France and Poland’s reconciliation is a sign of Europe’s alarm over US disengagement
GuardianMAY 5
France, Poland Sign Treaty With Mutual Defense Clause
Above: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French President Emmanuel Macron pose after signing the French-Polish Friendship and Strategy Pact on Stanislas square in Nancy, France, on May 9, 2025. Image copyright: Christophe Petit Tesson/Contributor/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
President Trump has long called for its European NATO allies to take responsibility for their own defense, so a new defense treaty between France and Poland is a win. It's a matter of fact that France lacks the capacity to fully replace the United States, but complementary partnerships like this are key in the context of multiple conflicts.
Anti-Trump narrative
It's certain that Trump does press Europe to be less dependent on Washington for security, but this will eventually backfire. As European NATO allies no longer trust the United States, they will think twice about purchasing U.S. weapons and share sensitive information with Americans — meaning less influence for Washington.