Polityka zagraniczna Polski po roku 1989 (wybrane zagadnienia)

Abstract

Social and political changes initiated by „Solidarity” in 1980 resulted in Poland’s regaining sovereign power and total independence of its foreign policy ten years later. The fall of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe and the break-up of the USSR enabled Poland to change its foreign policy towards European organizations and institutions. The first international organization which opened its structures for Poland was the Council of Europe. Polish participation in NATO and EU has created a positive image of our country. For the first time the priorities of international policy went along with the expectations of the society. Eastern policy is one of the main points in the Polish foreign policy. However, it was not until the spring of 2000 that PM Jerzy Buzek’s government produced Guidelines on Foreign Policy towards Russia containing a list of unsolved problems in Polish-Russian relations. The Ukraine was going to be a priority partner for Poland which was the first country to recognize the Ukrainian independence in 1991. Political cooperation between Poland and Belarus with its authoritarian rule has never reached the level of partnership possible between Poland and Ukraine or Poland and Russia. For Slovakia and the Czech Republic Poland is an important partner and one of the most important neighbours, as well as the strongest political and economic element of the Visegrad Countries. Poland initiated cooperation with the Baltic States after the break-up of the Soviet Union, when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia regained independence. Apart from political and economic issues, cooperation involves environmental problems as well as education and cultural exchange. Only after 1989 was it possible for Poland to establish and develop relations with Germany not imposed by the Soviet Union. The interests of the Polish nation include consolidating independence and security, developing economy, strengthening its position in Europe and the world. European policy - in all its aspects - is a priority. Poland can truly become a link between the West and the East. Such is the expectation not only of the politicians but also of the nations living east of the Bug. It does not, however, depend on Polish relations with individual countries. It is primarily a matter of multilateral relationships. Polish foreign policy as well as the foreign policies of other European countries should be guided by the conviction that there are more similarities than differences between us, both in values and in interests.