Poland and the UK’s new defense and security treaty is an important step in strengthening Europe’s response to Russia, but it should not be seen as a security guarantee in itself, an expert says. Michał Broniatowski, editor-in-chief of TVP World, told the News in Depth program that the pact should be seen as part of a wider security architecture, not as a substitute for NATO or the European Union. The treaty, signed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at RAF Northolt, focuses on defense cooperation, joint work on advanced weapons and commits the two countries to help each other in the event of an attack in accordance with NATO rules. Broniatowski called the agreement “very important,” but warned against treating bilateral treaties as a shield in themselves. He recalled that Poland signed defense agreements with France and Britain shortly before World War II. “I’m not saying that this is the same. History is not repeating itself so simply,” he said. “But it’s good to remember that such treaties are not automatic guarantees.” Poland’s core security, he argued, still rests on NATO and EU membership, while the UK treaty, an earlier agreement signed with France and another expected to be finalized with Germany can make military cooperation “smoother.” The UK treaty also gives London a practical route back into European security after Brexit. Broniatowski said a full reversal of Britain’s EU exit was unlikely, but defense was “really the only area” where the UK could re-enter Europe in a meaningful way. US shift sharpens the pressure Wednesday’s deal came in light of US plans to halve its deep-strike capability in Europe, raising fresh questions about Europe’s dependence on American power. Broniatowski said the move should not have surprised European strategists, given that the US has been signaling a pivot toward the Pacific and China. He added that Europe must move quickly to fill any gap, but argued the continent is not defenseless. Britain and France retain nuclear forces, while European states and Ukraine have expanded missile and drone capabilities. Europe, he said, “is capable of defending itself against the main threat, which is Russia.”
