Poland Calls for NATO Members to Spend 5% of GDP on Defense by 2030

Poland's defense minister on May 6, 2026 urged NATO countries to reach a 5% of GDP defense spending target by 2030, five years ahead of the previous 2035 timeline. The call comes amid growing concerns about European security and US troop withdrawals. Poland warned of the risks of being too late in rearming.

Poland's 5% GDP defense target

• ▪Poland's defence minister warned of the risks of being too late in rearming.
• ▪Poland's defence minister said on May 6, 2026 that NATO countries need to hit a target of spending 5% of gross domestic product on defence.

NATO spending acceleration timeline

• ▪Poland's defence minister said the 2030 target date would be five years ahead of schedule.
• ▪Poland's defence minister said NATO countries need to hit the 5% of GDP defence spending target by 2030.

1 source