Polish President Andrzej Duda, on an official visit to Bulgaria, discussed with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev Warsaw’s proposal that NATO member states allocate 3% of their gross domestic product to defence spending. He described the target as “reasonable, realistic and achievable.”

This year, Poland has earmarked around $45 billion - or 4.7% of its GDP - for defence, placing it at the top among NATO countries.

“We in Poland want the war in Ukraine to end, and for Ukraine to retain its sovereignty. We want the war to conclude with a lasting peace - one that ensures Russia will never again launch an attack,” President Duda stated.

• 16 EU countries, including Bulgaria, will increase defense spending through higher budget deficit

He praised President Radev for his role as a figure of political stability in Bulgaria and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two nations in areas such as the economy, tourism, and trade. He encouraged Bulgarian businesses to invest in Poland and invited Polish tourists to visit Bulgaria.

President Duda also noted the potential for an exchange of experience in the operation of F-16 fighter jets, given the Polish military’s long-standing use of the aircraft.