Initiated in 1991 by German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher with his French and Polish counterparts Roland Dumas and Krzysztof Skubiszewski, the Weimar Triangle aims to develop a common vision for Europe and strengthen ties between the three states. Initially focussed on promoting German-Polish reconciliation, it has since evolved into a forum for co-operation ahead of the European Union (EU) negotiations following Poland’s accession in 2004.[1]
The leaders of France, Germany and Poland have discussed enhancing defence cooperation in the wake of controversial statements by former US President Donald Trump on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). With the establishment of a pro-EU government in Poland, the three states are reactivating the Weimar Triangle dialogue format and activities in order to boost European confidence in the field of defence. This initiative is seen as potentially important due to concerns that Trump could be back in power in 2025. However, experts debate whether the Weimar Triangle alone can solve all the defence challenges facing the EU.[2]
Germany, France and Poland are not so much integrating the same views as uniting and acting on common goals, despite their different points of view. Donald Trump’s statement that NATO “will not protect allies against possible Russian attacks” if they do not fulfil their financial obligations has provoked the reaction of these countries and encouraged them to reunite.
On 12 February 2024, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné hosted a meeting of the Weimar Triangle in the town of La Celle-Saint-Cloud, close to Paris. This was the first meeting at the level of Foreign Minister since Séjourné and his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski took office. Stating that they aim to revive dialogue and cooperation with the Weimar Triangle states, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made the following statement before leaving for La Celle-Saint-Cloud:[3]
“At a time when Russia is targeting Europe’s peaceful order, crises are creating uncertainty around the world and Europe’s fundamental values are threatened by anti-democratic sentiments, Europe’s cohesion is our life insurance. Today, more than ever before in its 30-year history, the Weimar Triangle can provide impetus and ideas for a strong and resilient Europe in turbulent times. Because our strength lies precisely in the fact that the peoples of France, Poland and Germany have different perspectives on our common Europe. The peoples of Europe are right to expect us to use this to create momentum.”
After Baerbock’s statement, the issue of financial, military, humanitarian and political solidarity between Ukraine and the EU was put on the agenda before the politicians entered the meeting. The ongoing attacks against Ukraine underline the need for EU co-operation. Before the meeting, Baerbock stated that Germany would also like to discuss enlargement and reform issues.
At their meeting in La Celle-Saint-Cloud on 12 February 2024, the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Poland reaffirmed their determination to enhance trilateral cooperation. They aim to strengthen the EU and NATO in response to current security challenges in a context of international uncertainty and instability. They also expressed solidarity with Ukraine and planned to elaborate coordination within the Weimar Triangle to support the EU’s security and defence objectives. They also recognised that Russia’s hybrid activities, including disinformation and cyber-attacks, pose a threat to Euro-Atlantic security.
They emphasised the importance of safeguarding democratic processes, especially in crucial election years such as 2024, while underlining the opposition to foreign interference. Among the measures is the creation of a Weimar warning and response plan on foreign information manipulation and interference. Overall, the key points of the meeting were to promote peace, security, sovereignty and solidarity among their peoples.[4] The efforts of these three countries to consolidate their leading positions in Europe emphasise the importance of cooperation for global and regional security.
The statement issued after the meeting focussed on and elaborated on three focal points.[5] Firstly, under the heading ‘Peace and security’, the urgent security concerns in Europe arising from Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine are underlined. In the face of Russia’s aggression, the support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity was made clear and the need for further sanctions against Russia was emphasised. The communiqué also emphasised the strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities and cooperation, with a focus on increasing military capabilities, arms cooperation and defence spending.
Moreover, the declaration supports Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration while at the same time committing to EU-NATO membership. It also addresses the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus and the Sahel region. In other words, it outlines a comprehensive security approach, emphasising strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities while supporting Ukraine and promoting stability and peace in other conflict-affected regions. The second part of the declaration, under the heading “European sovereignty”, focuses on strengthening European sovereignty in different key areas such as defence capabilities, energy, health, food security and digital innovations. This includes the implementation of the measures set out in the Versailles Declaration against Russia. It aims at increasing the EU’s defence preparedness, strengthening its technological and industrial structure, as well as promoting innovation. The approach to enlargement and internal reforms is similar to that of the Granada Declaration, emphasising coordination and support for Ukraine’s accession process.
The third and final chapter emphasises the commitment to promote closer cooperation within the Weimar Triangle in order to “increase solidarity and understanding between peoples”. In emphasising this, roadmaps such as encouraging participation in the elections to the European Parliament, creating youth offices and creating discussion platforms for young people in line with Weimar’s goals for the future were drawn up. In addition, the creation of European university programmes covering France, Germany and Poland and academic cooperation were also mentioned. At its core, the Declaration emphasises the importance of fostering solidarity and mutual understanding within the Weimar Triangle and recognises that a deeper bond between citizens will contribute to the EU. Through a combination of diplomatic talks, joint initiatives and targeted programmes, the participating states aim to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and friendship with their peoples.
As a result, the Weimar Triangle between France, Germany and Poland aims to enhance Europe’s security and defence capacity and to ensure unity and solidarity against Russia. This creates a critical alliance to safeguard European stability and strengthen NATO’s deterrence.
[1] “Weimar Üçgeni”, Fransa Diplomasisi Avrupa ve Dışişleri Bakanlığı, https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/poland/the-weimar-triangle/, (Date of Acces: 19.02.2024).
[2] “Uzmanlar, Weimar Üçgeni’nin Avrupa’nın Savunmasını Güçlendirmek İçin Kullanılabileceğini Söylüyor”, Euroactiv, https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/weimar-triangle-could-be-used-to-boost-europes-defence-experts-say/, (Date of Acces: 19.02.2024).
[3] “Avrupa İçin Fikir ve İvme Yaratmak: Dışişleri Bakanı Baerbock Weimar Üçgeni Toplantısında”, Alman Federal Dışişleri Bakanlığı, https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/europe/cooperation-in-europe/weimar-triangle/2643226, (Date of Acces: 19.02.2024).
[4] “Weimar Üçgeni Ülkeleri – Dışişleri Bakanları Toplantısı (Paris, 12 Şubat 2024): Siyasi Deklarasyon”, Alman Federal Dışişleri Bakanlığı, https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/-/2643520, (Date of Acces: 19.02.2024).
[5] Same place.
