Poland's prime minister pledges to build Europe's 'strongest army'

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has laid out an ambitious vision to strengthen Poland's military, economy, and internal security, declaring 2026 a "year of Polish acceleration." In a New Year's address, Tusk pledged to build "the strongest army in Europe," accelerate major infrastructure investments, and adopt a new nationalist economic policy, while taking a harsher stance on crime.

A Three-Pillar Plan for National Acceleration

Prime Minister Tusk detailed a three-pronged agenda for the coming year. The centerpiece is a renewed commitment to military expansion, with the goal of constructing Europe's most powerful army. This effort will run parallel to a major push in infrastructure development, which Tusk described as a "rapid conquest of the Baltic Sea," likely referring to energy and transport projects. Economically, the government will pursue what he termed the "repolonization" of key industries, including defense, and introduce a strict "Polish first" rule for public procurement to prioritize domestic companies.

Tougher Stance on Crime and Security

Alongside the military and economic plans, Tusk announced a significant crackdown on crime. He vowed that authorities would "tighten the screws" on offenders "of all kinds," explicitly naming drug dealers, corrupt politicians, and what he described as pro-Russian militants. "Anyone, without exception, who breaks the law will bitterly regret it in the coming year," Tusk stated, expressing his aim to make Poland "an oasis of security." This hardline approach frames internal security as integral to national strength.

Context of Regional Instability and National Ambition

Poland, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, has been at the forefront of the Western response to Russia's war and has undertaken a historic military modernization program in recent years. Tusk's declaration aims to continue this trajectory, positioning Poland as a leading European power and a key security provider on the alliance's eastern flank. The "Polish first" procurement policy aligns with a broader European trend of strengthening strategic autonomy and domestic industrial bases, a consideration also important for nations like Türkiye, which pursues its own defense self-sufficiency.