2025-05-02 15:11
publication
2025-05-02 15:11
The planned signing of the French-Polish treaty, covering the issues of defense and economy, gained new significance in connection with the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and because of uncertainty about the US security guarantee-the Financial Times said on Friday. The treaty will be signed on May 9 in Nancy, east of France.
As noted by the British daily, although work on the document lasted for many years, he is an important signal at a time when US President Donald Trump turned towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin and threatened to withdraw American guarantees constituting the basis of the European security system.
“The goal (signing the treaty) is to deepen and indicate key elements in French-Polish relations, including threat assessment, creating joint defense projects and expand conversations on strategic topics, including nuclear scares,” said the French official, quoted by “FT”.
In his opinion, it is unlikely that the signatories of the agreement, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, would reach an agreement in Nancy to embrace Poland with a French nuclear umbrella.
The newspaper pointed out that the document, which will be signed on May 9, is similar to the treaties that France has already made with its neighbors – Germany, Italy and Spain. Paris also ratified systems regarding only defense and security with other countries, including Great Britain.
According to the representative of the French authorities, the treaty also shows that Paris perceives Warsaw as an increasingly important partner in the face of war in Ukraine.
“FT” reminded that the French-Polish relations were significantly deteriorated when the PiS government in 2016 withdrew from the Caracal helicopter's PLN $ 3.5 billion for the purchase of $ 3.5 billion, produced by Airbus, and concluded for the previous government of Tusk.
In 2024, Poland spent the most on defense from all NATO members, allocating 4.07 percent. GDP mainly on orders from American and South Korean weapons producers. It is expected that by virtue of the new treaty, France will be able to increase the sale of military equipment in Poland.
As reported by the British daily, Airbus competes for Polish contracts for helicopters, transport aircraft and air tankers to be able to operate the growing Polish fighter fleet, which in 2026 will also include F-35. In addition, the Polish Navy is planning a large purchase of submarines, and France is one of the few bidders. (PAP)
MZB/ AP/ LM/
