On January 16, 2026, Polish President Karol Nawrocki delivered a pointed critique of the European Union, characterizing the 27-member bloc as a “fading star.” In his remarks to the Diplomatic Corps, he expressed his support for European integration while simultaneously opposing several EU policies, including the Green Deal, the Mercosur trade agreement, and what he termed centralizing tendencies and migration policies. Nawrocki emphasized his vision of a robust Poland within a healthy EU.
“I believe Poland should be at the forefront of the camp of reform of the European Union, open to all countries that do not agree with the continuation of existing policies and at the same time do not want to be counted among the opponents of the very idea of a united Europe,” Nawrocki said.
Nawrocki, during the same meeting, also addressed the pressing issue of Russian imperialism, highlighting the historical context of Poland’s proximity to Russia. He articulated that Russia’s ambitions extend beyond its borders, stating that one of its goals is territorial expansion accompanied by violence against civilians.
“Poland, which has bordered Russia for centuries, is aware of the threat from Moscow like few others,” he remarked, underscoring the necessity of enhancing defense capabilities among allies to deter further Russian aggression.
Controversies and political dynamics
The Polish president’s stances have previously stirred controversy. In the lead-up to his election in June 2025, Nawrocki signed an eight-point declaration with Slawomir Mentzen of the far-right coalition Konfederacja, which included opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership and a refusal to send Polish troops into Ukraine. His relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also been strained, with Nawrocki accusing him of ingratitude towards Poland.
Strained relations within Polish leadership
Furthermore, tensions between Nawrocki and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have surfaced, particularly over security matters including energy policies and foreign diplomacy. Tusk noted that these differences should not lead to ongoing disputes.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski is scheduled to meet with Nawrocki on January 26 to clarify Poland’s constitutional framework and hopefully facilitate the long-awaited appointments of diplomats to full ambassadorial roles, according to Tusk.
Karol Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), secured his presidency on June 1, 2025, with a victory over Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, receiving 50.89% of the vote before officially taking office on August 6, 2025.