A Debate in the European Parliament on Polish Measures Against Russian Influence
In a session organized at the request of the European People’s Party, the European Parliament held a debate on the Polish law aimed at addressing Russian influence. The discussion featured a pointed speech from former Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło, who challenged the assembly to consider the impact of political rhetoric on domestic stability and the integrity of Poland’s governance.
Addressing the assembly, Szydło criticized certain Polish Members of the European Parliament for what she described as calls for rebellion within Poland during the EP session. She argued that elected Polish MEPs should focus on constructive policy dialogue rather than inflaming street action, urging a return to substantive debate and responsible conduct.
Her remarks also touched on the conduct of parliamentary campaigns within the EP, questioning the timing and manner of some statements. Szydło pointed to discussions about recent high-level conversations involving Polish and international figures and urged colleagues to concentrate on policy work rather than political theatrics.
The former prime minister queried whether those who supported the debate were familiar with the Polish constitution and the precise text of the law under discussion. She emphasized the importance of establishing a parliamentary committee on influence concerns, noting that similar bodies operate in other EU states and that such a body would serve to safeguard Polish citizens’ interests within the European framework.
She further challenged commentators who opposed the creation of this committee, arguing that opposing it amounted to defending Russian influence rather than defending the interests of the Polish people they represented. Her critique highlighted a broader tension between some political factions and efforts to strengthen scrutiny over external influence within the EU legislative arena.
In a bold closing line, Szydło asserted that the Polish constitution remains intact and that Polish law is being observed. She also stressed the value of establishing the committee in Poland as a means to illuminate how external influence can affect political processes, arguing that the debate itself underscored the seriousness of these concerns.
As the session concluded, the emphasis remained on transparency, the appropriate use of European institutions, and the protection of national interests within the shared European framework. The discourse reflected ongoing discussions about how best to balance sovereignty with collective security in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Source notes: the event was reported through parliamentary channels and Polish media coverage, with perspectives from multiple parties represented in the debate. Attribution for the coverage is provided by the originating outlets and EU parliamentary summaries.