During a meeting of the heads of foreign missions, Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his regret that they had become victims of the dispute over competences and the political turmoil in Poland.  

This is the task for me, for Minister Sikorski and for all of you - we need to mitigate the unwanted consequences of the political disputes and systemic mess we inherited from our predecessors, especially in international relations,” 

the Prime Minister noted. 

The heads of diplomatic missions and representations are facing difficulties as a result of the lack of appointments by President Andrzej Duda. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been sending requests concerning dismissals and appointments of ambassadors to the President's Office for a long time. To date, Andrzej Duda has not signed any of them. 

“I have a great deal of cohabitation experience. At various turning points in Poland's history over the last quarter of a century, I have had various relations with the President of Poland as the country’s Prime Minister. Disputes over competences have always led to issues,”

Donald Tusk concluded. 

In accordance with Article 146 of the Polish Constitution, the Council of Ministers is responsible for Polish foreign policy. 

The Polish government wants to get rid of partisan interests and make the Polish foreign service professional. The things that should matter are loyalty to the state and the ethics of civil servants, rather than political objectives of parties. 

“I remain hopeful that regardless of political affiliation and life experiences you have, no matter for whom you voted, what political and personal sympathies you hold, you can all understand the priorities of Polish foreign policy and Polish diplomacy, and that you will be able to work as a team, with enthusiasm and full conviction,”  

the Prime Minister said. 

He also noted that diplomats should follow common decency when making any decisions. 

Donald Tusk recalled that in recent months, Poland managed to rebuild its reputation internationally. 

“Since 15 October, we could all see the Polish brand becoming more and more respected internationally. I wanted to say that I am very grateful to all the people who made this change possible, because this change is tangible. . . It was evident when we saw the reactions all over the world, both from our friends and enemies,” 

said the Prime Minister. 

Poland has become a role model in the eyes of other countries and proof that non-democratic, authoritarian tendencies can be successfully stopped. 

“This is reminiscent of several key moments in our history, when Poland was touted as a beacon of hope for democracies around the world and people fighting against oppression, violence and lack of standards,”

the Prime Minister concluded. 

Poland is building up its position internationally and is ready to lead the way in the field of European policy, especially in the context of Ukraine and relations with Belarus and Russia. 

“We proudly said years ago that Poland is becoming increasingly European; that our standards in various areas of life are increasingly European; that in some sense Polish politics are becoming more European. Today, we have to be clear - European policy has to become more Polish,” 

the Prime Minister declared. 

He sees this task as a responsibility of heads and staff of Polish diplomatic missions.

Donald Tusk assured that the government was aware of the difficult tasks faced by the heads of Poland's foreign missions. The current geopolitical situation is the source of numerous challenges.  

First of all, the Polish and European border to the east, our Belarusian policy and our stance on irregular migration. You need to explain to our partners that our - sometimes controversial and bold - measures on the border serve not only the interest of Polish security, but also ensure the security of the whole of Europe,”

Mr. Tusk noted. 

The Prime Minister said that Poland needs a tough, yet sophisticated policy. 

“We do not want to fall into the trap of populism or authoritarian tendencies, but at the same time we do not succumb to the myth that democracy and human rights are in conflict with a tough, decisive state policy when it comes to defending its borders and territory,”

Donald Tusk noted. 

Other daily challenges concern explaining the changes regarding the Polish visa policy to our partners.

The Polish diplomats have to work harder than before. 

“Some thought that after joining the European Union, the history of diplomacy has ended and all the big diplomatic challenges were dealt with. These days, it should be clear that you still have some things to do. You have to rise to the challenge. Today, Polish diplomacy rises to the level of one of the key elements of state policy, as well as the policy of the entire European Union,”

the Prime Minister concluded. 

Donald Tusk expressed his hope that the diplomats would be confident in their actions, making Polish diplomacy both strategic and effective. 

Particularly important in the context of recent geopolitical developments are our relations with Ukraine and Germany. 

“Poland is the most reliable partner and authority in the European Union when it comes to the European policy with regards to Ukraine . . . I am fully convinced of one thing - Europe will not take any decision without our approval,” 

Donald Tusk assured. 

Poland's policy regarding Ukraine requires empathy, but we can also expect the other side to understand our national interests. 

The Prime Minister also mentioned the actions of the German government, noting that our western neighbours welcomed the democratic transition of 15 October with great excitement and appreciation. 

“We do not need appreciation - we need countries like Germany to take part in this policy pursued by Poland, especially when it comes to irregular migration,” 

the Prime Minister reminded. 

Donald Tusk also announced that he intends to approach other countries affected by Berlin's likely decision to tighten checks at all border crossings to jointly discuss the need to consult this step within the European Union.