French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed the Polish-French Treaty on Friday in Nancy with strengthened cooperation and friendship. Earlier, Tusk reported that there would be a provision in the treaty, which in the event of a threat obliges both countries to provide help, including military.
At a press conference, the Prime Minister emphasized that the clause with mutual assistance, including military assistance, is treated by both countries seriously. “The intention of the President and mine is to treat this record seriously. Therefore, practical, operational actions and activities regarding our defense industries, strategic thought, preparation for actions when they are needed,” he announced.
“Poland is ready to cooperate in every field when it comes to defense,” the prime minister added. As he pointed out, “in our interest, common interest, it is skillful use of all the possibilities that France and Poland have in the event of a threat to both countries.” He emphasized that the treaty is not an alternative to cooperation with the USA or NATO.
“It's exactly the opposite. We've all heard these words repeatedly spoken by our American allies. We treat these words in Poland seriously, because we take all allies very seriously. (…) And for me as close as possible and the most close cooperation with France is exactly the implementation of this need” – said Tusk.
The French president argued that “the Nancy Treaty would contribute to strengthening strategic autonomy.” “In this treaty, we also sent a very bright signal, because we have concluded a clause about mutual defense and help, which is an extension of our involvement within NATO and the European Union,” he said.
He assessed that it is “a truly integrated defense partnership that is not to replace NATO or the EU, but is to strengthen and translate into operational activities existing bonds.” Mentioning the appointment of NATO after World War II and Article 5. The Washington Treaty emphasized that France and Poland are covered by this article.
However – he added – you need to strengthen the European pillar of NATO. “That's why I believe in the defense Europe, which is not an alternative to NATO, but which strengthens in NATO. Our last decisions are going in this direction,” said Macron.
The French president was asked at a press conference whether in the event of a threat to Poland, France would be able to react within 30 days. “As for the mobilization of military forces, we have the right procedure in France – this is specified in the constitution,” Macron replied.
“We have the appropriate organization of the army, we have investments and command systems. I have no doubt that such arrangement (troops) would be possible if the worst happened,” he said. As he said, this is evidenced by the fact that after Russian aggression to Ukraine in February 2022, France sent its soldiers to Romania within five days. “We have such an opportunity and of course it would be launched if this kind of aggression took place,” he said.
He also informed that “in the coming months” he would like to organize joint Polish-French military exercises.
He also mentioned that the treaty provides “strengthened cooperation to fight against interference from abroad, cyber attacks and everything that threatens our democracy.”
Prime Minister Tusk estimated that the document signed with France would strengthen the entire structure of European stability. He emphasized that the treaty “does not close, but only opens this new chapter in our relationships.” “We will continue to cooperate on the fair room in Ukraine as fair as possible,” he assured.
After signing the main treaty, the second document was signed regarding cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy. As Prime Minister Tusk informed, the Polish-French Friendship Day was established on April 20.
The new treaty will replace the previous agreement of Poland and France, signed in 1991 and assessed as outdated. It is compared with treaties that France has previously signed with neighboring countries: Germany, Italy and Spain.
The document was signed in Nancy in eastern France, a city related to the joint history of both countries – this was where King Stanisław Leszczyński settled after exile from the country. Also, the date was not chosen by accident – May 9 is Europe Day.
From Nancy Sonia Otfinowska and Anna Wróbel (PAP)
awl/ kar/ mhr
