Defence will continue to be a primary focus in Poland‘s budget, according to Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski, who emphasized the need for European Union nations to support a Polish initiative that would allow for increased military expenditure without violating the bloc’s fiscal regulations.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has driven Poland to enhance its military capabilities and increase arms acquisitions, with the country dedicating 4.7% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defence this year, marking one of the highest contributions within NATO.

Domanski stated in a radio interview, “The budget, particularly defence spending, has always been and will remain our foremost priority. These expenditures shape all our other investments, as they are only justified when Poland’s security is assured.” He also called on other EU member states to elevate their defence budgets.

On Thursday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk advocated for the swift implementation of new fiscal regulations to support enhanced European defence initiatives and suggested that the EU should utilize frozen Russian assets to finance aid for Ukraine.

Domanski remarked that, in light of recent developments from the United States, the EU must assume greater responsibility for its own security and the overall situation on the continent. Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron convened two meetings with European leaders to discuss accelerating defence spending and responding more swiftly as the U.S. administration intensifies diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.