A memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding strengthening bilateral defence co-operation between Poland and the Netherlands was signed by the two countries’ defence ministers in Warsaw on 7 July 2025.
The MoU acknowledges the leading role of NATO in ensuring international peace and security and outlines areas of co-operation such as: defence planning and policy; shared military operations; armament policy; logistical support for the military; research, development and production of military equipment; co-defence industry operation; cyber defences; defending critical infrastructure; and using military communications and digital systems.
The bilateral defence co-operation “will be based on appropriate national regulations and respect international law and international obligations of both parties”, the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) noted, adding that the MoU “will enable further enhancement of political-military connections, both at the highest ministerial level and at the level of military units”.
The MoU replaces a previous one signed between the two countries on Developing Defence Relations, signed in the Hague on 1 March 1993.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who is also the country’s defence minister, stated of the MoU, “Poland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are tried allies. We have signed a memorandum of understanding: an agreement bringing our countries closer in the area of security and defence. What does it mean? Shared exercises, raising capabilities, exchanging experiences, especially in using the most advanced equipment.”
Kosiniak-Kamysz also added, “I would like to sincerely thank the minister and the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for devoting, from 1 September to 1 December [2024], their F-35 planes and their crews to patrol Polish airspace, the skies over the Baltic, and supporting the defence of NATO eastern flank. This is an expression of solidarity and responsibility for the whole of NATO.”
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated at the MoU press conference, “Thanks to Polish leadership, the entire NATO can see that spending 5% of GDP on defence is possible. Without this leadership it would be harder for NATO member states to understand that this level of spending is achievable. I would like to kindly thank you for this, Władysław. I am very pleased that we were able to sign this memorandum of understanding on co-operation in the area of defence in Poland today. This means that our co-operation can be even broader and deeper. We are already working together, but now we will develop that even further. I see an enormous potential for co-operation, including when it comes to the defence industry.”
