04/08/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Monday, August 3, the U.S. Secretary of Defense stated that the United States and Poland have completed negotiations on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This agreement will, in his view, provide the legal framework, infrastructure, and equitable burden-sharing essential to deepening their defence cooperation. In concrete terms, the EDCA will make it possible to increase the U.S. rotational presence of about 1,000 troops; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities; and the infrastructure needed to support a armoured brigade combat team and combat aviation brigade. This is in addition to the 4,500 U.S. personnel who are already on rotation in Poland. According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, this agreement — along with the redeployment of American troops in Europe (see EUROPE 12539/4) — will, among other things, enhance deterrence against Russia and strengthen NATO. (CG)