Speaking to the diplomatic corps at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, Nawrocki criticized centralizing tendencies within the EU, including the Green Deal, migration policy, and the Mercosur trade agreement. He called for a “healthy European integration” rooted in strong national sovereignty.
“Poland should stand at the forefront of a reform camp open to all states unwilling to continue current policies but not opposed to the idea of a united Europe,” he said. “I want a strong Poland in a healthy European Union.”
Turning to foreign policy and defense, Nawrocki warned that Russia’s imperial ambitions are embedded in its state identity and will persist beyond President Vladimir Putin’s rule.
“Russian imperialism is not an anomaly or merely Putinism. It’s a state mechanism rooted in history, geography, and political culture,” he said. “Russia’s goal, aside from persecuting its own citizens, remains territorial expansion, mass killings, and attacks on civilian targets.”
The president said only allied unity and increased defense capabilities can deter Moscow’s aggression. He pledged to mobilize countries in the region and beyond to take collective action to counter Russia’s neo-imperial policies.
Addressing military readiness, Nawrocki reiterated Poland’s commitment to expanding its armed forces and defense capabilities in response to cyberattacks, drone intrusions, disinformation, and artificial migratory pressure from Russia.
He stressed the importance of continuing defense procurement both domestically and from key allies.
“While we build our defense industry, we must also continue purchasing cutting-edge equipment from proven partners—especially the United States and South Korea,” he said.
Nawrocki also revisited the issue of World War II reparations from Germany, stating that over 80 years since the war’s end, the debt owed to Poland remains unpaid.
“Legal, moral, political, and financial responsibilities do not expire,” he said. “I extend a hand in cooperation, hoping this gesture will be reciprocated.”
The president recalled proposals made during his visit to Berlin, including using Germany’s increased defense spending to fund U.S.-made equipment that could be transferred to Poland as partial compensation. He emphasized Poland’s role in stabilizing the region as a NATO frontline state.
(jh)
Source: PAP