Speaking at a meeting with members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Poland on Thursday, Nawrocki said that, if elected president, he would work to position Poland as a European leader in transatlantic relations.
Nawrocki, whose presidential bid is backed by the opposition Law and Justice party (PiS) party, highlighted Poland’s existing defence contracts with the United States and also reiterated his support for the planned construction of a nuclear power plant in Poland, with US involvement.
“For me, the development of NATO, the growth of our defence industry, and American investments in Poland are guarantees of our security," he said.
'This situation threatens Polish prosperity'
He also addressed growing transatlantic trade tensions, following Washington’s announcement of new 20 percent tariffs on some European Union products.
Calling the move "unsurprising," Nawrocki said it had been clearly signalled during Donald Trump's nelection campaign.
“It should come as no surprise to Poland or to the European Union,” Nawrocki remarked, adding: “We must now find a solution for our future.”
However, he warned that retaliatory tariffs from the EU would be detrimental to Poland.
"Additional tariffs, especially those imposed in retaliation, are not in Poland’s interest," he said.
"This situation threatens Polish prosperity and the economy, especially in light of our dependence on liquefied natural gas imports, which could pose serious challenges for future Polish governments," he added.
While presenting himself as a supporter of Poland’s EU membership, Nawrocki was critical of the bloc’s recent political and economic direction.
He said the European Union is experiencing a deep crisis of identity and financial policy, pointing to years of dependence on Russian energy and growing economic ties with China.
In his view, Trump is not so much reacting to a new geopolitical crisis as responding to long-standing EU failings.
He argued that the EU tends to prioritise the interests of its largest member states—France and Germany, at the expense of smaller countries. He cited a proposed trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American nations as an example.
While Germany stands to benefit by selling more cars, Nawrocki warned the deal could negatively impact Polish farmers.
He also called for greater leadership from Poland and other Central European nations, citing the importance of the Three Seas Initiative, a regional cooperation platform bringing together countries from the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Sea regions.
'Breakthrough Technology Fund'
Nawrocki outlined a legislative proposal for a new “Breakthrough Technology Fund” designed to attract investment into advanced industrial sectors, particularly within the context of Polish–American cooperation.
He also reaffirmed his support for nuclear energy, while noting the need to reduce emissions from Polish coal mines in the interim.
Nawrocki is currently head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance. He is trailing the leading presidential contender, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, in the polls.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR/PAP