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France and Poland held their first bilateral summit on April 20, 2026 in Gdansk under the Treaty for Enhanced Cooperation and Friendship – known as the Nancy Treaty – signed on May 9, 2025. On the occasion of the first Franco-Polish Friendship Day, the two countries issued an ambitious joint declaration covering defense, industrial competitiveness, nuclear energy, and European technological sovereignty. This text outlines a strategic axis that is set to have a lasting impact on the continent’s security architecture.

The Nancy Treaty, the foundation of an unprecedented strategic partnership between Paris and Warsaw

Signed in Nancy in May 2025, the Treaty for Enhanced Cooperation and Friendship between France and Poland signifies more than just a routine diplomatic agreement. It institutionalizes a bilateral relationship that has long suffered from political divergences and historical mistrust, elevating the two countries to the status of full partners within the European Union and NATO. The Gdansk summit marks the first concrete implementation of this partnership, just one year after its signing.

The joint declaration adopted at the end of the summit is remarkable for its depth and scope. It concurrently covers collective defense, the European industrial base, energy policy, digital sovereignty, and cultural cooperation – indicating the two capitals’ commitment to embedding this partnership in a strategic framework, rather than mere diplomatic display.

European Defense: Paris and Warsaw agree on deterrence and industrial capabilities

In terms of defense, the Franco-Polish declaration in Gdansk directly addresses the context of the war in Ukraine and Russian military reinforcement. The two countries classify Russia as the most serious and lasting threat to the EU and NATO, committing to unwavering support for Ukraine in favor of a just peace based on international law. They also agree to a high-level strategic dialogue on advanced deterrence – including its nuclear dimension – to complement the collective posture of the Atlantic Alliance.

On the industrial front, the text identifies several priority areas of cooperation: aerial and missile defense, drone systems, ammunition, cybersecurity, air transport, aerial refueling, and military satellite communications. In particular, France and Poland commit to developing a joint program for military satellite capabilities, explicitly aimed at enhancing European strategic autonomy. The reciprocal participation in military exercises – like DRAGON in 2027 for France and ORION in 2026 for Poland – concretely reflects this operational deepening.

Civil Nuclear: EDF’s Arabelle turbines chosen for Poland’s first nuclear power plant

One of the most tangible outcomes of the Gdansk summit involves civil nuclear cooperation. The Franco-Polish declaration confirms that the French Arabelle turbines, developed by EDF, have been selected to equip Poland’s first nuclear power plant project – a significant industrial victory for the French sector in a resurging European market. Discussions are also underway regarding the second Polish nuclear site, where EDF is engaged in competitive dialogue with local partners.

This cooperation extends to training, strengthening human capabilities, and developing next-generation technologies, including in the context of a possible major European common interest project (PIIEC) on innovative nuclear technologies, with pre-notification to the European Commission expected in 2027. Civil nuclear power is thus emerging as one of the most tangible – and economically significant – pillars of the Franco-Polish partnership, at a time when Europe aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and secure its electricity production.

Industrial and Technological Sovereignty: The economic heart of the Franco-Polish summit

Beyond defense and nuclear energy, the Gdansk declaration unfolds a shared vision of European economic and technological sovereignty. The two countries support the introduction of a targeted European preference in strategic sectors, within the explicitly designated framework of “Made in Europe.” They call for an ambitious implementation of the EU’s economic security strategy, including the protection of critical assets and a firm response to distortionary trade practices and industrial overcapacity – a thinly veiled reference to China.

On semiconductors, the recent agreement between CEA-Leti and the Polish Center for Advanced Technologies and Materials initiates cooperation in components for nuclear, defense, and space use – precisely the sectors where dependence on non-European suppliers is deemed most critical. The declaration aligns with the Draghi report on European competitiveness, which Paris and Warsaw explicitly cite as their common compass.

The Gdansk Summit: A sign of rebalancing the Franco-German axis within the EU

By strengthening their strategic alliance through the Nancy Treaty, France and Poland send a strong political signal to the entire European Union. Poland, with one of the highest defense budgets in Europe relative to its GDP and a rapidly growing economy, emerges as an essential partner for Paris in redefining power dynamics within the EU – at a time when the Franco-German relationship is undergoing a period of fragility.

This Franco-Polish rapprochement, structured around convergent industrial interests – nuclear, defense, semiconductors, energy – potentially represents one of the most effective vectors for rebuilding European economic and technological sovereignty. The next step is to turn intentions into orders, contracts, and effective industrial co-developments. The Gdansk Summit has set the framework: the next stage will be execution.