Poland will formally apply to host the Summer Olympics in 2040 or 2044, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Friday.
“Life will show whether this is a realistic goal. We will take it seriously,” Tusk said at a press conference.
After initial skepticism about a bid from within Tusk’s own government, confidence has risen after the recent Paris Olympics. Sports Minister Sławomir Nitras said that, like Paris, Poland is also “capable of carrying out such a project. Poland is ready.”
Poland will potentially compete with neighboring Germany, where the government has also signed a preliminary agreement to bid for the 2040 Olympics. Egypt will also be bidding for the 2036 and 2040 Olympics, aiming to become the first African country to host the Games.
Los Angeles will host the next Summer Olympics in 2028, then Australia is scheduled to host 2032 in Brisbane.