Poland, EU Ties, and the Three Seas Initiative: Insights from a Former U.S. Ambassador

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Poland’s government in Warsaw has achieved notable results, but it may benefit from thoughtful adjustments. A new administration brings renewed hope for Poland in its dealings with the European Union and clearer communication with the Joe Biden administration, according to Georgette Mosbacher, former United States ambassador to Poland, in a conversation cited by PAP and reported by wPolityce. She also acknowledged concerns about the Three Seas Initiative under the Tusk leadership and what that means for the region’s future.

Poland and its relations with the EU

Mosbacher, who served as ambassador during the Trump era, continues to follow developments in Poland closely. Despite political disagreements, she remains cautiously optimistic about the new government and its potential to move Poland forward on the international stage.

Rethinking policy for change sake is not always wise, yet some adjustments can help. She suggested a measured reshuffle could ease friction with the European Union and improve Poland’s standing in Europe.

As a business professional and a key member of the Atlantic Council, Mosbacher helps lead a program focused on the Three Seas Initiative. While she noted she is not an enthusiastic supporter of the EU, she stressed the bloc’s importance to Poland’s global position and strategic interests.

The new administration might serve as a more approachable partner for Washington since its values and stance align with those of the current U S government. Mosbacher highlighted Prime Minister Tusk’s emphasis on strengthening national defense and NATO, which she sees as well received in Washington and capable of deepening Polish-American ties.

She welcomed Tusk’s calls to curb political rancor. She expressed hope there would be no witch hunts or revenge, as such actions could squander the political capital the new government has brought to the table.

The question of the Three Seas Initiative remains a concern. The initiative, led by Poland to foster cooperation and infrastructure development across Central Europe within the European Union, holds strategic importance in her view.

Mosbacher noted that she has heard the new government may not prioritize the Three Seas Initiative as much as before. While she has not yet had direct engagement with Tusk’s team on this issue, she hopes such discussions will begin soon.

The Three Seas Initiative stands out as a key regional mechanism. It gives Central and Eastern Europe a stronger voice and practical tools to boost competitiveness. In many member states, small markets struggle to attract investment alone, so the initiative offers a platform to advance regional infrastructure at a Western scale.

She stressed that the project enjoys support from the current U S administration, which has provided substantial funding in early rounds. The evident level of engagement suggests strong backing, and Mosbacher argued that this commitment would continue even if Polish support shifts. She added that the initiative has progressed to a stage where development could proceed independently of any single national partner. Poland remains the largest country in the region, though twelve other nations participate in the alliance as well.

She indicated that changes to certain strategic projects launched by previous authorities are unlikely, including those she helped advance, such as potential nuclear power development in Poland by American firms Westinghouse and Bechtel.

Additional readings included analyses and commentary from Polish political figures on the Three Seas Initiative and its 2025 summit in Budapest, as well as reflections on transatlantic cooperation and potential partners in the region.

US presidential election

When looking ahead to next year’s U S presidential race, Mosbacher stated she prays daily for the victory of her former boss, with whom she maintains a close relationship. She believes Poland should not fear a second term for Donald Trump, a possibility that many polls suggest could happen.

Trump supported Poland during his presidency, including a proposal to invest a substantial amount in the Three Seas Initiative. While his approach to NATO drew criticism, Mosbacher argued that his presidency yielded tangible gains for defense spending and helped shape the U S military deployment in Europe, noting the V Corps headquarters in Poland as a lasting outcome. She said she would not worry about a potential return by Trump and advised that it should not cause anxiety in Poland.

The discussion also touched on related political analyses and current events around the Three Seas Initiative and broader transatlantic cooperation. The content references discussions and opinions from several Polish sources and policymakers about the evolving regional project and its implications for future U S-Poland relations.

WPolityce and other outlets are cited for the original framing of these remarks, which emphasize the strategic importance of regional cooperation, defense commitments, and the shifting dynamics between Warsaw, Washington, and Brussels.

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