Minister Czaputowicz took part in the main plenary session of the Brussels Forum, “A New Era of Geopolitical Competition.” This panel dealt with the current shift of the global balance of power and the resultant challenges for global decision makers. Other guests included Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčàk and John Rutherford Allen, the president of the Brookings Institution.

In his address, the chief of Polish diplomacy commented on the current challenges to democracy in the context of the perceived tensions between the European Union and the United States and the rise of authoritarian states. According to the Polish minister, transatlantic cooperation is an appropriate response to these threats. “We are in favour of a stronger EU, but at the same time we should take account of the arguments put forward by the United States,” said Minister Czaputowicz. He went on to add that closer transatlantic ties are a necessity for the EU, as otherwise it would not be able to tackle the current challenges on its own.  

Referring to the need to strengthen the European Union’s role as regards foreign and security policy, Minister Czaputowicz acknowledged the need for increased investment in European defence, which, however, should not operate in isolation from the transatlantic structures. He also pointed out that the EU should not treat the US as an external actor, on an equal footing with Russia or China. “Our relations with the US are much closer than those with Russia or China,” said the minister.

While discussing the reform of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz pointed out that the pursuit of individual interests by major European countries is a serious obstacle to building High Representative Federica Mogherini’s position.

Now in its 14th edition, the Brussels Forum is one of the most important annual conferences on international relations. It is organised by the German Marshall Fund of the United States and brings together a large number of influential players from all over the world. This year’s edition is held under the theme “A World Disrupted”.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperates with the German Marshall Fund in Warsaw on joint projects, such as the Warsaw Transatlantic Dialogue or Transatlantic Strategies seminars. The latest edition of Transatlantic Strategies took place on 26 June at the Belweder Palace, Warsaw, covering the exchange of experiences in relations between the United States, Europe, Russia, and China. The event precedes the Brussels Forum and serves to promote Poland’s vision of transatlantic relations.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo Tymon Markowski / MSZ