The Polish president and the prime minister spoke in Canada on Friday, outlining national priorities and their perspectives on the upcoming legal amendments. President Andrzej Duda signaled that a draft amendment to the law on the Commission for Investigating Russian Influence was being prepared, with plans to present it to the Sejm that same day. He urged Parliament to approve the changes swiftly, emphasizing a governance model that relies on expert judgment rather than parliamentary membership. The president also proposed that appeals should go to the Court of Appeal in Warsaw, with the possibility of redirecting to the Court of Appeal in the location of residence, and suggested removing remedial measures in favor of a clear judicial finding regarding public interest conduct.
President Duda’s proposal
During the announcements, President Duda described his proposal as a framework where the commission would be composed of independent experts rather than lawmakers. He stressed that the appeal process would target the Court of Appeal instead of the Administrative Court, reflecting a preference for specialized oversight while preserving flexibility to shift jurisdiction if needed. The president also indicated that the new framework would replace certain remedial measures with a straightforward determination about whether an individual can safely engage in activities in the public interest.
More coverage noted that the president was submitting amendments to the law on the Russian Influence Commission, with a clear stance that MPs would not participate in the commission under the revised rules.
Morawiecki asked about Duda’s amendment
At a press conference, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was asked to evaluate the president’s proposed amendments. He answered that a full assessment required a detailed reading, acknowledging that his understanding was incomplete at that moment.
Morawiecki explained that during his visit to Canada and discussions along his itinerary, he encountered a range of conversations. He planned to review the president’s proposal in detail after returning. He also noted that the government had already enacted legislation regarding the commission that verifies Russian influence in Poland’s energy sector and overall security framework.
The prime minister underscored that Poland’s NATO and EU allies had been reassured by conversations with Polish leadership. He described the commission issue as part of a larger political contest shaping the electoral landscape, while signaling that there was no cause for alarm or drastic changes to policies already accepted in principle.
Morawiecki added that allies understood the possibility of involvement or non-involvement in the electoral process related to the passed commission law, and that there had been little room for further questions after those exchanges. When pressed about Duda’s proposals, he reiterated the need to read them thoroughly before forming a judgment.
He remarked, as he was stepping away, that he had not yet read the president’s communique but would do so soon. In the same address, President Duda expressed strong support for the law addressing Russian influence and indicated he was deeply convinced of the decision to sign it as correct.
Canada and Poland Strengthen Transatlantic Relations
Poland and Canada face significant energy, economic, and security challenges, and Morawiecki stated that the partnership between the two nations is growing stronger across the Atlantic. He announced that the Polish head of government would visit Canada, with the first stop at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, highlighting joint efforts in energy innovation and security collaboration.
During the visit, Morawiecki pointed to recent global shocks such as disrupted supply chains, energy shortages, the Ukraine conflict, and climate change. He emphasized the need for new, reliable technologies that are environmentally responsible and economically accessible for households and businesses alike.
He noted the ongoing exploration of small modular reactors and discussed the world’s first SMR project, with capacities around 300 MWh. He projected that construction would begin in 2025 and that the facility could be operational by 2028, underscoring the shorter timelines that modern modular nuclear projects can offer.
The prime minister stressed that both Poland and Canada confront similar energy and economic pressures, along with security challenges, and he anticipated meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to further strengthen collaboration. He expressed confidence that Canada and Poland are advancing toward a robust transatlantic framework supported by steady energy supply, competitive business environments, and mutual commitment to shared values.
Morawiecki affirmed that engagement with Canadian and global leaders, including those in SMR industries, demonstrates that joint ventures in advanced technologies are not merely theoretical but actively progressing. He highlighted the importance of stable energy sources that are affordable, reliable, and capable of powering homes and industry while sustaining economic growth for both nations.
In closing, the Prime Minister reiterated the significance of Canada as a partner and asserted that Poland would continue to adopt advanced nuclear and energy solutions to secure a dependable energy future for its people and its economy.