Polish President Ratifies Deal To Allow Stationing of US Troops 

On Monday in Warsaw, Polish President Andrzej Duda ratified the Poland-United States Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace.

The agreement provides for a further increase in the number of U.S. troops stationed in Poland and the establishment of a new legal framework for their presence in the country.

The conservative government has had close ties with the U.S. during the Trump administration and this move will cement them.

Nevertheless, President Duda stated that despite the closeness of the two current administrations, the bilateral relationship would not change under a Biden administration.

“I believe that our partnership is above political divisions,” Duda said during the Warsaw ceremony, putting any fears to rest. “We are waiting for the new U.S. president to take office.”

In fact, many presume that the close cooperation between the two countries will only increase during a Biden administration citing the groundwork that has been laid out for each country to grow the relationship further.

The Polish government has already agreed to purchase Patriot missile defense programs as well as F-35 fighter jets.

“Contrary to the opinions or emotions that have been voiced by some politicians and commenters, I am convinced that the Polish-American relations will develop as well as before, and the Polish-American alliance will grow stronger,” the head of the prime minister’s chancellery, Michal Dworczyk, told Polskie Radio.

“The change of the president of the U.S. will not affect the alliance and possibilities of cooperation in the military field, which is extremely important to us. We are reliable partners to the Americans,” he added.

“It is a relationship that will benefit both countries. Poland is strengthening its defense potential, and it is simply a good deal for the American business and defense sectors.”

The Polish President has stated that the security of his nation and bilateral business will be strengthened by having more U.S. troops in Poland. “Everyone who is familiar with politics knows perfectly well that the conclusion of this agreement will not only bring military effects, it not only translates into the US military presence — personnel and infrastructure… It is primarily a guarantee of security for Poland and for the whole of this part of Europe,” he said.

“As a result, the Central European market is becoming a much safer and more stable market for U.S. investors,” Duda added.

The EDCA will raise the number of U.S. troops in Poland to around 5,500. With the Russian military acting increasingly aggressive in Central and Eastern Europe, the increased U.S. presence in Poland will act as a deterrent. 

This agreement’s groundwork was laid by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in August. It will serve to protect NATO’s right flank.

The enhanced military infrastructure, which will be put in place as part of the agreement, will be prepared by Poland. It will be able to facilitate an additional 20,000 U.S. troops in the event of an imminent threat.