Poland joins NATO fuel pipeline system. A strategic leap in security and energy integration

Poland is set to take a historic step in strengthening its defense and energy infrastructure by integrating into NATO’s vast fuel pipeline system. This ambitious project, one of the largest of its kind in the last three decades, will not only boost Poland’s resilience to energy crises but also enhance its role as a strategic hub for the Alliance on the eastern flank.

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03 october 2025 | 18:35 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Krzysztof Gumul / WCEO

On Friday, October 3rd, in Warsaw, the NATO Investment Organization (ZIOTP) and PERN S.A. signed a preliminary cooperation agreement to prepare the expansion of Poland’s fuel infrastructure and its connection to NATO’s pipeline network. The project will also include the construction of new fuel storage facilities dedicated to Alliance forces.

– This is a great day for Poland – in fact, the beginning of a long journey. We are speaking about one of the largest security investments in the past 30 years, comparable to acquiring fifth-generation fighter jets or other critical military technologies, said Cezary Tomczyk, Poland’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, during the signing ceremony.

From Cold War origins to modern deterrence

NATO’s Central European Pipeline System (CEPS) dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, built to secure uninterrupted fuel supplies in case of confrontation with the Soviet Union. Today, amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and a heightened threat environment, its importance has once again become paramount.

Poland’s integration will involve constructing a 300-kilometer pipeline section linking the German border with PERN’s hub near Bydgoszcz. This will give Poland direct access to NATO’s logistics backbone and improve operational flexibility for both national and allied forces.

Talks about Poland’s inclusion began in 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. In December 2024, NATO’s Strategic Commands (SHAPE and ACT) listed the Polish connection among priority investments.

PERN and ZIOTP – building a strategic partnership

The agreement signed in Warsaw defines the framework for cooperation and responsibilities of both entities. The NATO Investment Organization will oversee planning and design, while PERN S.A., Poland’s state-owned oil logistics leader, will act as a key operator.

PERN currently manages over 2,500 kilometers of crude oil and fuel pipelines and operates 23 storage depots nationwide, ensuring stable supplies for the economy and energy security of the state. Its involvement ensures both technical expertise and system-wide integration with NATO standards.

Strategic implications for NATO and Poland

The project is far more than a logistics upgrade. It strengthens NATO’s operational readiness by ensuring fast, reliable access to fuel reserves and transport routes across Central Europe.

For Poland, the integration represents a leap in resilience – mitigating risks of fuel shortages in times of crisis while solidifying its standing as NATO’s frontline logistics hub.

– The decisions at NATO’s planning level have already been made. This investment is recognized as a priority by the Alliance, emphasized Deputy Minister Tomczyk.

Long-term perspective, lasting impact

The initiative will unfold over several years, with planning and design as the first stages. Final implementation will require approval from the North Atlantic Council and NATO member states.

Though long-term in scope, the decision already anchors Poland firmly within NATO’s infrastructure network. It aligns with Warsaw’s broader defense modernization drive, often compared to acquiring high-end military platforms such as fifth-generation aircraft.

Energy security meets defense readiness

The project will also enhance Poland’s civilian energy resilience. By expanding transport and storage capacity, the country will gain stronger protection against fuel supply disruptions.

From a maritime and energy logistics perspective, integration with NATO’s system may further increase the importance of Poland’s oil terminals and port facilities, offering new opportunities for international cooperation in fuel import and distribution.

With this pipeline integration, Poland is not just strengthening its own defenses. It is cementing its role as a pivotal contributor to NATO’s deterrence architecture and a cornerstone of energy security on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

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Kamil Kusier
redaktor naczelny

NATO rurociągi paliwowe bezpieczeństwo energetyczne infrastruktura krytyczna PERN