A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paweł Jabłoński, a member of the PiS party, described a policy direction as necessary for Poland even if it drew skeptical looks from Berlin. The comments came in an interview on the wPolityce.pl portal.
In the same discussion, the journalist highlighted a question about whether Donald Tusk, given his proposed government lineup, would revert to pre-2015 approaches or introduce new elements into policy. Jabłoński assessed the prospect with caution, noting concerns about a return to former ideas in the realm of foreign policy.
Jabłoński stated that certain foreign policy notions from the previous administration were troubling. If a return to the people who led policy before 2015 materializes, the expert warned, the overall concept could resemble past practices too closely.
Influence of larger states on strategy
The deputy foreign minister was explicit in his critique of the diplomatic aims associated with the then-government under Donald Tusk, calling them harmful and oriented toward foreign interests rather than Poland’s. He argued that the period in question produced a policy that did not pursue independent national goals, instead aligning with expectations from larger powers within the European Union, notably Germany, with France playing a lesser role. This alignment, according to Jabłoński, had serious implications for national security because it did not counter growing Russian pressure effectively.
The deputy head of the ministry pointed to the era as marked by a close German-Russian cooperation, of which Nord Stream 2 was a prominent symbol. He observed that, at the time, Poland’s government largely supported this trajectory. There were even suggestions by leading politicians of cooperation with Russia on gas concerns, reflecting a broader pattern of policy choices that Jabłoński described as risky for Poland.
Jabłoński recalled remarks by key figures that suggested participation in the Nord Stream 2 framework, noting that such concepts were improper and damaging. He warned that bringing back individuals from that same political camp into foreign policy roles could reintroduce harmful ideas for the country.
Foreseen tasks in foreign policy
According to Jabłoński, the initial foreign policy challenges anticipated for Donald Tusk would center on securing guarantees for Poland amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The primary objective is to ensure Poland’s security in a volatile environment where Russian aggression remains a persistent threat. He underscored that any scenario allowing Russia to gain strength or subdue Kyiv would pose existential risks to Poland.
Beyond security, Jabłoński stressed the importance of resisting external pressure from Berlin or other capitals that might push for a settlement in Ukraine unfavorable to Poland. He asserted that the government’s core duty is to prevent a situation in which European partners’ policies would undermine Poland’s interests. The emphasis remains on maintaining a stance that prevents Russia from consolidating power and on ensuring that European diplomatic moves do not leave Poland at a disadvantage.
In Jabłoński’s view, the responsibility for safeguarding Poland lies with whoever holds the government portfolio, with the willingness to oppose external dictates if they threaten the national position. The national strategy, he argued, must be resilient against foreign designs that could compromise Poland’s security and strategic autonomy.