France and Poland Sign Landmark Security Pact Amid Rising EU Defense Priorities

France and Poland are set to sign a landmark bilateral treaty on Friday aimed at boosting cooperation in defense and energy, signaling a shift toward stronger intra-European security ties amid growing doubts over long-term U.S. commitment to NATO.

The agreement, to be signed in the French city of Nancy, underscores Poland’s growing strategic importance on Europe’s eastern flank. As a NATO member and the alliance’s highest defense spender at 4.12% of GDP, Poland is increasingly central to European security efforts.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that the treaty will include mutual defense commitments and could open discussions on extending France’s nuclear deterrence—also known as the French nuclear umbrella—to Poland. While not replacing the U.S. security guarantee, French officials said this move would serve as a complementary shield.

Tusk clarified the pact is not a substitute for ties with Washington: “We need both America and a strong European Union.” His pro-European government seeks to diversify its security alliances as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on NATO raises concerns.

The treaty marks the first of its kind between France and a Central European nation, following similar pacts with Germany, Italy, and Spain. It comes just a day after the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, coinciding with Russia’s military parade attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The historic location of the signing—Nancy—also honors shared Franco-Polish history, being the residence of former Polish King Stanislaw Leszczynski.

This pact represents a significant step in France’s broader push for EU strategic autonomy and reinforces Poland’s emergence as a key player in shaping Europe’s collective defense posture.