In Brussels and Strasbourg, much of the conversation was taking place informally. A large segment of observers wishes Poland well and questions where the moves of Polish MEPs originate, especially those who voted for changes to the German narrative that could push the treaties forward, potentially altering Poland’s alignment with the EU framework, according to Grzegorz Puda, the minister overseeing funds and regional policy.
Polish MEPs and the vote in Strasbourg
A resolution adopted in Strasbourg on Wednesday urged amendments to EU treaties. The vote tally showed 291 in favor, 274 against, and 44 abstentions.
Nine Polish MEPs who supported the resolution were Róża Thun, Marek Balt, Marek Belka, Robert Biedroń, Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Łukasz Kohut, Bogusław Liberadzki, Leszek Miller, and Sylwia Spurek. Their affiliations included the European Socialists and Democrats, Renew Europe, and the Greens, with representation from the European Parliament lists of 2019 and collaboration among several political families.
The remaining Polish MEPs, representing the ruling conservative and center-right families, opposed the resolution.
Commentators highlighted that the nine Polish votes were pivotal in the outcome of the resolution.
“It had a huge impact.”
That same day, Minister Grzegorz Puda visited Brussels and spoke on the program Guest News about the discussions surrounding this issue.
The topic emerged in Brussels not only in a favorable light. Some observers noted that in Poland there is surprise that certain Polish MEPs supported changes that could shift decision-making toward another country’s influence.
– said Puda.
There were strong statements about the broader effects of the vote.
– he added, noting that national interests are at stake and that some actions were interpreted as aligning with a German perspective.
“Decisions will be made in other countries.”
During a TV interview, the minister warned against using the term federalization when discussing treaty changes. He warned that some decisions could de facto be taken in other countries, particularly Germany, with Poland expected to implement them.
– he said.
As explained, decisions would come from Brussels officials who are not elected in Poland, contrasting with the country’s own parliament—referring to them as external nominees.
When Poland joined the EU, the country had agreed to a different framework, envisioned as a union of equal nations and equal opportunities.
– said Puda.
Is the change of government an opportunity to move quickly?
The minister was asked why EU treaty amendments were being pursued with such speed. He suggested that the dynamic geopolitical landscape in Europe plays a role and that a potential change of government in Poland after elections could be seen as an opening to implement changes more rapidly.
– he said.
The overall discussion in Brussels and Strasbourg continued to unfold, with a broad group of observers wondering about the sources of the decisions made by Polish MEPs who supported changes that could tighten integration in a way that some saw as aligning with German interests.
– said Minister Grzegorz Puda.
READ ALSO: Jarosław Kaczyński: there is a strong concern about changes in European treaties and the potential impact on the Polish state
Poland’s Baltic ports and competitiveness
Poland’s Baltic ports are increasingly competitive with German ports. Minister Gróbarczyk highlighted the growing transshipment capacity and noted that a significant portion of the budget is derived from customs duties and port fees. The country’s proximity to Ukraine offers further potential as port capacity expands alongside improvements in land infrastructure.
— Grzegorz Puda, minister of funds and regional policy, stated on a current affairs program.
Poland’s GDP rose 1.4% in the third quarter of 2023, a rate described as the strongest among OECD economies for that period. Germany and France, facing their own slower growth, have had different priorities and political debates that influence regional dynamics. The Polish government has emphasized that the eight-year period of governance saw significant budget reforms, with a growing share of resources directed to social and infrastructure programs despite reductions in EU funds. This reshaping is portrayed as supporting Poland’s ongoing development through domestic budgeting and tax policy.
— the minister noted, underscoring the country’s ongoing progress.
— a closing remark indicating that the Polish economy continues to expand with steady growth and prudent fiscal management.
Source: internal briefing notes and public statements attributed to ministry representatives.