Rubio says he discussed with Poland the ‘need’ for NATO allies to raise spending

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Washington, D.C., to discuss several key issues, including the need for NATO allies to increase their defense investments without delay.

During the meeting, Rubio emphasized the importance of “fair and reciprocal market access” and highlighted the necessity for all NATO members to bolster their defense spending. This discussion aligns with President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to encourage NATO allies to raise their defense budgets, aiming for a target of 5% of GDP, significantly higher than the current 2% guideline.

Poland has been proactive in this regard, currently allocating 4.7% of its GDP to defense, the highest among NATO countries, though still below Trump’s desired 5% target. The U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a military presence in Poland, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The discussions between Rubio and Sikorski reflect a broader conversation within NATO about the need for equitable burden-sharing among member states, especially in light of ongoing global security challenges.

U.S. and Poland Discuss NATO Defense Spending