Under the banner of sovereignty, the 13th Polska Wielki Projekt Congress took place at Arkady Kubicki in Warsaw. Saturday marked the second day of engaging discussions, and attendees were invited to follow the evolving dialogue.
“A Just Peace – Reparations, Reconciliation, and Healing”
The topic of reparations stands as a pivotal issue with real resonance across Poland, prompting thoughtful debate within the nation. Some critics question why the conversation is necessary, suggesting the past should be left behind or considered settled. The moderator of this panel, Professor Zdzislaw Krasnodebski, noted that discussions around this matter have long been muted in Poland, and the time feels right to reexamine them.
It was deliberate to invite delegates from two nations facing similar historical questions, notably Greece and Namibia, to weigh in on this difficult chapter. The panel emphasized that the focus is on the crimes committed by the Nazi regime, not broad German history. The narrative highlighted how Nazi actions in Namibia and their impact on Namibian communities are part of a larger, troubling global history that touches on the events endured by Poland during World War II.
David Hanschief of the Nama tribe, the vice president of the Association of Traditional Nama Tribe Leaders, thanked the organizers for the chance to participate in the Polska Wielki Projekt Congress and to share his perspective in his native language. He recalled a historical period when Herero and Nam communities lived side by side in what is now Namibia and Botswana, before German colonial forces disrupted life, stealing land and lives. The consequences included forced migrations and a diaspora that reached South Africa, with enduring losses that press on today. He spoke of resilience, continued demands for reparations, the fight to recover land, and the struggle to reclaim dignity for his people.
“Made in Poland – Polish success abroad”
Explanations of how the internationalization of Polish enterprises unfolds show that outward expansion often accelerates in smaller economies, where internal markets are limited. The region offers several examples of Polish companies extending their reach beyond borders, translating local strengths into global opportunities. A speaker from GPW Tech SA described a paradigm shift in the global economy, moving from liberal openness toward more cautious, self-interested strategies. The discussion noted that this transition began in the United States, where recent rules sometimes curb foreign investments, particularly from certain sectors.
The conversation acknowledged Poland’s historical role in building industrial capacity abroad, including sugar factories and energy facilities in Greece. Greece, historically receptive to Polish leadership, recognized Poland early on as a sovereign, independent partner. Jerzy Athanasiadis highlighted the professional approach currently guiding Polish outreach, with institutions supporting business activity enabling investments in the Greek tourism sector, among other markets.
Looking east and west, the dialogue explored how strategic planning can help Poland catch up with nations that built strong economic positions earlier. The discussion suggested that careful timing and solid partnerships are essential for expanding influence and securing long-term competitiveness in global markets.
Speech by Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin
The debate also touched on domestic policy, noting that liberal currents in Poland have been vigorously tested and examined. The deputy prime minister asserted that the state should play a decisive role and maintain instruments to support development, including state-owned enterprises. Energy security emerged as a central theme, with references to historical campaigns ensuring stable fuel supply for winters and a reminder that energy infrastructure underpins national resilience.
State treasury corporations were described as major contributors to the national budget in the economic sphere. The discussion highlighted Polish enterprises as regional leaders, with Orlen cited as a key example of a company deeply integrated into the region and Europe. The deputy prime minister stressed that a robust presence by Polish firms strengthens regional leadership and shared strategic aims.
Beyond these pillars, other Polish champions were noted as expanding their reach into European and global markets. KGHM was highlighted as a premier state-owned enterprise, with remarks that the company operates mines in the United States and has investments in Canada and Chile, signaling a broad, ongoing footprint for Poland’s industrial sector.
REPORT OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE CONGRESS: The Congress is underway with discussions addressing current geopolitical shifts, including opinions on evolving EU dynamics and the implications for member states.
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— A broad set of interviews and updates on Poland’s position within shifting European and global alliances, and perspectives on contemporary policy directions.
— Additional insights into coalition-building strategies and regional approaches to international relations.
— Analyses of Poland’s role in Eastern and Western dynamics and how transatlantic connections influence national strategy.
— The ongoing dialogue about Poland’s position within the European Union and how it informs future policy decisions.
The narrative concludes with reflections on regional leadership, economic diversification, and the long road toward coordinated, sustainable growth.