Joint Actions More Important Than Declarations

Today Poland and the Netherlands are connected not only by shared interests or similar views on international affairs, but also by concrete actions undertaken together within NATO. Prime Minister Donald Tusk recalled the involvement of the Dutch military in September 2025 following the attack by Russian drones that violated Polish airspace.

“It was Dutch F-35 fighters that responded. We will always remember the brave young Dutch pilot who was able to make a decision when it was necessary”- said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the joint statement of the leaders after the meeting of the delegations.

The decision and action of the Dutch pilot were a strong and unequivocal example of how such situations should be handled.

“I would like to thank the Netherlands for its presence and commitment to protecting NATO’s eastern flank. The awareness that our allies are steadily guarding Poland’s eastern border is an important signal for us” - said the Prime Minister.

This is particularly important in times of geopolitical turbulence and strategic uncertainty, not only in Ukraine but also now in the Middle East.

Poland plays a key role in providing assistance to Ukraine. According to the Dutch Prime Minister, this demonstrates the strong determination of Poles to resist when other countries use force and impose their will on their neighbors.

“We ourselves saw this when Polish soldiers tried to liberate the Netherlands during the First and Second World Wars. Eighty years later, this quality has become an inspiration and an example for the rest of Europe” - said the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, both leaders share the view that supporting the country is in Europe’s interest. A defeat for Ukraine would mean a dramatic increase in the threat to the continent.

Strengthening the Polish–Dutch Defense Partnership

Warsaw is one of the first capitals visited by the Dutch prime minister, who has held office since 23 February this year. This is evidence of the strength of bilateral relations.

In July 2025 in Warsaw, the defense ministers of both countries signed the “Memorandum on Polish–Dutch Defense Cooperation”.

“It is no coincidence that I am visiting Poland so soon. For many years your country has been an example and a model for building a strong and secure Europe that can defend itself effectively. This is one of the key challenges we face today” - said Rob Jetten.

The July memorandum concerns deepening cooperation between Poland and the Netherlands in the security and defense sector, including equipment, technology, logistics, and the training of military personnel.

“We will not only continue but also deepen our cooperation. Even if we sometimes have differences of opinion, we will patiently seek solutions that are beneficial for both the Netherlands and Poland. And we will certainly find such solutions” - emphasized the head of the Polish government.

Under the memorandum, Polish and Dutch companies will be able to cooperate in developing the defense industry. This will create new opportunities for increasing production and implementing modern technologies.