Poland Doubles Down on Alliances as PM Tusk Returns from EPC Summit
04.05.2026
"For me, the bilateral meetings were what mattered most - particularly at a time when there is so much confusion about what the Western community actually stands for," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk following the European Political Community summit in Yerevan. For Poland, the priorities today are security, strong relations with allies, and support for countries that bring stability to their regions. The head of government held talks with the leaders of Armenia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia. In an era of uncertainty about the future of the Western community, Poland must seek genuine partners in defence, energy, and security policy. On 27 May, Poland will sign a strategic cooperation treaty with the United Kingdom.
Support for Armenia
Armenia is an important partner for both Poland and the European Union. Donald Tusk underlined the significance of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's role in stabilising the region.
What was, from my perspective, crucial at this summit was of course our support for our friends in Armenia. Nikol Pashinyan is a figure we can always count on, and one who has contributed to stability in this region.
— the head of government told journalists.
Donald Tusk made clear that Armenia can rely on Poland and Europe.
The Poland-UK Treaty
Poland and the United Kingdom will sign a new treaty on 27 May. The agreement is designed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, above all in the field of defence.
We have decided together with the British Prime Minister that a treaty between Poland and the United Kingdom will be signed — one that will meaningfully deepen our cooperation in the area of defence. This will take place on 27 May.
— Donald Tusk announced.
The treaty will also cover broader strategic cooperation.
Prime Minister Tusk also noted that the United Kingdom is counting on Poland as a key partner in the process of drawing closer to the European Union.
Sentiment in the United Kingdom has shifted dramatically. Today, the majority regret Brexit and would like to see ties with the EU strengthened as much as possible. Poland will be a leader in driving that rapprochement.
— the Prime Minister said.
Poland will support this process for geopolitical reasons, as well as on account of the large Polish community living in the United Kingdom.
A new chapter with Canada
In talks with the Canadian Prime Minister, new forms of cooperation were agreed in the areas of defence, nuclear and renewable energy, and intelligence sharing.
Canada is a very valuable partner. In the near future I will travel on an official visit to Canada to finalise all the agreements and take the relationship to a higher level.
— Donald Tusk said.
The visit is expected to produce the finalised details of the new arrangements.
With President Zelensky on rebuilding Ukraine
The Prime Minister also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their conversation covered, among other things, preparations for the Ukrainian Recovery Conference, to be held in Gdańsk in June.
Poland also has a strong interest in improving relations between Ukraine and Hungary.
Strained relations between Ukraine and Hungary have been blocking many things — including funds for Poland, not to mention the major European loan to Ukraine. We want to see Hungary's Prime Minister work toward restoring full trust between Budapest and Kyiv. That will benefit everyone in Europe.
— the Prime Minister said.
Better relations between Budapest and Kyiv are expected to help rebuild confidence and facilitate joint decision-making.
Ukraine wants us to help ease relations with Hungary's new Prime Minister. We want to see Hungary's Prime Minister work toward restoring full trust between Budapest and Kyiv.
— the Prime Minister stressed.
He also announced that he would shortly be meeting Hungary's new Prime Minister in Poland.
A chance to revive the Visegrád Group
The Prime Minister sees an opportunity for more intensive regional cooperation. He announced his intention to restore the relevance of the Visegrád Group — comprising Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
My ambition is to maximally revitalise cooperation between Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, and Warsaw.
— the Prime Minister said.
He emphasised that stronger regional cooperation is in Poland's strategic interest.
Poland on the prospect of US troop withdrawals
Poland wants the largest possible American military presence on its soil — but not at the cost of European solidarity.
I will not allow Poland to be used in any way to undermine solidarity or cooperation at the European level.
— the head of government stated.
The Prime Minister underlined the fundamental importance of the transatlantic relationship.
To me, being pro-American means working together to make transatlantic ties as strong as possible — between Poland and the United States, but also between Europe and the United States. We need an American presence not only in Poland but in other places too, because that serves Polish security. I hope the tensions between certain European countries and President Trump will ease somewhat before long.
— the Prime Minister emphasised.
Poland has been pressing for a greater US presence for two years. Talks with the Americans have been ongoing since the current government took office, though the situation is complicated by other conflicts, including in the Middle East. The Prime Minister assured that Poland would cooperate with the President should an opportunity arise to expand the American presence in Poland.