This is not a good moment for any radical changes to the DNA and structure of the European Union, according to Szymon Hołownia, the leader of Poland 2050, who spoke on RMF FM on Thursday. He referenced concerns about proposals to alter EU treaties.
Changes in treaties
The interviewer asked whether unlocking funds from the KPO would require concessions on EU structure. Hołownia responded that these issues are not inherently linked. He noted that EU discussions continue and stressed that now is not the right time to make fundamental changes to the EU’s DNA and organizational framework.
“From our point of view, this is not a good moment to make sweeping changes to how the European Union is built,” he said.
Hołownia pointed to the current external threats and a geopolitical climate shaped by recent political developments across Europe, including Slovakia’s elections and the rise of protests in Germany. He warned that reopening debates on veto powers and majority rules could fuel voices advocating Polexit and cast doubt on the EU’s usefulness, which he considers unnecessary at present.
He acknowledged that the discussion will return at a calmer time, but for now emphasized restraint.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFEC) voted to adopt a report proposing changes to EU treaties. The committee supported the report by twenty votes to six, calling for significant shifts in decision-making and competencies.
The proposed changes include removing the unanimity requirement in the EU Council across 65 areas and shifting powers from member states to the EU level. Notably, two new exclusive EU powers would be created in environmental protection and biodiversity (Article 3 TFEU). There would also be a broad expansion of shared competences (Article 4), covering eight new areas such as foreign and security policy, border protection, forestry, public health, civil protection, industry, and education.
“It’s a sinking ship situation.”
Hołownia stated that the government must be completed and a coalition agreement finalized as soon as possible. He described any arrangement as a partnership, with the largest party taking the lead for the government, the next for the Sejm, and the third for the Senate, followed by a coordinated team. He noted upcoming meetings in the coming days and urged timely progress.
There was also a call for the President not to delay naming a common candidate for Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, so work can begin without delay. One of the Third Way leaders asserted that Mateusz Morawiecki does not hold a sufficient majority.
Hołownia described the current situation as a sinking ship, explaining that the crew sees trouble while the captain believes a plan B will keep things afloat. He mentioned that after a meeting with President Andrzej Duda, there was consideration of appointing Donald Tusk as Prime Minister as a first step, though he estimated the likelihood of this scenario at less than fifty percent.
The President had signaled a desire to see a government and a coalition agreement soon, urging a decisive response to the challenge and the rapid formation of a government and coalition to prevent delays in appointing a prime minister.
Hołownia added that planned conversations in the coming days would be held privately to allow for calm dialogue. He criticized the current government’s structure as unusual, noting it seemed built to cram many MPs into deputy minister roles.
While some restructuring of governmental blocks and departments might be necessary, he did not see an immediate need to overhaul the entire setup. He suggested starting with the framework left by the previous configuration and making minor adjustments quickly.
Hołownia a marshal?
When asked about the possibility of becoming the Sejm’s marshal, Hołownia admitted uncertainty. The Sejm would decide at its November 13 meeting. He underscored that the Poles voted for a team and that no single member bears a full mandate to govern unilaterally. He reiterated that his priority is to fix parliament rather than focus on a title.
Asked whether he would accept the marshal role if offered, Hołownia replied that he would accept with joy if entrusted with such a mission and noted that decisions would be made jointly. He also remarked that it would be better to avoid drastic moves like provocative historical re-enactments and to consider other options if needed.
Hołownia stressed that the Sejm should stop being a fortress of party interests on a high hill. It should be opened up to invite a broader range of voices, fostering dialogue, compromise, and active civic engagement. He described this as essential for Poland’s political culture to be more inclusive and productive.
He argued that changing the government alone is not enough; Parliament itself must evolve. He reiterated the coalition concept: the largest partner leads the government, the second partner handles the Sejm, the third oversees the Senate, and a capable team follows.
“The issue of abortion will not be a subject of the coalition agreement.”
On abortion policy, Hołownia said women should not fear motherhood and pregnancy. He suggested that some measures could be implemented through the National Health Fund or ministerial regulations without turning this into a coalition commitment, ensuring doctors can act without undue hesitation when a mother’s life or health is at risk.
Regarding broader legal questions, he advocated restoring the pre-judgment status quo of the Constitutional Court as a priority once possible. He also called for preparing and holding a referendum on abortion as soon as feasible, reiterating that this topic should not form part of the coalition agreement.
The discussion concluded with a focus on ensuring a functional and accountable government and parliament, with a pragmatic approach to reform and governance that reflects the will of the Polish people while maintaining stability and a cohesive European path.