Poland in Iraq

1. How would you describe the current relations between Slovakia and Poland? Are there some challenges or maybe problematic questions which you will discuss in Slovakia?

Over the years, we have developed very close relationship. I'm also glad that our business connections are stronger so well. Poland and Slovakia, as well as the entire Visegrad Group, have a lot in common – which creates the basis for fruitful cooperation and makes us stronger, even in difficult times of Covid-19 pandemic. We speak with one voice on key issues for our region. 

2. In last seven months, you met new Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovič several times. How are your relations with him? Will the cooperation and friendly relations between our countries continue also under new Slovak government?

That is true. Slovak PM Igor Matovič is not only very dynamic, but also like-minded leader in many European issues. I very appreciate our cooperation. I do believe our cooperation will flourish.

3. How are you satisfied with the level of the cooperation within the V4 Group? Do you see there some opportunities for the more intensive partnership?

Poland, holding the presidency under V4, stresses that the pandemic crisis, the violation of supply chains, may become an opportunity for the countries of our region to enter a new phase of development, so it is extremely important to take new initiatives within the framework of our partnership, which will intensify this development.

4. Some critics say that the V4 project is clinically dead. They think that our countries are polarized and divided in crucial questions. What do you think about it?

Clinically dead? The opposite is the case. Our relations are based on solidarity and mutual understanding. To give you only some examples of our achievements - these are success in negotiations of the EU financial framework 2021-2027 or recent V4 proposal of economic solutions for democratic Belarus adopted by the EU last week.

5. In which economical segments do you see the main opportunities for the strengthening of the mutual cooperation between Slovakia and Poland? For example trade, tourism, investment...

Our most important common goal is the intensive, well-planned development of Central and Eastern Europe, so we need cooperation on many different levels. Especially in the post-pandemic era, it will be necessary to implement common strategies on the Europeanization of production, infrastructure, digitization or further reduce barriers between our countries through projects, such as Via Carpatia.

6. Are there some new projects in border cooperation? New border points etc...

One of the most important border cooperation projects is Interreg V-A Poland-Slovakia. It is based on the protection and development of the natural and cultural heritage of the border area, sustainable cross-border transport and the development of cross-border education. We are not planning to open new border points at the moment, but if the need arises in the future, we will definitely consider it.

7. Which impact had the coronacrisis our bilateral relations and cooperation? Do you believe that everything will return to the normal situation very soon?

It is difficult to predict unambiguously, even by experts in virology, but we hope to be able to get back to normal soon. I hope that together we will manage this difficult situation in Europe, just like in the spring. Fortunately data from the European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development show that Poland will have the smallest decrease in GDP of all EU countries due to the coronavirus pandemic.

8. Are you in permanent contact with your Slovak partners concerning the fight against COVID-19? Is there the bilateral cooperation in this topic?

The situation in Europe is serious, therefore we must be in constant contact with all partners to coordinate the fight against coronavirus. Cooperation with Slovakia is very important here. As I mentioned, we consulted various solutions both on a bilateral level and in the Visegrad Group. We are aware of the importance of good neighborly cooperation.  

9. Another important topic is Belarus. Poland has the long border and strong historical relations with Belarus. Do you have some plan for the case of escalation and the influx of Belarusian refugees? Are you ready to accept them? And do you have already today the increasing numbers of refugees from Belarus?

Poland will continue its efforts to resolve the crisis in Belarus in a permanent and stable manner. We undertake activities aimed at the Belarusian society. The programe for solidarity with Belarus provides wide scope of help for the repressed such as facilitation of entry to Poland and access to work, scholarships for relegated persons, support for the independent media and NGO's supporting civil society in Belarus. 

10. Would you need some assistance from EU in the case of influx of the refugees from Belarus? How could Slovakia help you?

As in the past, Poland has welcomed approximately 1.5 million Ukrainians, now Poland supports the repressed Belarusians, but obviously this is a big test for the whole EU. The discussions within the Union takes place at the highest possible level. The European Union must react, otherwise it will be a painful blow to the EU's credibility. Here, the entire Western world should get involved. 

11. In recent months and years, there were strong critics from EU toward Poland concerning for example the media freedom, LGBT rights or judiciary system. What would be your answer to all this critics? And are you in permanent contact with EU representatives in order to improve the situation? Is EU ready and willing to cooperate and discuss with you?

Implemented changes to our judiciary were necessary in order to provide the objectivity and independence of the system.  The reforms are consistent with EU law as they were subject to the consultations with European Commission. In Europe, double standards are being used in assessing the standard of democracy. 

There are no LGBT-free zones in Poland. No rights are being violated too. Everyone is equal. Though it is a challenge for our diplomacy as some Polish journalists continue to perpetuate this false information abroad. 

12. Did you adopt some legislation or another steps in order to fulfil the requests from EU?

All of the changes in our legislation were adopted after the consultations, negotiations and discussions with the European Commission. We always advocate for dialogue and we were leading this dialogue with our counterparts.

13. Would you expect more support from Slovakia in your disputes with EU? Do you find Slovakia as your stabile partner which supports you in EU meetings?

According to the recent report on the state of rule of law, the European Commission criticizes Slovakia for its state of judiciary as well. These accusations are hurtful. The Visegrad Group must be united and speak with one voice in this regard. Any EU member state has an undivided right to reform its own provisions regarding judicial system. We must stay relentless. Brussels and our friends in Western Europe do not understand the post-communist system. I always encourage them to talk about it,  I am ready to keep explaining that issue.

14. In 2017, the EU has activated the article 7 against Poland. Which impact did it have on your foreign policy? And how is the situation today?

Poland is facing unintelligible actions by the European Commission. The key issue is that we would like to make our judiciary system as efficient as in Western countries. That is all. But the fundamental point is, that journalists produce a misinformation that the rule of law is under threat in Poland.

15. A couple days ago, there were some changes in your cabinet. Western media are informing about „the appointment of an ultra-conservative education chief raising the prospect of new friction with the EU.“ What is your reactions on this concerns?   

Mr. Czarnek is a dynamic politician who as an academic lecturer, he has many ideas on how to streamline the teaching process in the difficult times of the coronavirus pandemic. Let the new minister to be assed for his merits and prove himself in his new work.