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NATO Reaffirms Full Security Guarantees to Poland

Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister

26.03.2025

Security guarantees for Poland, support for the East Shield project, and joint patrols in the Baltic Sea, as well as identifying Russia as NATO's main threat — these were the outcomes of Prime Minister Donald Tusk's meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Warsaw on Wednesday. The main topics of the talks included increasing European countries' involvement in NATO activities and strengthening cooperation between NATO and the European Union. As the current holder of the EU Council Presidency, Poland has an important role to play in this process.

Strength and Assurance of the Alliance

The meeting between Prime Minister Donald Tusk and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte took place at a crucial moment for Europe's security and the future of the transatlantic community.

In the face of current challenges, NATO's role as the cornerstone of our security and a key platform for transatlantic cooperation takes on special significance. The top priority remains ensuring that NATO is ready to effectively defend Poland and all of its members.

"Our cooperation within NATO confirms the full solidarity of the Alliance. U.S. representatives have repeatedly emphasized that they will always be ready to defend Poland and other member states in case of a threat," Prime Minister Tusk stated after the meeting.

The NATO Secretary General also emphasized that anyone who mistakenly believes they can attack Poland or any other NATO member without consequences will be met with the full force of the Alliance.

"If anyone miscalculates and thinks they can attack Poland or any other ally without consequences, NATO will respond with full force. Our response will be devastating. That must be clear to Mr. Vladimir Putin and anyone else who would attack us," stressed Mark Rutte.

In these unstable times, NATO's clear reaffirmation of its commitments to Poland is especially meaningful and strengthens the region's sense of security.

Poland Leading in Defense Spending

Poland's relationship with the United States—our closest ally—has remained stable and positive for years, regardless of changes in the Polish government. Poland is one of the NATO countries that genuinely invests in its own defense and in the structure of the Alliance.

"Who deserves NATO's full support and guarantees more than Poland? Our geography, our history, our determination—no other NATO country today can match it," said Prime Minister Tusk.

Poland is aware of its role in NATO and takes its responsibilities seriously. Investments in defense and plans to develop the armed forces are designed to ensure the highest possible effectiveness of NATO's first line of defense.

"Poland has been a highly valued ally for 26 years. In fact, Poland sets an example—spending 4.6% of GDP on defense this year, the highest among NATO allies. The world is very dangerous, so defense spending is crucial. Let's not forget that Russia remains a serious threat to us and to NATO," said Secretary General Rutte.

He added that Europe and Canada must make a greater effort—everyone should be inspired by Poland's example in strengthening defense capabilities and taking appropriate action to enhance the Alliance's strength.

Joint Response to Regional Threats

The Polish Prime Minister thanked NATO for its swift reaction to the activity of the so-called "shadow fleet" in the Baltic Sea and its attacks targeting Europe's energy security—such as those against undersea power cables.

"Thank you for the very rapid response when NATO was needed in the Baltic after the dangerous incidents involving 'mysterious' ships, always with the same crew. Together with other Baltic states and NATO support, Poland responded quickly. This greatly increased our sense of security—vital to us for many reasons, including Baltic infrastructure," emphasized Tusk.

In January, NATO established a new mission—the Baltic Watch. Incidents involving Russian and Chinese ships and sabotage of underwater energy infrastructure require the Baltic to become a zone of enhanced military surveillance. The program provides NATO protection over the Baltic for 90 days, and regional states are already calling for its extension to ensure permanent and effective security in the area.

"In terms of land, air, and sea defense, Poland makes a valuable contribution to NATO's defensive capabilities. On December 25, undersea cables between Estonia and Finland were cut. We had to take joint action. It was very important that NATO was able to respond within ten days to what was happening in the eastern Baltic Sea. We must defend ourselves," said the NATO chief.

Mark Rutte also noted Poland's strengthening of NATO's eastern flank—by increasing infantry presence and supporting international forces in Latvia and Romania. Additionally, starting April 4, Poland will assist in monitoring Baltic airspace with F-16 fighter jets.

"Only a Sovereign Ukraine Will Give Us a Sense of Security"

Another key topic of the meeting was the war in Ukraine. Ongoing negotiations to halt Russian aggression and parallel diplomatic efforts—actively involving NATO—could have a fundamental impact on the future of Europe's international order.

"Poland and I personally have nothing to prove when it comes to helping Ukraine. It's clear to everyone that the situation in Ukraine directly affects Poland's and Europe's security," said Tusk.

He also noted that due to ongoing talks and negotiations over which we have limited influence, we must be prepared for various scenarios.

"We will work closely on securing a good peace agreement for Ukraine. No one—more than Poles—wants a quick peace. But that peace must guarantee full Ukrainian sovereignty. Only a sovereign Ukraine can give us all a sense of security," he declared.

Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will travel to Paris for another meeting of leaders dedicated to Ukraine's security package.

Poland Invests in Europe's and NATO's Security

Poland is currently investing in its own security while simultaneously investing in the security of Europe (and the EU) and NATO—through the development and promotion of military training and the strengthening of border defenses.

"Poland is intensifying military training and strengthening its border defenses. The Prime Minister informed me about the Eastern Shield [...]. I am pleased that Poland is investing in its own security while also contributing to Europe's and NATO's safety. I am also glad to see Poland cooperating closely with the European Union," said Rutte.

The East Shield project was mentioned in a resolution by the European Parliament as a strategically important project at the European level, protecting the eastern border with Russia and Belarus. Safeguarding the EU's land, air, and maritime borders contributes to the security of the entire Union—especially its eastern frontier. Preliminary decisions have already been made to fund the project using EU resources.

"Thank you for supporting the East Shield project. Poland takes full responsibility for the security of its eastern border, which is also the border of our European and NATO partners. The East Shield is a key project that has become one of the EU's priorities. I am glad it has been highly appreciated by the NATO Secretary General," said Prime Minister Tusk.

Furthermore, Poland is the first country in Europe to introduce changes enabling the use of funds from the National Recovery Plan for defense and civil security purposes.

New investments, financed from EU funds, will focus on developing key military skills necessary for NATO defense. That's why increased cooperation and coordination between NATO and the EU are essential to effectively respond to modern security threats.