Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki: Poland and Portugal stand for unity in the EU and NATO
20.05.2022
Aid to Ukraine and preparations for the NATO summit scheduled to take place in Madrid were the main topics of the meeting between Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and head of the Portuguese government Antonio Costa. The politicians also discussed European issues, including energy and international security. The Polish Prime Minister emphasised that we must build a strengthened flank of the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance together.
The need for unity within the EU and NATO
For Russian troops to quickly leave Ukraine, unity within the EU and NATO is needed. "Poland and Portugal are working hand in hand to maintain such unity," emphasised Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. As he added, there is no going back to the state from before 24 February. "Poland and Portugal believe that we need to become independent from Russian hydrocarbons once and for all, and preferably move towards modern energy, which uses the latest technological achievements – hydrogen and renewable energy, as soon as possible," said the head of the government.
A sixth package of sanctions against Russia is also needed to weaken the Kremlin. "Europe cannot stop halfway, just as you cannot have half peace. Security and peace are indivisible," emphasised the Prime Minister. "We have to bring peace back to the EU as well as Ukraine. That is why we have to go further in terms of sanctions, especially when it comes to hydrocarbons," he explained.
Aid to Ukraine
The head of the Polish government pointed to the necessity of strengthening Ukraine in military, economic and humanitarian terms. He stressed that by helping Ukraine, we pursue a common dream of a united continent – from Lisbon to Kyiv.
Special solutions for Ukraine and an accelerated path for the country's accession to the EU are also important. "If some EU countries protest, we want to work with Portugal on developing an appropriate package that will be attractive for Ukraine and show that Ukraine's place is in the Community," stressed the Prime Minister. "It is our duty to give Ukraine hope for rebuilding their country after the war is stopped as quickly as it is possible," he added.
Expansion of NATO
The Polish and Portuguese Prime Ministers also discussed preparations for the NATO summit scheduled for June in Madrid. Poland is in favour of expanding the Alliance to include Sweden and Finland. Poland also agrees to admit these countries as soon as possible.
"The threats coming from the Kremlin towards Finland and Sweden are unacceptable," said the head of the Polish government. "The entire NATO and the EU stand firmly behind Finland and Sweden. We believe that this is a sovereign decision of the states and we will be very happy if Finland and Sweden join NATO quickly," stressed the Prime Minister.
