Radoslaw Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, emphasized that “the egoism of some would clash with the egoism of others,” with “dangerous consequences for the security and development of Poland” without the European institutions. He made these comments in a powerful pro-European plea in Parliament, addressing the rise of sovereignist opinions in a country where the temptation of a “Polexit” is no longer a taboo subject. Sikorski stressed the importance of a strong European Union for a free, prosperous, and safe Poland in the context of the strategic uncertainty and dramatic events related to the Russo-Ukrainian war.
The minister’s speech was a response to concerns about the European relations, particularly with the United States under Donald Trump. A recent study revealed that almost one in four Poles support their country’s exit from the EU, similar to the Brexit in the UK. This perspective is backed by nearly half (47%) of the voters from the leading opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), in power from 2015 to 2023.
Sikorski warned that without the European institutions, “the egoism of some would clash with the egoism of others,” leading to dangerous consequences for Poland’s security and development. He also pointed out that the financial benefits of EU membership are significant, with Warsaw receiving approximately 268 billion euros in the past twenty years, compared to 99 billion euros in contributions to the EU budget.
The potential cost of a Polish exit from the EU in the next five to ten years would result in a 4 to 7% decrease in GDP, an 8% decrease in wages, and a 45 to 50% drop in the exports of meat and dairy products. These impacts would occur even in a scenario of a smooth separation from the Union, rather than a sudden rupture.
