As “The Economist” notes, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing difficulties in domestic politics, finds some relief in international relations. His efforts to strengthen ties with European partners are appreciated beyond the UK. The head of the British government has already concluded defense agreements with Norway, France and Germany, and the next step is to be an agreement with Poland.
The British weekly reminds that Warsaw and London have already concluded defense cooperation agreements in 2017 and 2023, but their scope was narrower than the document currently being negotiated. The new agreement is to be an extension of the existing arrangements. It will cover not only the military sphere, but also economic resilience, security of energy supplies, the fight against illegal migration and counteracting crime.
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It is also expected that the document will include a declaration of mutual defense, which will be similar to the agreements recently concluded with France and Germany. The weekly emphasizes that both countries have similar positions on sanctions imposed on Russia and aid for Ukraine. It also indicates Poland's rapid economic development – according to forecasts by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Polish GDP per capita taking into account purchasing power parity in 2030 will be only slightly lower than the British one.
Not just a convergence of interests
Despite the convergence of interests between the two countries, there also remain areas of differences. Warsaw is wary of the informal E3 format, a group created by the leaders of Great Britain, France and Germany, which Starmer uses to develop a common European voice. Poland argues that its size and geographical location mean it should naturally take part in any negotiations taking place between Europe, Kiev and Moscow.
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Another issue that differs between the two countries is military spending – in this respect, Great Britain lags significantly behind Poland. “Britain's nuclear deterrence and diplomacy keep it a European security leader. But the message to Sir Keir or his successor is clear: as Poland grows stronger, it will expect a seat at the table,” we read in The Economist.
Wednesday's signing of the treaty in London
The agreement conclusion ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday around noon local time in the British capital. The document will be signed by the heads of government of both countries – Donald Tusk and Keir Starmer.
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