Baltics, Poland to receive “special favor” from US, war secretary Hegseth says

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers the Reagan National Defense Forum keynote speech in Simi Valley, Calif., Dec. 6, 2025. Source: Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has said “model allies” who prioritize their own defense, including the Baltic states and Poland, will receive “special favor” from the United States in the future.

Hegseth outlined the USA’s new National Security Strategy on Saturday at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California after the 33-page policy document was published earlier last week.

The strategy confirms Washington’s pivot away from Europe, states the continent should take responsibility for its own defense from 2027, and heavily criticizes Europe’s policies on migration.

On Saturday, Hegseth praised countries that have boosted their defense spending and highlighted efforts made by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The four countries on NATO’s eastern flank have pledged to allocate 5 percent of their GDP to defense in the coming years.

The secretary of war said countries that meet the administration’s expectations will receive “special favor” from the U.S.

Read more: ERR.EE

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