Poland must actively shape EU and NATO policies: Foreign Minister

Outlining Poland's foreign policy priorities, Witold Waszczykowski said that Europe has been hit by growing "uncertainty and instability", with the EU "weakened by recession, divided by differences in its vision for development, and beset by wars being waged just beyond its doorstep”.

In his first major roadmap speech, Waszczykowski, whose Law and Justice (PiS) party came to power in October, said such challenges would be addressed in Polish foreign policy, not only in 2016 but also over the next four years.

He added that during the first 25 years after the fall of communism in this country, Poland’s international position was judged as “too optimistic”.

Waszczykowski said that being an EU and NATO member does not mean that Poland “can forget about the difficult dilemmas of this country situated between the East and the West”.

He also emphasised the need for an “active” and “subjective” plan for shaping Poland's policy towards the international organisations of which it is a member.

“The current government is determined to achieve its goals: leading a courageous, realistic, and above all, effective foreign policy,” Waszczykowski told parliament.

President Andzrej Duda attended the address. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

With Polish President Andrzej Duda listening to his address, Waszczykowski said that cooperation between the head of state and the government is crucial.

“This cooperation strengthens the position of Poland,” he said. (rg/pk)