The inauguration of the 22nd International WDR Europaforum, organized by the Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) television station, was one of the highlights of Minister Czaputowicz’s one-day visit to Germany.

In his speech on shaping Europe together while adhering to European values, the Polish foreign policy chief presented the Polish point of view on the development of the European Union and the future of its integration. “The EU’s leverage in the world depends on the strength and innovation of its economy, its values, and the appeal of European culture,” said Minister Jacek Czaputowicz. He pointed to the threats posed by a two-speed Europe or protectionism affecting entrepreneurs and employees on the European labour market.

“Poland supports a strong European Union, which is a competitive structure based on four freedoms: the free movement of goods, capital, persons and services. We should seek to intensify the integration of the service sector and eliminate barriers on the common market. We need to declare war on tax abuse, which is a serious challenge for many Member States. Poland is a positive example in this regard. Last but not least, a strong Union has an ambitious budget,” said Minister Czaputowicz. “It is self-evident that states with growing economies make the whole EU thrive – they make it stronger and build its position in the world. By contrast, ineffective economies weaken the EU’s global standing. Poland belongs to the group of EU states with the most dynamic growth,” he added.

Poland’s top diplomat spoke in favour of maintaining the EU’s unity and emphasized the importance of the EU enjoying support of the societies and a mandate to pursue its democratically chosen goals. “National parliaments should play a greater part in the EU decision-making process,” stressed Minister Czaputowicz. He went on to say that the EU should remain open to its external surroundings, including to Western Balkan countries, and that it should forge closer links with the Eastern Partnership countries. He also highlighted key importance of transatlantic relations and NATO. “We believe that at this stage the European Union alone is not able to ensure safety for its citizens without an alliance with the US,” said the Polish MFA head. “One of European values is the principle of solidarity with states that fell victim to aggression. It is the case with Ukraine, which became a target of Russian aggression,” he added.

In Berlin, Minister Czaputowicz also talked with his German counterpart Heiko Maas. The ministers discussed current items on the international agenda, including the situation in Poland’s and Germany’s neighbourhood, and the Western Balkans. They explored common actions under the Berlin Process, which will culminate in the summit of prime ministers in July in Poznan. They also looked at the future of the Eastern Partnership, the situation in Ukraine after the presidential election and policy towards Russia. The Polish foreign minister briefed the German side on the progress of work under the Warsaw Process, and the formation of working groups. The ministers exchanged views on Polish-German cooperation in the UN, in light of the Polish presidency of the UN Security Council in August.

Another item on the agenda was the trip of German top diplomat to Warsaw on 1 August to mark the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. “I invited Minister Heiko Maas to visit Warsaw on 1 August to take part in the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising. Minister Maas accepted the invitation,” Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told Polish media after the meeting.

Minister Czaputowicz also met with German foreign policy experts, organized by the Körber Foundation, and delivered a speech on Poland’s role in the European Union. 

He also toured the Topography of Terror Documentation Centre, where he met with the museum’s artistic director Andreas Nachama. “I would like to thank Professor Nachama for paying so much attention to the crimes committed against Poles during World War II,” said Minister Czaputowicz. The Polish foreign policy chief stressed the need to take actions to preserve the memory of the tragic events of World War II, specifically among the young generation. The meeting also focused on the exhibition about the Warsaw Uprising, which will again be on display to mark the 75th anniversary of its outbreak.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo Tymon Markowski / MFA