On Friday, May 9, 2025, Poland and France signed a new treaty on enhanced cooperation and friendship. This is a historic step that has a real impact on security, energy and the future of both countries and Europe as a whole.
New Polish-French Treaty – a breakthrough in relations
Signing a new Polish-French treaty is an event that opens a new chapter in the relations between Warsaw and Paris. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Emmanuel Macron met in Nancy to formalise an agreement replacing the obsolete 1991 agreement. 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 European level
One of the most important provisions of the treaty is the mutual commitment to help each other – including military ones – in the event of a threat. This is a step further than NATO's commitments to date, as stressed by defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, calling the new guarantees "stronger than the North Atlantic Treaty alone".
A French nuclear umbrella?
The Treaty also opens the way for cooperation in the field of the so-called French nuclear umbrella – i.e. the potential protection of French nuclear deterrence forces. Although it does not replace the relationship with the US, it is a clear signal that Poland is building a wide security network in Europe.
Energy and Economic Cooperation
Nuclear energy in the foreground
In parallel with the main treaty, a second document on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy was signed. This responds to the challenges of energy transformation and security of energy supply. Poland hopes to transfer technology and support French companies in the construction of their own nuclear power plants.
Other areas of cooperation
The Treaty shall also include:
- infrastructure development,
- industrial cooperation, including in the arms sector,
- joint action 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 only a diplomatic formality. This is a real response to the changing geopolitical situation, especially with regard to the uncertainty about the future of US involvement in Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Poland and France show that they want to be pillars of a strong, solidarity and sovereign Europe.
Friendship for the 21st Century
President Macron noted that "there is no united Europe without friendship, solidarity and Polish-French cooperation". This partnership can become a model for other countries in the region, showing that cooperation and solidarity are key to security and development.
The new Polish-French treaty is not only a symbolic gesture, but a concrete tool to strengthen Poland's international position. It is also a signal that Europe can build its own independent security and cooperation systems without giving up its alliances.
