Ukraine Invitation Sparks Talks as Polish Leaders Prepare for EU Dialogue
An invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Kyiv has been extended, though no formal decision has been reached. Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to consider this invitation, with a spokesperson noting that the year ahead could prove challenging.
In a recent telephone exchange, Zelensky congratulated Tusk on his new role and extended the invitation to Ukraine. The message was shared on Zelensky’s profile across one of the popular messaging platforms, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic ties between Warsaw and Kyiv.
Polish EU Minister Adam Szłapka was asked to comment on the conversation between Tusk and Zelensky, and on the implications for Poland’s stance within the European Union.
Szłapka described the invitation to Kyiv as real but undecided in terms of timely action, explaining that the Prime Minister would likely weigh the option in the coming days. Officials in Brussels noted that Tusk has been engaged in EU discussions during the current summit rounds.
The European Council gathering in Brussels focused on several priorities, including military and economic support for Ukraine, regional stability in the Middle East, and budgetary matters for the bloc. Poland, under Tusk’s leadership, has been navigating these complexities while aligning with EU expectations on the rule of law and reform commitments.
Szłapka on KPO Disbursement Timelines
Szłapka reaffirmed that Poland will not delay submitting its request for funds from the National Reconstruction Plan. He expressed optimism about the country’s prospects within the EU funding framework and stressed timely action on the KPO program.
During the Brussels stop, Szłapka accompanied Tusk at the European Council and met with European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova. He underscored Poland’s return to shared European values, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law for the country’s future.
The deputy head of the European Commission was reported to be in close contact with Poland’s Justice Minister, Adam Bodnar. Szłapka highlighted ongoing efforts to complete milestones essential for KPO payments and described the work as multi-faceted and collaborative.
Optimism remained high as Szłapka noted that final decisions would be taken by the Prime Minister. He hinted at a comprehensive package of reforms prepared by Bodnar, while choosing not to disclose specifics. Poland remains under the framework of EU procedures, with the goal of moving beyond the current status through concrete policy changes across multiple areas.
Commenting on expected EC changes, Szłapka said the focus is on a path toward restoring full adherence to the rule of law in Poland, alongside reforms across other sectors. Bodnar’s office was described as actively developing legislative measures intended to modernize the administrative system.
EU budget and administration chief Johannes Hahn indicated to Reuters that the Commission would explore ways to mobilize up to 111 billion euros for Poland through EU funds, including KPO and the Cohesion Fund. Szłapka noted positive signals from Brussels and a favorable atmosphere surrounding these discussions.
While not all milestones may be achieved immediately, Szłapka remained confident that progress would continue. He stressed that the ultimate decisions would rest with the Prime Minister and that ongoing talks would inform the path forward.
On the topic of accelerating KPO disbursement, Szłapka suggested that Poland intends to seek full disbursement rather than installment-based payments. When questioned about the possibility of a December-wide payout, he indicated a belief that such a scenario was plausible, contingent on formal approvals.
The three-pronged approach highlighted by Szłapka includes the KPO, an initial advance, and the formalities that accompany any such comprehensive funding program. He affirmed that permanent consultations with Jourova would continue, with a scheduled meeting in the near term with EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders planned for Thursday evening.
As the political and legal work advances, Szłapka signaled readiness for Poland to move rapidly once milestones align. He noted Bodnar’s office holds several options to implement the necessary solutions and that progress is being achieved through sustained collaboration with officials across the EU.
The article closes with a reminder of the ongoing dialogue among Polish policymakers and EU leaders as they navigate the funding landscape and the broader project of reinforcing democratic standards within Poland while supporting Ukraine and regional stability.
tkwl/PAP/X
SOURCE: wPolityce