Poland, you can stand under my (nuclear) umbrella
France reaffirms its obligation to help Poland in case of an armed attack. On Friday, 9 May, the two countries will sign a 'friendship treaty' – a template agreement France typically reserves only for its neighbours.
The document mostly focuses on security, assuring both countries' interests are ”interconnected”, and setting up special bodies working on defence policies. It also predicts closer collaboration within the arms industry.
Most importantly, the renewed pledge to help a fellow NATO member in case of an armed attack means extending the French nuclear umbrella over Poland – a country on NATO's eastern border and one of Ukraine's closest allies. Currently, France is the only EU member owning an atomic arsenal: about 300 warheads.
Singing the 'friendship treaty' is a sign confirming France's defence engagement beyond its borders, also on NATO's eastern flank. Though it concerns Poland directly, it also sends a signal to other Central European countries, assuring they will be supported in case of an attack.