Germany and Poland open new chapter in defence ties
Germany and Poland are drawing closer together on defence matters. The defence ministers of both countries have signed an agreement to this effect. The Baltic Sea plays a major role in this.
Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz met German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Warsaw, where they signed a new bilateral defence cooperation agreement.
The agreement establishes a legal framework to further structure existing operational collaboration in response to the current security situation in Central and Eastern Europe. A key element is Baltic Sea cooperation, where Poland and Germany will jointly lead a command in Rostock, rotating leadership every four years. “The Baltic Sea is our shared responsibility,” Kosiniak‑Kamysz said.
The ministers also discussed preparations for the next NATO summit in Ankara, where they will meet partners including the United States. Both countries aim to strengthen defence spending and economic ties, with Germany increasing funding and Poland already allocating five per cent of GDP to defence.
The agreement complements NATO and EU mechanisms and replaces the 2011 framework. Pistorius highlighted its practical focus: “not about fine words” but concrete joint tasks. He stressed mutual trust and the importance of cooperation for Europe’s security.
Talks also covered support for Ukraine, NATO’s eastern flank, and improving interoperability and deterrence. Cooperation areas include training, capability development, and defence industry links. Notably, Rheinmetall plans to open a production site in Poland.
Kosiniak‑Kamysz called the deal a step toward a new European security architecture, including cooperation in cyber security, military mobility, new technologies, and space.
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