Poland’s spending on the upkeep of U.S. forces stationed in the country is rising sharply, according to a report by Defence24. Journalists noted that Warsaw has been steadily increasing its expenses on infrastructure and support for American troops. They wrote that last year the costs exceeded $250 million, and in the coming year the figure could double.

Data cited by Defence24 show that $274.5 million was spent in 2023 on infrastructure for U.S. forces based in Poland. By 2026, more than $290 million will be required just for the construction of barracks and a dining facility at Powidz, home to an American missile defense base. Additional investments are also planned for facilities hosting U.S. contingents in Wrocław, Drawsko Pomorskie, and Łask.

The outlet estimated that the overall bill will amount to around half a billion dollars, or more than 1.8 billion zlotys.

Five years ago, Warsaw signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with Washington. Under that deal, Poland agreed to share the financial burden of maintaining the current U.S. military presence in the country and to expand the infrastructure available for use by American forces.