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Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski takes part in NATO foreign ministers meeting

22.05.2026

Transatlantic relations and increased defence spending were the focus of a NATO foreign ministers meeting on 21-22 May with Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski among the participants. Gathered in Helsingborg, Sweden, the top diplomats also spoke about preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara.

Group photo of NATO summit participants posing for an official photograph against a blue backdrop with the NATO logo and the word “Helsingborg.” Politicians and state representatives stand in several rows, dressed in formal business attire, including suits and elegant outfits.

The Helsingborg talks centred around transatlantic relations, which Poland continuosly considers crucial in building Europe's security. Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski referred to US President Donald Trump's social media announcement that the United States will be sending an additional 5,000 troops to Poland.

I want to thank President Trump for his annoucement that the rotation, the presence of American troops in Poland will be maintained more or less at previous levels

- Minister Sikorski said, thanking everybody who had contributed to this decision. The minister added that close cooperation is as necessary between Poland and the US as it is between the US and Europe, with greater engagement of European states in NATO.

The foreign ministers discussed progress in increasing defence spending. Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski observed that military modernisation in Europe must be stepped up because of continued Russia threat.

 We are all aware that we must draw lessons for the purchasing policy, for the operational art, for troop trainings in the light of defence against the Russian aggression, where things are looking up for Ukraine. It brings about a revolution in military matters.

- Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski said. Poland's top diplomat pointed out that drawing on lessons learned and a swift adjustment are the key aspects of effective deterrence. He added that Poland is NATO's top defence spender as a share of GDP. In 2025 the total spending exceeded pln 186.5 billion (about 4.7% GDP), and in 2026 the defence budget (inclusive of the Armed Forces Support Fund) will go beyond PLN 200 billion (EUR 46.5 billion), an equivalent of about 4.8% GDP. The EU member states have seen a 63% increase in defence spending over the last five years. Defence investments have risen by 150% in the corresponding period.

During the ministerial, Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski outlined Poland's expectations ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara this July. The minister stressed that they are ready to abide by the collective defence principle laid down in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. 

Photo: NATO

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