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Poland and the Netherlands Deepen Strategic Partnership

Republic of Poland

07.07.2025

Poland and the Netherlands are strengthening cooperation in the face of the challenges Europe is confronting today - this was the main conclusion of the meeting between Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland. The outcomes of their talks include the signing of a "Memorandum on Polish-Dutch Defence Cooperation" by the two countries' defence ministers, plans to deepen economic collaboration, and efforts to enhance Europe's global competitiveness. Prime Minister Tusk also emphasized that strengthening the protection of Poland's borders - including the temporary reintroduction of controls on the borders with Germany and Lithuania - serves the security interests of all Europe.

Strengthening Security Together

The meeting between Prime Ministers Tusk and Schoof in Warsaw is yet another sign of the excellent Polish-Dutch relations in recent weeks. On 5 May, Prime Minister Tusk participated in the Netherlands' Liberation Day celebrations, delivering the keynote speech.

"I want to begin our joint statement by once again thanking you for the wonderful reception, where we honored the memory of those who gave their lives for the liberation of the Netherlands and fought for the independence of your country and mine during the horrors of war. (...) Those were wonderful commemorations — thank you for showing all of Europe what true friendship based on shared values and history means," said Prime Minister Tusk, recalling his recent visit to the Netherlands.

Polish troops played an active role in the liberation of the Netherlands during WWII. But beyond shared history, the two countries also share a common stance on issues shaping Europe's future.

The two leaders discussed European security, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum on Polish-Dutch Defence Cooperation.

"Our cooperation in defence, arms policy, and industry is exemplary. If all of Europe had such strong partnerships between allies, we'd be much further along in our efforts to protect our countries and the continent as a whole," said Tusk during the joint press conference.

This agreement follows the recent Polish-French security treaty and defines key areas of cooperation, including joint military planning and operations, defence industry collaboration, and protection of critical infrastructure.

"With war on our continent, defence cooperation is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. That's why we feel lucky to have a partner like Poland, a country that knows what it's like to live under threat and is arming itself with impressive strength and determination," said Prime Minister Schoof.

The Netherlands also reaffirmed its commitment to shared European security by announcing the redeployment of F-35 fighter jets to protect Polish airspace from September to December 2025.

Both leaders also discussed the NATO summit held in The Hague on 24-25 June, which was a success, thanks in part to the Dutch host's efforts.

"Every conversation, every meeting, every decision that reaffirms NATO's durability and the commitment of our allies is a success today — especially in the face of war and conflict," said Tusk.

Poland and the Netherlands also share a clear stance on Russia's war in Ukraine — both support Ukraine's fight to preserve its sovereignty, which they see as essential to Europe's security.

Working Together for Europe's Competitiveness

The meeting also focused on economic cooperation, particularly enhancing the competitiveness of both countries and the EU on the global stage. A promising example is the coalition of nine EU countries to boost semiconductor production, launched with Dutch leadership and with Poland's participation.

"This coalition you initiated offers a new perspective. Poland is very committed — we have all the tools, and together with you, we'll have even more — to ensure that Europe is no longer helpless in any field of innovation that determines the future of our economy," emphasized Prime Minister Tusk.

Prime Minister Schoof echoed this sentiment, expressing hope for broader economic cooperation.

"Poland has become an economic powerhouse in Europe, and we see many opportunities to further strengthen our partnership — in areas like energy, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence," he noted.

Poland is also counting on Dutch support in its push for deregulation at the EU level.

"Deregulation — primarily in the economic sphere, but not only — is one of my top priorities for the coming months and years. But it will only make sense if we all recognize that it must become a European-wideeffort if we want to truly compete with powers like the US or China," said Tusk.

A major Polish contribution to this deregulation effort was the adoption of the Omnibus Directives during Poland's EU Council presidency, aimed at simplifying EU rules and procedures.

Temporary Border Controls Now a Necessity

The meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister also provided an opportunity to highlight Poland's efforts to combat illegal migration, a challenge affecting the entire continent. Poland's eastern border, also the EU's eastern frontier, is now heavily fortified.

"We've built an effective barrier along the entire border with Belarus — hundreds of kilometers, with thousands of people working daily to secure it. Despite facing not only smugglers but also Belarusian intelligence services, we've reduced illegal crossings along this stretch by 98%. Practically no one gets through anymore," explained Tusk.

However, some migrants were still entering Poland via the so-called Baltic route, crossing the open border with Lithuania. Belarusian services and traffickers were often redirecting them toward weaker border areas in Lithuania and Latvia.

"That's why we introduced temporary controls on the Lithuanian border. (...) These measures are designed to catch any redirected flows — people who bounce off our barrier but try to enter Poland through Latvia and Lithuania and continue on to Europe. We're doing this for you too — for the Germans, the Dutch, and the French," emphasized Tusk.

On 7 July, the first day of the controls, an Estonian citizen transporting Afghan nationals was apprehended. The same migrants had previously attempted to cross the Polish-Belarusian border twice, where they were documented by border patrols.

"I want Europe to understand why we — supporters of Schengen and a borderless Europe — now need to partially reintroduce controls at the Lithuanian border," said the Prime Minister.

Controls on the Polish-German border also resumed on 7 July, allowing Polish authorities to more precisely monitor every case of migrant handover by German authorities.

"We won't allow anyone — from Germany or anywhere else — to be sent into Poland without full, verified documentation proving they tried to cross from the Polish side. Poland will not accept anyone without 100% certainty of their origin," declared Tusk.

Tusk also warned against xenophobic slogans and aggressive behavior accompanying the border situation. Obstructing the work of border guards or impersonating state authorities will be met with strong legal consequences.

"Border guards and police have been instructed to firmly respond to any disruption. Impersonating officials or hindering operations will be severely punished. The Polish state will handle its borders — and any attempts at self-styled vigilante action will be eliminated," stated the Prime Minister.

Controls on the German and Lithuanian borders will remain in place until 5 August, with the possibility of extension. They apply to 50 checkpoints with Germany and 13 with Lithuania.