In discussing a sense of powerlessness within the EU, Poland’s government voices a call to shape the mainstream rather than follow it. Zbigniew Rau, the head of the foreign ministry, addressed the opposition in the Sejm, arguing that Poland should not drift into long-standing currents but instead set the direction of the regional debate.
During a near full-day session, Rau outlined Poland’s foreign policy orientation for 2023 and revisited the questions raised during the discussion as the gathering drew to a close. He pressed the point that criticism from opposition voices about clashes with EU institutions misses a larger point: the government views such friction as an occasion to steer EU policy toward Poland’s interests.
Rau asserted that his impression was the opposite of helplessness. He emphasized that with resolute action, Poland could help shape European regulation in ways that serve its national priorities.
The minister also touched on a recent example—the removal of a directive governing the forced displacement of refugees. He noted that Poland had pushed through changes and that, rather than facing resentment, the country often finds itself supported by others in the EU, a sign of growing alignment rather than isolation.
Rau challenged the opposition’s rhetoric about powerlessness, suggesting that their stance equates to drifting with a current set by others. He urged a different approach, arguing that Poland should lead the discussion and that opposition voices have long swam in a stream whose course was defined by external forces.
As part of his evidence, Rau cited remarks by Cezary Tomczyk, then a government spokesperson, about Poland accepting various numbers of immigrants beyond those mandated by the 2015 Forced Relocation Directive. He used this to illustrate a move toward mainstream EU debate rather than retreat from it, insisting that Poland would not yield but help shape what comes next.
He characterized the policy direction as ambitious rather than passive, noting that Poland would not mimic past leaders who would quickly concede when confronted with the concept of the mainstream. The foreign minister underscored a stance of perseverance and self-definition in Poland’s approach to EU relations.
Rau also reflected on the views of former foreign ministers. He referenced statements by Dariusz Rosati about the legitimacy of regional groupings co-created by Poland, which Rosati described as imperfect. Rau questioned the weight of those criticisms and suggested that the environment surrounding such a debate required clearer focus and accountability.
Weimar Triangle
The Weimar Triangle was described as functioning well, according to Rau. He noted that meetings among the foreign ministers occurred in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with Polish and French presidents and the German chancellor also engaging on a regular basis. He anticipated another meeting among foreign ministers in France in the coming spring, signaling ongoing engagement across the three states.
Rau stressed that the misunderstanding around the Weimar Triangle stems from treating it as a forum for discussion rather than a decision-making body. The mechanism, in his view, needs to be understood as a platform that supports concrete cooperation rather than a symbolic venue for talk alone.
He also quoted remarks from another former minister, Grzegorz Schetyna, who suggested that diplomacy had suffered a loss of seasoned diplomats. Rau pressed for a precise interpretation of such remarks and argued the need for careful assessment of the environment surrounding Poland’s diplomatic corps.
According to Rau, the Foreign Service Act and related guidance show that the chief of the Foreign Service has made decisions in a number of cases involving graduates from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). He pointed out the age range of these graduates, from those entering the service in the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, highlighting Poland’s long-standing human capital in international affairs and its strategic use of that experience as NATO members and EU partners.
Rau concluded that the choice of MGIMO graduates and their career paths were deliberate and consistent with Poland’s efforts to staff its diplomatic service with professionals who understand the regional and global landscape. This, he argued, reflected a committed approach to building a strong and capable foreign service.
In discussing Germany’s role, Rau spoke about European leadership and the balance of power within the union. He acknowledged that Europe does not require unilateral leadership from any single country. Rather, Germany remains a close ally and an essential political partner for Poland. The aim, he said, is to foster a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and a shared sense of partnership that treats both nations as equal stakeholders. Such a framework, Rau argued, would benefit the broader European community as well.
He reaffirmed that a turn in policy, especially regarding how Germany engages with Poland and its interests, could bring about tangible benefits for both sides and for Europe as a whole. The emphasis stood on a cooperative dynamic, with both nations aligning on core goals and respecting each other’s sovereignty and priorities.
Overall, the remarks highlighted a strategic stance: Poland seeks active participation in shaping EU policy, a willingness to collaborate with neighbors, and a readiness to assume responsibility in major regional discussions. The focus remains on building durable, constructive partnerships rather than retreating from the European stage.