On Wednesday, the United Kingdom and Poland will conclude a new defense and security agreement. The document will be signed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting in London.
The main goal of the treaty is to counter modern threats, including actions by an increasingly aggressive Russia.
The British government said the agreement includes stronger border protection, efforts to combat organized crime, and deeper defense cooperation with the European Union.
Starmer continues strengthening ties with Europe
The new treaty will mark another step by London to restore relations with European countries after Brexit. The UK has already signed similar agreements with France and Germany.
The initiative also comes amid calls by US President Donald Trump for European nations to play a greater role in ensuring the continent’s security and take more responsibility for defense matters.
Before traveling to London, Donald Tusk said Warsaw and London view Russia as a strategic threat. According to him, the sides plan to discuss the growing number of hybrid attacks, cyber threats, and espionage cases.
Cybersecurity to receive special focus
Keir Starmer stressed that the current situation in Europe requires closer cooperation between allies. He described the new treaty as the most significant step in UK-Poland defense relations in a generation.
London also said the agreement would allow both countries to combine their industrial and technological capabilities to develop next-generation weapons systems. This includes strengthening air and missile defense systems.
A separate section of the document will focus on cybersecurity. Poland considers itself one of the main targets of Russian cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and intelligence activities, as much of the military aid to Ukraine passes through Polish territory.
Poland and the UK expand defense alliances
Following statements from the Trump administration about the need to strengthen European defense, European countries have intensified talks on new security agreements.
Earlier, the UK and France agreed to expand cooperation, including coordination in the area of nuclear deterrence. Starmer’s government also signed an agreement on closer relations with Germany.
For its part, Poland signed a defense treaty with France in 2025 and continues work on a similar agreement with Germany.
The UK government has begun work on an updated national action plan in case of a possible military conflict. The new strategy aims to prepare key government agencies and civilian infrastructure to operate under wartime conditions.