland’s National Security Bureau (BBN) identifies Poznań as the best location for the base.
According to the study, one of the city's main advantages is the existing US military presence, including the forward headquarters of the US Army V Corps.
Poznań is relatively close to Powidz, central-western Poland, where the 33rd Transport Air Base is located and the US military has storage facilities for Army equipment.
The city is also near the Biedrusko training area, where, among other things, Polish Abrams tank crews are trained.
The analysis points to Poznań's location along the Berlin-Warsaw transport corridor and its well-developed road and railway infrastructure.
According to Jaśkowiak, the city's long-standing cooperation with US troops remains its biggest advantage.
He said he has met US commanders many times and that the Americans know they can rely on Poznań's authorities.
"The only way not to be conquered by the barbarians from the Russian Federation is to invest in defence."
"I am convinced that residents who see US troops in Poznań, who see these Americans every day, feel safer,” Jaśkowiak said.
The mayor also pointed to economic benefits from a permanent US presence.
Americans are currently the second-largest group of tourists visiting Poznań, after Germans, he noted.
Jaśkowiak said he and Greater Poland Voivodeship Marshal Marek Woźniak had presented Poland’s defence minister with the city's main advantages and specific commitments concerning the potential base.
Deputy Defence Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said the decision on the location of the permanent US base in Poland is likely to come towards the end of the year.
(sp/ał)
Source: PAP