The election of nationalist Karol Nawrocki as Poland’s new president marks a significant political shift that could complicate the country’s relations with both the European Union and Ukraine,
Nawrocki narrowly defeated centrist-backed Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his pro-European Civic Coalition (KO) government. Though the Polish presidency holds limited executive powers, it includes key tools such as the veto and the ability to propose legislation, giving Nawrocki influence that could hinder Tusk’s policy agenda.
Opposition to Ukraine's NATO Accession Draws Criticism
While Nawrocki maintains support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, he has publicly opposed Kyiv's accession to NATO, stating it could drag the alliance into direct conflict with Russia. He signed a declaration pledging not to ratify Ukraine's NATO membership — a dramatic departure from Poland's previous bipartisan stance.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Warsaw sharply criticized the move, while Ukrainian lawmaker Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze warned the election result would likely “complicate dialogue” with the EU and slow Ukraine’s path toward European integration.
Still, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered diplomatic congratulations to Nawrocki, expressing hope for "fruitful cooperation."
A Eurosceptic Voice Gains Prominence
Nawrocki’s campaign echoed the tone of other Central European eurosceptics, criticizing Brussels' influence and championing national sovereignty. “We want a strong EU, but not one that dictates our entire way of life,” he told supporters in March. His rhetoric aligns with that of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who quickly hailed Nawrocki’s win as a "fantastic victory" for nationalist politics in the region.
The result threatens to undercut Tusk’s position in Brussels, where his return as prime minister in 2023 had been seen as a realignment of Poland with the EU mainstream. One European diplomat said Nawrocki’s presidency could leave Tusk “more marginalized” in future EU negotiations.
Domestic Tensions and Legacy Conflicts
Beyond current geopolitics, Nawrocki has been vocal about historical grievances, particularly Ukraine’s alleged reluctance to exhume Polish victims of WWII-era nationalist violence. As former head of Poland's Institute of National Remembrance, Nawrocki’s assertive historical stance could further sour Warsaw-Kyiv relations.
With Poland now facing a 'cohabitation' scenario — a president and prime minister from opposing camps — political friction is expected to intensify. A third diplomat quoted by Reuters said they hoped “more energy won't be spent on fighting each other than on advancing Poland's leadership in Europe.”
Looking Ahead
Poland’s next parliamentary elections are not due until 2027, meaning this political configuration could persist for years. Observers note that Nawrocki’s posture may empower nationalist forces regionally, while complicating EU unity on key issues such as enlargement, migration, and defense.
“Foreign policy will still be led by Tusk’s government,” said Stanley Bill, professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge. “But if Nawrocki adopts even more aggressive rhetoric against the EU than his predecessor, it will deepen the perception of internal division — and possibly, chaos.”
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, in Baku, as the two countries look to deepen their strategic economic partnership.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until September 15 due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
Russia intends to withdraw from its long-standing agreement on military-technical cooperation with Germany, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced, citing that relevant internal procedures are currently underway.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on International Multimodal Transportation.”
Russia intends to withdraw from its long-standing agreement on military-technical cooperation with Germany, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced, citing that relevant internal procedures are currently underway.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, in Baku, as the two countries look to deepen their strategic economic partnership.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until September 15 due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
Russia intends to withdraw from its long-standing agreement on military-technical cooperation with Germany, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced, citing that relevant internal procedures are currently underway.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment