It can be argued that Poland is one of the most important partners of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the field of defense and security. In this context, it is critical that Poland, which advocated much more “hawkish policies” in terms of “anti-Russian policies” and adopted a harsh stance, together with Germany, which led the Continental Europe, became the first state within NATO to increase its defense expenditures to 4%. This is the highest rate among NATO members.
It can be argued that Warsaw is a very important actor in the conjuncture in question. Poland is the 5th most populous country[1] in the EU and the 6th with the best economy[2]. Moreover, Poland is one of the countries with the most intense right-wing and populist politics[3]. On the other hand, it is known that the Polish economy has achieved rapid growth.
On the other hand, it can be argued that the importance of the religion factor is at an undeniable level in both the political and sociological structure of Poland. At this point, it can be said that the fact that the Warsaw administration has an extreme right-wing ideology has an effect. As a matter of fact, Poland is home to the sharp nationalist ideas rising in Europe.
All these situations cause Poland to react differently and more harshly to the Russo-Ukrainian War. At this point, it can be argued that Warsaw took a tougher stance than Germany, the United States of America (USA) and France in the Russia-Ukraine War. In this context, it can be said that the religion factor also plays an important role. There is a strong Catholic faith in Poland.
Poland thinks that the ongoing war in Ukraine has devastating effects for Europe as well. Especially the oil ceiling price application[4], many sanctions against Moscow[5] are implemented by the EU. However, this situation also deeply shakes the EU economy. In this context, it can be said that Warsaw wants the war in question to be concluded as soon as possible and the geoeconomic order between the West and the East to be restored.
The Pope appointed Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz as his ambassador. After that, Cardinal made a statement about the ongoing war in Ukraine[6] and stated that what happened in Europe in front of the whole world is unacceptable with the following words[7]:
“This war deprives our brothers in Ukraine of their land, their right to life, their language and culture, and brings death and destruction. Slavic brothers cannot fight each other. They should not kill each other, they should not bring destruction. They should not multiply the enormity of the suffering we are witnessing. This war must be stopped. We must put an end to this war based on hatred, violence and fratricide. Enough bloodshed! Brothers, Slavs, let us set an example for a world of fraternal coexistence, not blind hatred among our peoples. Let the Virgin Mary be our guide on the ways to end this war, reconciliation and peace. Together with Pope Francis, we put the future of humanity in the hands of Mary Queen of Peace.”
Regarding this, it can be said that Poland wants this war to end. It can even be said that this view is defended more strongly by the public. As a matter of fact, it can be said that Poland is against the devastating effects of the Russo-Ukrainian War on European soil.
As a result, the prolongation of the Russia-Ukraine War will also have negative consequences for Europe. This situation will continue to shape the foreign policies of actors such as Poland with radical right ideologies in Europe.
[1] “European Countries by Population (2023)”, World o Meter, https://www.worldometers.info/population/countries-in-europe-by-population/, (Date of Accession: 07.08.2023).
[2] “The $16 Trillion European Union Economy”, Visual Capitalist, https://www.visualcapitalist.com/16-trillion-european-union-economy/, (Date of Accession: 07.08.2023).
[3] “The Normalisation of Far-Right Politics in Poland”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/11/15/the-normalisation-of-far-right-politics-in-poland, (Date of Accession: 07.08.2023).
[4] “EU Agrees to Set $60 Price Cap Level for Russian Oil Exports”, Bloomberg, https://t.ly/jLzvn, (Date of Accession: 07.08.2023).
[5] “Impact of EU Sanctions for European Companies in the Gulf”, Arabian Gulf Business Insight, https://t.ly/qsP_M, (Date of Accession: 07.08.2023).
[6] “Polish Cardinal Dziwisz: ‘Enough of Bloodshed in Ukraine!”, Vatican News, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-08/poland-cardinal-stanislaw-dziwisz-mother-unity-ukraine-war.html, (Date of Accession: 07.08.2023).
[7] Ibid.
