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NATO fuel pipeline expansion to be discussed during Macron's visit to Poland

20.04.2026 12:00
The possible eastward expansion of a NATO fuel pipeline network will be discussed during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Poland on Monday, the Polish energy minister has said.
Miłosz Motyka
Miłosz MotykaPiotr Podlewski / Polskie Radio

Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka told reporters on Friday that talks would focus on extending dual-use infrastructure to strengthen both military mobility and energy security across the alliance.

"We will discuss expanding dual-use infrastructure, enhancing fuel and military security, and ending the two-speed NATO," Motyka said.

He argued that extending the NATO pipeline system to Eastern Europe was in the alliance's shared interest, adding that the region is more exposed to potential conflict with Russia, while disruptions would also affect Western Europe.

"The NATO oil pipeline system should be extended to Eastern Europe, which is most vulnerable to military conflict, but a lack of mobility would also affect Western Europe, so the extension is our common interest," he said.

The roughly 10,000-kilometre pipeline network was originally built during the Cold War to supply Western air forces in the event of a conflict with the Soviet Union. Today, it serves both military installations and civilian hubs, including major airports such as Germany's Frankfurt, the Reuters news agency reported.

The system spans 12 countries but currently ends in western Germany. Countries on NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland, have long called for its expansion.

Jet fuel transported through the network can also be adapted for use in ground vehicles, as additives can make it suitable for trucks and military equipment that typically run on diesel, according to Reuters.

Recent geopolitical tensions, including the war involving Iran, have highlighted vulnerabilities in global fuel supply chains.

Motyka said Poland's planned second nuclear power plant would also be discussed during meetings in the Baltic port city of Gdańsk. France is among the countries Warsaw has invited to take part in the project.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday that his talks with Macron would focus on security and military cooperation as Europe faces increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

He said discussions would include strengthening European security, including cooperation involving France’s nuclear capabilities.

Tusk and Macron were set to meet in Gdańsk for a bilateral summit, the first since the two countries signed a treaty on enhanced cooperation and friendship in May last year.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and French President Emmanuel Macron (left) meet in Warsaw in December 2024. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and French President Emmanuel Macron (left) meet in Warsaw in December 2024. Photo: PAP/Piotr Nowak

Tusk said last month that Poland was in talks with France and a group of European allies on an advanced nuclear deterrence programme.

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Source: rmf24.pl, Reuters, IAR, PAP, TVP Info