Poland leads NATO in defense spending

The Polish government's increase in defense spending solidifies Poland's position as a leader in NATO, reports Beata Płomecka, correspondent for Polish Radio in Brussels.

Poland remains NATO's top spender on defense for the second year, with plans to increase its expenditures to 4.7% of GDP.

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Poland has maintained its leading position in NATO in terms of defense spending for the second consecutive year.

Radio Poland's Marcin Matuszewski has the details in his audio report - available in our player (red button above and on the left).

According to a headquarters report published in June, Poland's defense expenditures were 4.12% of GDP, with plans to increase to 4.7% next year.

➡ Poland to boost defense spending to 4.7% of GDP amid budget discussionshttps://t.co/MDMx1VHGwq

— Radio Poland (@thenews_PL) August 28, 2024

Poland clearly surpasses other countries, with Estonia in second place at 3.43% of GDP for defense.

The top positions also include the United States, with only Latvia and Greece exceeding 3% of GDP for defense spending, while 23 out of 32 NATO countries meet the 2% GDP requirement, with Spain, Slovenia, and Luxembourg at the bottom with the lowest spending.

The requirement of at least 2% GDP for defense is currently met by 23 of 32 NATO countries, compared to just 3 countries a decade ago.

This requirement stems from commitments made by allies at the 2014 NATO summit in Wales in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the invasion of eastern Ukraine.

(mp/mm)

Source: IAR/Beata Płomecka/Brussels