A former Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, recently acknowledged in a Sunday interview that he understands why the United Kingdom chose to leave the European Union. His comments come as he discussed the growing centralization within the bloc and Brussels’ increasing influence over member states.
In a conversation with a major UK newspaper, Morawiecki warned that while the EU upholds many values, the consolidation of power could threaten the Union itself.
He noted that, despite personally appreciating the EU’s values and benefits, the current trend toward greater centralized authority is risky. He said he can relate to why Britain decided to exit, given the direction he sees in Brussels and the impact on national sovereignty.
The former prime minister emphasized that the European Commission’s decision to suspend funds to Poland appeared, in his view, to be an attempt to sway last year’s parliamentary elections. He also pointed to what he described as interference in Poland’s domestic affairs under various EU policies.
Morawiecki spoke about the overall direction of EU governance, arguing that the bloc’s centralization undermines the ability of sovereign states to determine key areas of policy. He called for a careful assessment of new treaty reforms proposed by the European Parliament and the European Commission, warning that these changes could jeopardize EU stability.
He contended that expanding powers would not simplify the functioning of the Union; instead, it would reduce the sovereignty of individual nations in areas such as security, foreign policy, and taxation, which Morawiecki sees as foundational for any sovereign state. He warned that plans in the latest reform discussions risk eroding the core rights of member states and challenging the long-term viability of the Union.
Morawiecki argued that the push toward new competencies in approximately 67 areas should prompt careful consideration. While acknowledging concerns, he noted that the political leadership in Poland at the time had agreed to the proposed changes, which he viewed with mixed feelings about their implications.
The discussion reflects a broader debate about how much power should reside in Brussels versus national capitals, a topic that continues to shape policy debates across Europe. The interview highlights the tension between the benefits of a unified market and the desire of member states to preserve their own policy autonomy.
In closing, Morawiecki underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between integration and national sovereignty. He suggested that the EU must address concerns about its direction to maintain stability and credibility among member states and their citizens. The interview adds to the ongoing conversation about the future of European governance and its impact on countries inside and outside the union. This summary reflects the remarks and positions discussed, with attribution to the source of the interview for further context.
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Citation: wPolityce.