Poland and the United Kingdom are reinforcing their strategic partnership with a renewed focus on security and defense cooperation. Prime Ministers Donald Tusk and Keir Starmer met in Warsaw in the middle of January to initiate negotiations on a new Defense and Security Treaty, discuss support for Ukraine, and enhance collaboration in tackling global threats.
Strengthening Bilateral Security Cooperation
During their meeting, the leaders of Poland and the UK announced the launch of negotiations for a new Defense and Security Treaty. The agreement aims to deepen cooperation across various security dimensions, including military support, intelligence sharing, and cybersecurity.
“This agreement will be the culmination of what we have been working towards in practice. Security is a shared priority for both our nations,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its role in identifying and countering emerging threats. “We welcome the opportunity to further our defense collaboration, ensuring our mutual security and stability,” Starmer stated.
Poland’s East Shield Initiative and Baltic Security
The discussions also covered Poland’s “East Shield” project, designed to strengthen the country’s eastern border and NATO’s external frontier. The UK has pledged its support for the initiative, underscoring the importance of securing Europe’s eastern flank against potential threats.
Additionally, the leaders addressed security challenges in the Baltic and North Seas. Poland and the UK will collaborate on preventing acts of sabotage at sea, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to monitor and protect maritime borders.
Defense Industrial Collaboration
As part of the growing defense partnership, a joint Polish-British program office is set to open in Bristol later this year. The office will oversee projects such as the NAREW air defense system, a £4 billion (over 20 billion PLN) bilateral initiative aimed at enhancing Poland’s short-range missile defense capabilities. “This new office will support the implementation of critical defense projects and strengthen our industrial ties,” said Starmer.
Joint Commitment to Ukraine
Support for Ukraine remains a central theme in Polish-British relations. Both countries reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to aiding Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and defense against Russian aggression. Military assistance, infrastructure rebuilding, and training programs will continue to be a focal point of their joint efforts.
“Our stance on Ukraine and Russian aggression is identical. We are united in our approach and commitment to supporting Ukraine in every possible way,” Tusk emphasized. The UK and Poland also plan to expand sanctions against Russia to hold the country accountable for the destruction in Ukraine and to deter further aggression.
EU-UK Relations and Economic Cooperation
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Poland’s priorities during its presidency of the Council of the European Union under the theme “Security, Europe!” Both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen UK-EU relations, particularly in the areas of security and economic cooperation. Starmer praised Poland’s focus on security during its presidency, stating, “This is the right time to prioritize security issues within the European agenda.”
Migration and Border Security
Illegal migration remains a significant challenge for both nations. Poland and the UK will enhance cooperation to combat smuggling networks and protect their borders. Plans include the exchange of best practices and increased data sharing to tackle the instrumentalization of migration by hostile actors.
Cultural and Economic Collaboration
Beyond security and defense, the leaders explored avenues for enhancing economic ties, energy transition, and cultural exchange. The upcoming UK-Poland Season of Culture 2025 aims to strengthen cultural relations and foster greater understanding between the two nations. “Our partnership extends beyond security – we are deepening ties in trade, energy, and cultural cooperation to ensure mutual growth and prosperity,” noted Tusk.
The meeting between the Polish and British Prime Ministers underscored the strength of their bilateral partnership and commitment to mutual security. With a focus on defense collaboration, support for Ukraine, and economic ties, both nations are poised to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape together.
