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Macron and Tusk to Sign Strategic Pact as France and Poland Counter Russia’s Threat

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Vlad Litnarovych
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Macron and Tusk to Sign Strategic Pact as France and Poland Counter Russia’s Threat
Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk is greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the “Coalition Of The Willing” summit in support of Ukraine at Elysee Palace on March 27, 2025, in Paris, France. (Source: Getty Images)

France and Poland will sign a new defense and economic treaty next week, underscoring their growing strategic partnership as European nations intensify security cooperation in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, The Financial Times reported on May 2.

The agreement will be signed on May 9 in the northeastern French city of Nancy by French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

While the treaty has been in development for years, it has taken on renewed urgency amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a shared recognition in both capitals that deeper bilateral ties are key to strengthening Europe’s defense posture.

“The aim is to deepen and make operational the key elements of the Franco-Polish relationship, including evaluating threats, shared defense projects, and the extension of the conversation about strategic issues, including nuclear deterrence,” a French official told the FT.

Security experts say the agreement signals Poland’s intent to broaden its alliances within Europe and France’s recognition of Warsaw’s vital role in regional defense.

“Tusk is also sending now a message… It is a clear signal that Poland is not only dependent on the US but can also have other strong nuclear allies,” said Aleksander Olech, a security analyst at the Polish think tank Defence24.

Tusk has indicated that Poland is open to discussions on joining France’s nuclear umbrella or enhancing regional deterrence through expanded cooperation. While France’s nuclear policy maintains deliberate ambiguity, Paris has long affirmed that its “vital interests” have a “European dimension.”

The Franco-Polish pact is expected to mirror similar treaties France holds with Germany, Italy, and Spain, while also opening the door for increased French defense exports to Poland.

France is actively competing for contracts in areas such as helicopters, transport, and refueling aircraft, and submarines as Poland rapidly expands and modernizes its military.

Poland, which currently spends 4.7% of its GDP on defense—the highest in NATO—is a key customer in the European defense market. French officials see the treaty as a pathway to strengthen industrial cooperation, including support for Poland’s energy transition.

The agreement also serves as a strategic signal of European unity. “This treaty reflects how Paris now sees Warsaw as an increasingly important partner in facing down Russian aggression,” a French official said.

Tusk described the upcoming treaty as a “very serious acceleration” of Europe’s military and economic security, aligning with broader efforts to bolster continental resilience in the face of ongoing threats.

Earlier, reports emerged that several European Union member states were pushing to activate emergency provisions that would allow them to make defense investments exceeding the EU’s established budgetary limits.

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