Polish President Karol Nawrocki suggests Poland should consider developing its own nuclear weapons and deterrence capabilities amid rising tensions with Russia and changing European security dynamics.
President’s Position on Nuclear Weapons Development
President Karol Nawrocki addressed the issue of Poland’s potential participation in a nuclear program on Polsat News, clearly emphasizing his position. He noted that he cannot specify a specific timeline or scope of future actions in this area, but pointed out that decisions regarding the potential development of nuclear capabilities must take into account Poland’s international obligations, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, of which Poland is a signatory.
When asked about a potential Moscow reaction to the development of Polish nuclear capabilities, he answered unequivocally. The President emphasized that Poland’s geographical location requires particular caution in matters of strategic security.
Nawrocki’s statement was widely interpreted by foreign media as a signal that Poland does not intend to make its security policy dependent on potential reactions from the Kremlin.
European Nuclear Defense and SAFE Program
Nawrocki’s declarations coincided in time with a growing debate about the European nuclear deterrence system. German Chancellor Friedrich Merk informed during the Munich Security Conference about talks with France regarding extending nuclear protection to other European states. France, along with Great Britain, remains the only European Union country with its own nuclear arsenal.
An important element of this strategic puzzle is also the agreement signed by Poland in 2024 with France regarding cooperation in the field of strategic security, which according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk could open the way to Poland being covered by the French nuclear umbrella.
In parallel, Poland is utilizing the largest in the history of the European Union defense financing program SAFE. This instrument provides a total of 150 billion euros in support in the form of preferential loans for army modernization and purchase of weapons produced in Europe. Poland is the largest beneficiary of the program, with approved funding of 43.7 billion euros.
The first tranche of funds will amount to 15 percent of that total and will be transferred to a special fund managed by the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego. These funds will be used primarily by the Ministry of National Defense, but also by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration and the infrastructure ministry.
Russia, NATO and Growing Polish Defense Spending
The significance of Nawrocki’s statement is also emphasized by the context of growing military threats in the region. According to NATO data, Poland currently allocates nearly 5 percent of its gross domestic product to defense, which is one of the highest levels among member states.
Bloomberg recalled that in September, Russian drones violated Polish airspace during attacks on Ukraine. This incident increased pressure to strengthen defense systems and accelerated the debate about strategic deterrence.
The discussion about Poland’s potential participation in nuclear projects also fits into the changing policy of the United States. In Europe, there is a growing conviction that the continent should develop its own deterrent capabilities, regardless of the American nuclear umbrella. In this context, Poland, as a NATO border state and one of the leaders in defense spending in Europe, is becoming one of the key participants in this debate.