Poland – the underestimated up-and-comer

A Foreign Policy Talk focuses on our eastern neighbor

The VBKI Foreign Policy Talk focused on our eastern neighbor Poland – a country that is not only geographically but increasingly also politically at the center of Europe. In cooperation with the renowned think tank PISM (Polish Institute of International Affairs), a high-profile panel of experts discussed Poland's political situation, economic development, and security policy role. The evening was moderated by Kirsten Giering, co-chair of the VBKI Committee for International Politics and Economics.

Poland's EU Presidency: Security as a guiding principle

Poland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until the end of June. Dr. Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Deputy Minister in the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined the priorities in her opening remarks: security – understood as protecting external borders, combating disinformation, internal stability, and migration policy. Closer cooperation with Germany is essential in all of these areas. Poland intends to advance EU enlargement – particularly with regard to the Western Balkans and Ukraine.

An underrated up-and-comer

Dr. Mościcka-Dendys recalled Poland's impressive economic development since joining the EU in 2004: Since then, its gross domestic product has doubled, and in nominal terms, even quadrupled. Poland is now economically more successful than almost any other country in the Eastern EU. Germany is also benefiting from this – economically, in terms of security policy, and socially.

Change of perspective from Berlin and Warsaw

Dr. Johannes von Thadden, CEO of Draco Aircraft and a long-time resident of Poland, offered a personal perspective on the country: Digital administration, efficient public authorities, a lean tax structure – Poland is, in many ways, more modern and pragmatic than Germany. The fact that Poland recently displaced China from fourth place among Germany's most important trading partners is a strong signal. Von Thadden advocated for a revision of German perceptions: "It would be good for us in Germany to fundamentally rethink our image of Poland."

Honest exchange about opportunities and challenges

The subsequent discussion made it clear that Poland's economic success is the result of smart reforms, not just European subsidies. Nevertheless, challenges remain: low pensions, a difficult housing market, and political polarization. At the same time, there is a high degree of support for the market economy and the EU—albeit accompanied by criticism of Brussels.

Both countries attach great importance to the transatlantic partnership. In light of geopolitical tensions, Europe must move closer together, the general consensus was. Poland, the guests emphasized, is not just a partner in this process, but an active contributor—a player that Germany should take more seriously in the future.

Conclusion: More interest, more exchange, more cooperation

A common concern of all involved: relations between Germany and Poland should go beyond economic ties. Exchange at the civil society level – for example, through town twinning, language support, and educational programs – must be revived. Only in this way can a resilient, cooperative relationship between the two countries grow – on an equal footing and with an eye on Europe's shared future.