European and Transatlantic Security Cooperation

Poland consistently supports the security of Europe and Ukraine, acting within the European Union and NATO. The North Atlantic Alliance is a guarantee of security for the entire Western world, and no one should undermine this.

"Everyone without exception agreed that the closest possible cooperation among all NATO allies is necessary. The presence of the British Prime Minister emphasized the broader nature of this meeting," said the Prime Minister at a press conference following the informal meeting in Paris.

Poland is a leader in NATO in terms of defense spending—this year, we will allocate 4.7% of GDP to this purpose. This strengthens our position as a reliable ally of the United States. This is a key element in the context of Europe's security and negotiations on lasting peace for Ukraine and the entire region.

"It is in the interest of the countries represented here, and of all Europe, to act as urgently and intensively as possible to strengthen allied cooperation. This also applies to potential future peace talks regarding Ukraine. All participants of this meeting realize that transatlantic relations, the North Atlantic Alliance, and our friendship with the United States have entered a new stage," said Donald Tusk after the informal summit.

In the face of the war in Ukraine and the threat from Russia, all NATO countries should cooperate and remain united despite any differences. This is in the interest of both Europe and the United States. All countries should stand in solidarity and collaborate during discussions on peace in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister emphasized that no talks about Ukraine should take place without Ukraine, and no decisions regarding Europe's security should be made without Europe's participation.

Investments in Defense and Security

EU countries must increase their defense spending. European nations should develop their defense capabilities and enhance their military potential. Only then will it be possible to ensure stability in the region.

"Our European partners recognize that the time has come for a much greater capacity for Europe's self-defense. A significant increase in defense spending is absolutely necessary," stressed the head of government.

Investments in protecting the eastern border of the European Union are now also crucial. Poland and countries in our region are the places where Europe must begin investing in its defense.

"No one had any doubts that strengthening actions regarding the defense of the eastern border, including our 'East Shield' project, is necessary. Everyone realizes that Poland and other countries on the eastern flank of Europe will require special support," said the Prime Minister.

European leaders also discussed the exclusion of defense expenditures from the assessment of budget deficits and public debt.

"Defense spending will no longer be treated as excessive expenditures, meaning we will not be at risk of the excessive deficit procedure. This is an important change in the history of the European Union. It is a very significant concession," the Prime Minister emphasized.

The increase in defense spending will be implemented on three levels: national, institutional, and financial. The European Commission will present concrete proposals in the coming days regarding the strengthening of defense capabilities.

Poland Won’t Send Troops to Ukraine

Poland will continue to provide Ukraine with organizational, financial, and humanitarian support. At the same time, we will support those countries that decide to send their troops to Ukraine.

"We do not plan to send Polish soldiers to Ukraine. However, we will support—both in terms of logistics and political backing—countries that may want to provide such physical guarantees for Ukraine in the future," said Donald Tusk before the informal meeting of European leaders.

Since the beginning of the war, Poland has been actively involved in aiding Ukraine. The Prime Minister emphasized that none of the European leaders present in Paris have additional expectations towards Poland.

The informal meeting in Paris was attended by the heads of government of Poland, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, as well as the President of France, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary General of NATO.