What Happened: U.S. President Donald Trump and Polish President Andrzej Duda met in Washington on Sept. 18 to discuss increasing cooperation on security, energy and investments, AP reported. During a news conference after their meeting, Trump said he is considering the creation of a permanent military base in Poland, which Warsaw has offered to contribute $2 billion to.
Why It Matters: Poland currently has a difficult relationship with the European Union, and it is working to send a message that it still has support from the United States. Through strong security ties with the United States, Poland is hoping to protect itself from Russian influence.
Background: The European Union has begun procedures against Poland under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which is used to punish EU member states for violating human rights or the rule of law.
Read More:
- Stuck Between the U.S. and the EU, Poland Explores Its Options (July 10, 2018)
- The U.S. Casts a Suspicious Eye on Nord Stream 2 (May 24, 2018)
- Poland: Government Retreats on Judicial Reform, Controversial Law (March 23, 2018)
