Polish President Highlights Integrity and EU Enlargement
In Porto, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, stressed the imperative to prevent corruption within European institutions. He warned that illegal foreign influence undermines democratic processes and calls for steadfast vigilance, especially as upcoming European Parliament elections approach. The president framed this as a matter of national and regional security, underscoring that safeguarding integrity in EU bodies is essential for the well‑being of Europe’s political system. This stance was echoed during the discussions with leaders gathered to assess security challenges facing Europe amid migration pressures and ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During a joint press statement, President Duda emphasized the need to shield European decision‑makers from acts of corruption, which he described as a danger that could distort elections and policy outcomes. He contended that external influences can reach citizens through the internet, the use of artificial intelligence, disinformation campaigns, and foreign propaganda designed to sway national choices. He added that corruption itself is a channel through which influence can be exerted and called for a ruthless response to such threats within European institutions.
On the topic of enlargement, Duda spoke about expanding the European Union but insisted that any expansion must adhere to the current treaty framework and binding European agreements. He argued that Ukraine merits sustained support and highlighted concerns about proposals to overhaul treaties or shift voting power toward majority decisions at the expense of consensus. He warned that abandoning the veto or changing voting rules could risk creating an “oligarchized” EU where large member states dictate terms for smaller peers. According to Duda, this path would betray the very union the bloc was founded to uphold.
Polish leadership highlighted that no enlargement should proceed unless it respects existing commitments and preserves a fair, transparent decision process. The president argued that attempts to accelerate integration by sidelining veto rights or restructuring votes would not reflect the EU’s long‑standing practice of balancing diverse interests. He warned that such shifts could lead to an unjust union where some states gain influence while others are marginalized.
In Porto, the dialogue also touched on the future of Europe and the practical steps needed to strengthen security, prosperity, and resilience across the continent. Duda commented that Ukraine’s path toward EU membership remains a strategic priority and that Western Balkan nations should be encouraged to advance along their own timelines. He framed Europe’s enlargement as a process tied to stable governance, robust institutions, and a commitment to shared rules.
The Polish president spoke of the broader vision for Europe, noting that the Union must evolve in a way that preserves unity and respect for the sovereignty of all member states. He asserted that future decisions should be grounded in consensus rather than quick fixes, reinforcing the idea that a strong, autonomous EU can better respond to external challenges and internal demands.
Looking ahead, the next gathering of the Arraiolos Group will be hosted in Poland, with meetings scheduled for October 10–11, 2024 in Krakow. The leadership conversation in Portugal laid a foundation for ongoing cooperation among central European partners as they navigate security concerns and the complexities of EU enlargement.
Overall, the discourse in Porto reflected a dual aim: safeguarding the integrity of European institutions against corruption and external interference, while pursuing a careful, rules‑based expansion that honors the treaty framework and the principle of consensus. These themes are central to Poland’s view of a resilient, prosperous Europe that can chart a path forward amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.