Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Poland will introduce military training for “every adult male” to strengthen national security.
Speaking before the Sejm on Friday, he outlined the initiative as part of a broader strategy to build a 500,000-strong army.
“Work is in progress to ensure large-scale training so that even those not enlisted can become capable soldiers in wartime,” Tusk stated.
He pledged that by the end of the year, Poland will finalize a system to prepare every adult male for potential conflict.
Poland Strengthens Defense Amid Rising Security Concerns
Last year, Poland’s army comprised 200,000 soldiers, with plans to increase this to 300,000.
With decreasing US military support, Poland, like other European nations, is prioritizing self-reliance in defense and security policy.
“The situation for Poland and especially Ukraine is now more difficult than a few months ago, and we must acknowledge this reality,” Tusk stressed.
He noted that “hard security guarantees” from the US for Ukraine appear “less certain today than before.”
Tusk confirmed discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding potential inclusion under France’s nuclear deterrence umbrella.
Referencing Ukraine’s vulnerability after surrendering its nuclear arsenal, Tusk suggested Poland must consider modern nuclear and unconventional weapons.
“This is a race for security, not for war,” he emphasized.
Poland Expands Military While Strengthening NATO Role
Poland remains one of Ukraine’s strongest allies and has significantly increased its defense spending in recent years.
As NATO’s largest European contributor, Poland allocated 4.2% of its GDP to defense in 2024, set to rise to 4.7% this year.
Poland also boasts the largest army in Europe and ranks third in NATO behind the United States and Turkey.
With its mandatory service plan, Poland joins Switzerland, Finland, and Lithuania in expanding military training programs.
Lithuania, bordering both Russia and Belarus, currently conscripts 3,900 men aged 18-23 annually and is considering including women.
Poland, Finland, and Lithuania are also reviewing their participation in the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.
Military Training to Target All Adult Men
Tusk’s plan remains in development, but he confirmed that “every adult male” in Poland will undergo training.
Women can voluntarily participate but will not be required to enlist.
“War remains, to a great extent, a domain of men,” Tusk remarked.
An EU report shows only 11 out of 27 member states, including Poland, Finland, and Lithuania, allow women in frontline roles.
Tusk hopes this initiative will reinforce both Poland’s and Europe’s security while border protection remains a top priority.
“Poland’s duty is to secure its eastern frontier, which is also NATO’s and the European Union’s border,” he concluded.