On Friday, 9 May 2025, Poland and France signed a new treaty on enhanced cooperation and friendship. It is a historic step with real impact on security, energy and the future of both countries and all of Europe.
The new Polish-French treaty – a breakthrough in relations
The signing of the new Polish-French treaty is an event that opens a new chapter in relations between Warsaw and Paris. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Emmanuel Macron met in Nancy to formalise an agreement replacing the outdated 1991 treaty. The new document covers not only political issues, but also defence, energy and infrastructure development.
Security and defence – key elements of the treaty
Security guarantees at the European level
One of the most important provisions of the treaty is the mutual commitment to provide each other with assistance – including military assistance – in the event of a threat. This is a step beyond the existing obligations arising from NATO, as Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasised, describing the new guarantees as “stronger than those arising solely from the North Atlantic Treaty”.
A French nuclear umbrella?
The treaty also paves the way for cooperation on the so-called French nuclear umbrella – that is, the potential extension of French nuclear deterrence protection to Poland. While this does not replace the relationship with the United States, it is a clear signal that Poland is building a broad security network in Europe.
Energy and economic cooperation
Nuclear energy in the spotlight
Alongside the main treaty, a second document was signed on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy. It is a response to the challenges linked to the energy transition and the security of energy supplies. Poland hopes for technology transfer and support from French companies in building its own nuclear power plants.
Other areas of cooperation
The treaty also covers:
- infrastructure development,
- industrial cooperation, including in the defence sector,
- joint actions for European security,
- support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Why is this treaty so important?
The new Polish-French treaty is not merely a diplomatic formality. It is a real response to a changing geopolitical situation – especially given uncertainty about the future of US engagement in Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Poland and France are showing that they want to be pillars of a strong, solidarity-based and sovereign Europe.
Friendship for the 21st century
As President Macron noted, “there is no united Europe without Polish-French friendship, solidarity and cooperation”. This partnership may become a model for other countries in the region, showing that cooperation and solidarity are the keys to security and development.
The new Polish-French treaty is not only a symbolic gesture, but a concrete tool strengthening Poland’s position on the international stage. It also signals that Europe can build its own, independent systems of security and cooperation without giving up its existing alliances.
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