Poland Signs Defence Pact Amidst US-EU Trade Tensions

The news in Polish

1. podpisać
   Złożyć podpis na dokumencie, potwierdzając zgodę lub przyjęcie treści. ↩︎
2. porozumienie  (n.)
   Umowa lub ugoda między stronami. ↩︎
3. obrona  (f.)
   Działania mające na celu ochronę przed atakiem. ↩︎
4. podkreślić
   Zwrócić uwagę na coś, uczynić coś bardziej widocznym lub znaczącym. ↩︎
5. inwestować
   Przeznaczyć pieniądze na jakiś cel, oczekując korzyści. ↩︎
6. apelować
   Zwracać się z prośbą lub żądaniem. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: What is Poland investing in to be a strong ally of the USA and NATO?

Question 2: What topic was discussed during the ceremony in Sochaczew?

Vocabulary

Polish	English
podpisać	sign
porozumienie  (n.)	agreement
obrona  (f.)	defence
podkreślić	emphasise
inwestować	invest
apelować	appeal

Read the full story

Poland has solidified its defence relationship with the United States through the signing of a new logistical and technical support agreement for the Patriot air defence system. The formal ceremony, held at a military base in Sochaczew on Monday, witnessed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and key government officials highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

In a video message shared on social media platform X, Tusk addressed both American and European allies, emphasizing, “Dear American friends, we have just signed another Polish-American agreement in the field of defence.” He reiterated that for Poles, an alliance with the United States represents more than mere rhetoric but a commitment to shared values and collective security.

The Polish Prime Minister pointed out that Poland allocates nearly 5% of its GDP towards defence, as it seeks to establish the largest and most modern military in Europe. This investment is meant to secure not just Polish borders but also bolster shared values and interests across Europe and North America.

Tusk reassured, “America could always count on Poland,” stressing the nation’s role as a steadfast ally within the European-Atlantic framework, from Portugal to Greece. He also highlighted that the strength of the US, EU, and NATO is a mutual interest that should not be undermined.

The Prime Minister offered a word of caution to the American administration regarding a recent controversial decision by US President Donald Trump to impose a 25% tariff on all foreign cars entering the US, a significant increase from the previous 2.5%. This tariff has raised alarms across Europe, where countries like Germany, Slovakia, Italy, and Sweden are major exporters.

Germany’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, expressed concerns that the tariffs could harm both European and American economies and called for immediate talks to prevent a “trade war spiral.” Echoing these sentiments, Tusk warned that although Poland is not directly impacted, as it does not heavily produce vehicles for export, it could feel secondary effects due to its role as a supplier to other European automotive industries.

In conclusion, Tusk urged cooperation over confrontation, noting that collaboration is the best path forward for both Europe and America in these intricate geopolitical landscapes.

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