Nawrocki Calls for NATO Fuel Pipeline Expansion

Polish President Karol Nawrocki plans to call for the expansion of NATO's fuel pipeline network toward the Alliance's eastern flank at the NATO summit.

He argues that extending the network would strengthen the security of member states bordering Russia and improve NATO's readiness for a potential conflict. Military planners have long identified fuel supplies, alongside ammunition, as one of the Alliance's greatest logistical challenges.

The proposed network would stretch through Poland and the Baltic states to Finland and Romania. According to Der Spiegel, the project could cost around €21bn ($24.6bn) and take 20-25 years to complete.

NATO's existing fuel pipeline network, which spans about 10,000 km, was built during the Cold War and currently ends in western Germany.

Experts warn that the current infrastructure would likely be insufficient to support allied forces in the event of a large-scale conflict.

(Reuters, mja)