Polish foreign policy took a notable turn when the decision was announced that Piotr Serafin would assume greater representation of Polish interests within the European Union. The president had already indicated that Ambassador Andrzej Sadoś would be summoned for consultations, according to Paweł Wroński, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stressed that Sadoś remains the ambassador, but his work duties may change in the near term.
Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the current Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the EU, Andrzej Sadoś, has been recalled to Poland and relieved from the obligation to work. From December 13, 2023, the Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels would be led by Piotr Serafin, who holds the rank of minister plenipotentiary.
Rank of Representatives
During a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesman Wroński stated that Poland’s rank is derived from the stature of its representatives abroad.
According to Wroński, Ambassador Sadoś, while respected, does not wield the same political influence as Piotr Serafin, a well known figure in Brussels who enjoys the full confidence of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Wroński noted that to ensure Polish interests in Brussels are well represented, it is advantageous to have someone with the Prime Minister’s trust and extensive knowledge of Brussels channels who has addressed many issues there. Sadoś had carried out the orders of the previous government, which was not particularly euro enthusiastic. Andrzej Sadoś has served as Poland’s ambassador to the EU since 2018.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson added that Minister Radosław Sikorski had previously informed President Andrzej Duda about the recall step, clarifying that it does not mean the ambassador is dismissed.
As Wroński explained, the Prime Minister does not appoint ambassadors directly.
Piotr Serafin is not an ambassador; he is a minister plenipotentiary. The Foreign Ministry operates within the constitutional framework and national laws.
Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that he would nominate Minister Plenipotentiary Piotr Serafin for the position of Permanent Representative of Poland to the EU, a move that would leave the final decision with the President.
Call for Consultation
Wroński emphasized that Sadoś had been summoned to Warsaw for consultations and had not been dismissed. He added that every ambassador reports to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister decided that Polish interests would be better represented by Mr. Piotr Serafin, according to the ministry spokesman.
When asked about Sadoś’s current status, Wroński explained that Sadoś was recalled for consultation and clarified that an appropriate application would be submitted to the President, including a request for resignation and appointment, since two people cannot hold the same position.
At present, Piotr Serafin represents Poland’s interests in Brussels, stressed Wroński.
The Ministry announced that Andrzej Sadoś was relieved from the obligation to perform work under the Foreign Service Act. The act states that the ambassador is subordinate to the foreign affairs minister, and it also governs the appointment and dismissal of the permanent representative to the European Union by the President upon joint request by the foreign affairs minister and the minister responsible for Poland’s EU membership, with the Prime Minister’s acceptance. A subsequent provision adds that the appointment should occur after obtaining the opinion of the competent authority in accordance with the Sejm’s procedures.
Piotr Serafin previously served as Chief of Cabinet to European Council President Donald Tusk from 2014 to 2019. He also held the role of State Secretary for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2014, and from 1999 to 2010 he worked at the Office of the Commission for European Integration.