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Polish President Karol Nawrocki criticized European Union policies on Thursday, describing the 27-member bloc as a “fading star,” while stressing that he supports European integration but opposes several key EU initiatives.
Nawrocki said he backs the idea of a united Europe but rejects what he described as the continuation of current EU policies.
He said he opposes the EU’s Green Deal, the Mercosur trade agreement, tendencies toward centralization and the bloc’s migration policy.
He said Poland should take a leading role in pushing for EU reform alongside countries that do not support current policies but also do not oppose European unity.
“I believe Poland should be at the forefront of an EU reform front open to all countries that do not agree with the continuation of current policies but also do not want to stand against the idea of a united Europe,” Nawrocki said.
Nawrocki said Poland is acutely aware of the threat posed by Russia, citing what he described as Russian imperialism, territorial expansion, mass killings and attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and schools.
He said Poland, which has shared a border with Russia for centuries, remains among the countries most conscious of the risks emanating from Moscow.
Nawrocki argued that even if the war in Ukraine ends, Russia will not abandon its expansionist ambitions, adding that deterrence is only possible through increased defense capabilities and unity among allies.
He has previously criticized EU and Ukraine-related policies. Ahead of the June 2025 elections, Nawrocki signed an eight-point declaration prepared by Confederation Party leader Sławomir Mentzen, pledging to oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership and reject the deployment of Polish troops to Ukraine.
Nawrocki has also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of ingratitude toward Poland during a meeting between the two leaders.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday that relations with Nawrocki have been difficult, adding that the situation was not of his own making.
Tusk said key areas of disagreement include security, particularly energy security, as well as diplomacy and foreign policy.
He said such issues should not become subjects of endless disputes or personal attacks.
Tusk said Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski is expected to meet Nawrocki on Jan. 26 to explain Poland’s constitutional rules, expressing hope that the talks would help move forward long-delayed ambassadorial appointments.
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