Poland in NATO

The Summit began with a gala dinner hosted by the Turkish Presidential Couple. The meeting was also attended by the Presidents of South Korea and Ukraine, as well as the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.

At the same time, a working dinner for defence ministers was held, attended by Indo-Pacific partners. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs met at the working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council, attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Foreign Ministers engaged also with partners of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.

On 8 July, a meeting of the North Atlantic Council was held, attended by Heads of State and Government. The Allies adopted a Summit Declaration emphasising the Alliance’s solidarity and unity, as well as the role of the transatlantic bond. Russia was identified as a long-term threat. The document noted progress in implementing the Hague commitment to increase defence spending. The Alliance’s deterrence and defence rest on an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, complemented by space and cyber assests. The Declaration also refers to Ukraine’s contribution to transatlantic security. The Allies remain united in their support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion support inter alia in military equipment, and training.

Particularly important for Poland is the Secretary General’s announcement of a decision to enhance NATO's fuel supply chain to ensure that NATO forces have the energy supplies they need for warfighting readiness. Work on the details will continue. The €27 billion investment will involve both existing pipelines, and new facilities towards the eastern flank.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Polish representatives addressed Polish and foreign media. They also held bilateral talks. President Karol Nawrocki took part in bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Finland and Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Canada. He also spoke with the President of the United States. Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski took part in a meeting organised by the United States on strengthening NATO’s industrial base, which was also attended by Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Türkiye. Together with his Italian counterpart, he chaired a meeting of the E5 group, attended by Türkiye and High Representative Kaja Kallas. He also held consultations with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz met with his counterparts from Australia, the Netherlands, Latvia, New Zealand and the United States.

Discussions on the defence industry took place at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum (NSDIF), attended by representatives of the Ministry of National Defence and the private sector. During the event, Poland signed Statement of Intent with the US, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden on the establishment of a European maintenance facility for PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot systems. Poland is also involved in numerous other joint procurement and production initiatives for military capabilities announced during the NSDIF. 

 

Photo Credit: NATO