Poland's Nawrocki opposes Ukraine's EU membership bid
Photo: Newly elected President of Poland Karol Nawrocki (Getty Images)
Newly elected President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, opposed Ukraine's accession to the European Union. He cited the country's interests in an interview with Mandiner, a portal close to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's team.
During the conversation, it was noted that the Russia-Ukraine war is one of the region's most important issues. As a result, Brussels has called for Ukraine's accelerated EU membership. Speaking about his own position, Nawrocki did not support this idea.
He said he is currently against Ukraine joining the European Union.
Nawrocki emphasized that Poland must support Ukraine from both strategic and geopolitical perspectives. He also highlighted that he personally faces persecution by Russia.
He described Russia as the biggest threat to himself as an anti-communist and to the entire region. He characterized Russia as a post-imperial, neo-communist state led by Vladimir Putin, whom he called a war criminal. Nawrocki noted that as President of the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland, he is persecuted by Russia and faces the threat of five years in prison.
He went on to say that while Poland must support Ukraine in the war. However, Kyiv must understand that every country has its interests.
Nawrocki pointed out that although Poland, Hungary, and other European countries support Ukraine, they also have their national interests.
He clarified that Poland’s interests include the Volhynia tragedy and competition between the agricultural and transport sectors of the two countries.
Nawrocki said Poland has a specific interest in the exhumation of Volhynia victims. He added that during his campaign and now as President, he opposes unfair competition from Ukraine in the Polish agricultural sector and logistics. He stressed the need to reach a compromise and consensus on these issues.
He added that he views Ukraine as a country that, while defending itself bravely against Russia, must also respect the interests of other countries that support Kyiv.
He concluded by noting that Poland played a leading role in supporting Ukraine, thanks to President Andrzej Duda and the openness of the Polish people. This, he said, provides a foundation for deeper reflection on the fact that Poland also has the right to protect its own interests.
The new president of Poland opposes Ukraine's NATO membership
At the end of May, ahead of the second round of the presidential elections, Nawrocki officially accepted the demands of Sławomir Mentzen, leader of the anti-Ukraine Confederation, in exchange for his support. One of the demands was a promise to block Ukraine's entry into NATO.
We also reported that after winning the election, Nawrocki said he expects to continue the close partnership with Ukraine.
"I am looking forward to continuing the partnership of our countries, based on mutual respect and understanding. I believe it requires not only good dialogue but also solving overdue historical issues," Nawrocki responded to the congratulations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A detailed analysis of why Nawrocki's victory could pose challenges for Ukraine can be found in RBC-Ukraine's report.
