The participants discussed the particular measures and objectives proposed as part of a new strategy of cooperation with the Polish community and Poles abroad for 2025–2030. Poland’s chief diplomat, Radosław Sikorski, had announced the adoption of the strategy in his address to the Senate on 30 October 2024.

We would like to encourage Polish expatriates to not only make active contributions to Polish communities abroad, but also engage in public life in their countries of residence; to be ambassadors of Poland and their own circles as they become local leaders - the deputy foreign minister said in her opening statement at the meeting.

The participants agreed that the teaching of Polish, also as a foreign language, should be among the new strategy’s priorities. The government’s diaspora policy will have diverse addressees, including new beneficiary groups, such as young Poles on the verge of studying or starting a career. Civic education programmes will be developed. Internships will be organised, and measures will be taken to encourage returns, whether for (university) education or employment opportunities.

The role of the Polish community abroad in supporting the expansion of Polish business was another point on the meeting’s agenda. Special attention was also paid to the issues of exclusion and homelessness in the Polish diaspora, in particular in Germany or the United Kingdom. The participants recapitulated on the efforts made this ending year to support the Polish community and Poles abroad.

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The Interministerial Group for Polish Community and Poles Abroad was established by the Order of the President of the Council of Ministers of 14 October 2024. It consists of representatives of the ministries and institutions working vis-à-vis the Polish diaspora.

 

Photo: Sebastian Indra/MFA