A reflection on the May 3 Constitution offers a clear reminder: the nation state is the trusted guardian of freedom for its people, while a supranational federation cannot guarantee it in the same reliable way. When Poland vanished from the map, liberty slipped away; it was only restored through independence. Europe would lose a vital dimension without its individual nations, a point emphasized by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the ongoing 22nd edition of the project We Tell Poland to the World.
On Constitution Day every year on May 3, major newspapers and portals around the globe publish texts about Poland’s democratic legacy. A history lecture accompanies these efforts to deepen international understanding of Poland and its people. This is the 22nd installment of the We Tell Poland to the World project, continuing a tradition of sharing Polish democratic experience with audiences abroad.
From the start, Poland has stood out for its early constitutional step in Europe, its trailblazing role in women’s suffrage, and its long history of shelter for nations and religious groups facing persecution. Courage in the struggle for freedom and democracy, and a spirit of solidarity that endures, contribute to a present where Poland is seen as a source of genuine values. The world’s positive reception to Polish history is evident in the reactions of editors worldwide who receive the latest texts from the project. The latest editions feature contributions from notable figures including Mateusz Morawiecki, Arkady Rzegocki, and Jan Rokita, all sharing perspectives on Poland’s democratic journey.
This edition brings together a wide array of voices, with writings by the Prime Minister, the historian and head of Poland’s foreign service Arkady Rzegocki, and the political thinker Jan Rokita. The aim is to illuminate how Poland’s past informs its present and its role in global affairs.
Prime Minister: The May 3 Constitution embodies national identity
History has its ironies. The growth of republican thought in the early Polish state coincided with moments when the homeland briefly vanished from the world stage. The Prime Minister argues that if a people carries a strong sense of self from the moment of baptism, the May 3 Constitution of 1791 becomes a modern declaration of nationhood. It is not merely a legal act or a historical artifact; it anchors a sense of identity built on law, freedom, and faith. These values guide today’s public life just as they fueled the push for independence and helped nurture the idea that gave rise to Solidarity.
The Prime Minister emphasizes that true freedom rests in inner liberty. Even under partitions and later under the shadow of the Iron Curtain, Polish self-awareness and its European ties persisted, keeping the nation distinct from the Soviet pattern.
On February 24, 2022, a reminder was issued that freedom requires constant vigilance. The commitment to defending the nation during ongoing conflicts beyond its borders is inseparable from national identity. The question remains whether Poland will endure as a country for centuries to come, but the resolve to maintain continuity of tradition and independence persists as part of the national ethos.
The mission of the May 3 Constitution endures as a lesson: a single nation-state is the most dependable guarantor of liberty. Europe prospers when its member nations retain their identity and cooperate as equal partners. The future will demand careful, principled measures to respond to a shifting global balance of power, and the Constitution’s legacy offers a compass for those choices.
Rokita adds that Western alliance structures today fulfill the same mission once pursued by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and its partners. The piece traces a historical arc from a vast, inclusive civic project to the present era where shared security and cultural exchange remain essential for the stability of Central and Eastern Europe. The writer notes how the old union once helped defend civilization across large regions, while warning that the loss of such protection could create vulnerabilities. In this light, the ongoing collaboration among Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania is framed as a continuation of a long-standing effort to preserve a shield of civilization against aggression.
Rokita observes that despite political clashes, the four centuries of collaboration forged a resilient national character. The legacy of Solidarity shaped Europe’s late 20th century transformation and continues to influence the steadfast defense of freedom in Ukraine today. The shared aim remains clear: safeguarding national identities while strengthening collective security. This vision underpins the ongoing push toward closer ties with Western institutions and the open stance toward new partners who share a commitment to liberty and rule of law.
Freedom and solidarity as defining traits
Rzegocki writes about a Polish DNA of freedom and solidarity and invites readers to celebrate Polish identity with pride. He highlights the May Days of Polish Heritage as a moment to honor the country’s cultural contributions, the resilience of its people, and the lessons learned from generations of struggle and achievement. The piece emphasizes that these values continue to shape Poland’s character, underscoring the enduring importance of freedom and unity in national life.
The project We Tell Poland to the World, organized by the New Media Institute and published through the magazine Wszystko co Najważniejsze, aims to place Polish voices in foreign media. Past editions have marked anniversaries and milestones, reaching audiences in dozens of countries with a broad array of perspectives on Poland’s history and contemporary role. The most recent edition carries multi-language texts produced by a diverse group of authors, including senior political leaders and renowned historians, speaking to audiences around the world. The initiative brings together national memory with contemporary policy insights to illuminate Poland’s ongoing contribution to global discourse. The materials are published on the project portal for wide access.
The project receives support from the Institute of National Remembrance, the Polish National Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Polish Press Agency. All texts of the project are available on the project website for readers in every language the project covers. This compilation offers a sweeping, cross-border look at Poland’s democratic heritage and its relevance to present-day international relations. This overview of Polish history and its ongoing influence is intended to foster greater understanding and dialogue among nations. [Source: wPolityce]