NEWSLETTER
From Poland with Love. March
Topic of the Month
Nawrocki’s Veto of SAFE: Politics Over Security?
The decision by President Karol Nawrocki to veto legislation enabling Poland to access the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme marks a significant turning point in the national defence and European policy. What might have remained a technical discussion about financing military modernisation has instead evolved into a deeply political confrontation, setting Poland apart from other EU member states.
SAFE is a European initiative designed to strengthen the continent’s defence capabilities by offering long-term, low-interest loans for military investment. The programme aims to accelerate rearmament, deepen cooperation between member states, and support the development of a more integrated European defence industry. For Poland, one of the EU’s most security-focused countries, SAFE represented access to roughly €44 billion in favourable financing over decades, a scale of support that would have been difficult to replicate domestically.
The benefits of participating in SAFE were considerable. At a time when Poland is rapidly expanding its armed forces in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, access to cheap (the cheapest available), long-term capital would have eased the fiscal burden of defence spending while allowing for faster procurement of advanced systems. It would also have strengthened Poland’s domestic defence industry by embedding it more deeply in European supply chains and joint projects. In strategic terms, SAFE aligned with Poland’s role as a key pillar of NATO’s eastern flank, reinforcing both national and collective security.
Despite these advantages, Nawrocki rejected the programme and instead proposed a domestic alternative often described as “Polish SAFE 0%,” developed in cooperation with Adam Glapiński, governor of the National Bank (NBP). The idea behind this proposal is to finance defence investments through national mechanisms zero-interest funding, theoretically providing even better conditions than the EU scheme. However, the credibility of this alternative has been widely questioned. Poland lacks the financial leverage of the EU’s pooled borrowing capacity, and achieving large-scale zero-interest financing domestically would require significant economic trade-offs or unconventional monetary measures (largely based on gold speculation) offering. As a result, the proposal is often viewed less as a realistic policy solution and more as a political counterweight to EU involvement.
The consequences of the veto are already becoming visible. Poland’s access to substantial defence funding has been delayed, potentially slowing the pace of military modernisation at a critical moment. The decision also sends a signal to allies and partners that Warsaw may be less predictable in its approach to joint European initiatives. This uncertainty risks weakening Poland’s position as a leader on NATO’s eastern flank and may create openings for adversaries to exploit political divisions. While other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including those often critical of Brussels, are moving quickly to take advantage of SAFE, Poland’s hesitation stands out.
What is particularly striking is that Poland appears to be the only EU country where SAFE has become so heavily politicised. In most member states, the programme is treated as a pragmatic instrument for strengthening defence capabilities. In Poland, by contrast, it has been drawn into broader ideological debates about sovereignty, integration, and the country’s relationship with the EU. This politicisation disrupts what had previously been a relatively stable consensus on the importance of national defence.
PiS used the SAFE debate instrumentally. Previously, it portrayed SAFE as their success and called for faster negotiations with the EU, only to eventually describe the program as an instrument of Poland's dependence on the EU. Right-wing politicians threatened that the program's conditionality would lead to the European Commission withdrawing funding for the Polish military if, for example, the government in Warsaw… refused to recognize same-sex marriages. PiS proponents also lied about SAFE as a mechanism for Poland's debt to Ukraine, which would weaken Poland's ties with the US and strengthen Germany's hegemony in Europe.
At the heart of the veto lies a broader anti-EU narrative. Nawrocki’s opposition to SAFE reflects a deeper scepticism toward European integration and a preference for nationally controlled solutions. The rejection of the programme is therefore not only about financial terms or institutional design. Critics argue that this approach risks prioritising political messaging over strategic necessity, effectively discarding a valuable tool because of its EU origin.
In this context, the veto of SAFE is more than a policy disagreement; it is a signal of shifting priorities in Poland’s approach to security and European cooperation. At a time when the geopolitical environment demands coordination and coherence, the move of the right-wing politicians raises questions about whether ideological considerations are beginning to outweigh pragmatic decision-making in one of Europe’s most strategically important countries.
Politics
Nawrocki Visits Orban
Tensions between Poland’s government and President Karol Nawrocki have escalated sharply following his recent visit to Budapest. Nawrocki met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on March 23 during the annual Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day — a symbolic occasion that this year carried significant political weight. The meeting, originally postponed in December after Orbán’s visit to Vladimir Putin, took place behind closed doors and without a joint press conference.
Although the Polish president reiterated beforehand that “Putin is a war criminal” and stressed that Poles “love Hungarians but hate Putin,” the visit nonetheless triggered strong criticism from the government. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the trip as a “fatal mistake,” arguing that engaging with Orbán at a politically sensitive moment risked undermining European unity and indirectly strengthening Moscow’s position. The criticism was sharpened by the timing: Hungary is approaching a closely contested election, and Orbán is facing a serious challenge from opposition leader Péter Magyar (supported by Tusk).
Government officials suggested Nawrocki’s presence could be interpreted as tacit support for Orbán, whose stance on Russia — including resistance to certain EU sanctions — has increasingly put him at odds with much of the bloc. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski went further, questioning the strategic logic of the visit. He openly criticised the president for engaging with what he described as one of the most pro-Russian leaders in Europe, pointing to Hungary’s obstruction of sanctions and alleged links between Orbán’s political environment and Russian influence operations.
The controversy surrounding the visit intensified further after Nawrocki clashed publicly with a journalist. Following a press appearance, a reporter from TVN24 asked whether Orbán’s perceived closeness to Putin raised concerns. The president reacted sharply, questioning whether the journalist had listened to his earlier remarks and reiterating his position in emphatic terms. Pointing directly at the reporter, Nawrocki insisted that Putin is “a criminal,” adding that the media should accurately reflect his stance rather than suggest ambiguity. The President looked like he was close to hit the journalist, which reminded to many observers of his hooligan past.
Observers cannot agree if the president’s behavior was spontaneous, a consequence of being in an unwanted situation (some commentators stress that Nawrocki did not want to go to Budapest but was forced by U.S. administration or some MAGA-linked media businesspeople), or it was a staged gesture that was supposed to mirror Donald Trump’s attitude towards free press. Anyhow, it did not look well.
PiS Expels Senator Amid Internal Rift
A growing internal divide within PiS has come into the open after Senator Jacek Włosowicz was expelled from its parliamentary club for supporting an EU-backed defence financing programme. Włosowicz supported the SAFE initiative, which offers Poland long-term loans to boost military spending (read more in the Topic of the Month), breaking ranks as the only PiS senator to vote in favour. Party leader Jarosław Kaczyński and President Karol Nawrocki have criticised the scheme, arguing it would burden the country with long-term debt and potential political conditions
The senator rejected those claims, insisting the loan terms are favourable and warning that opposition to the programme lacks economic justification. He also dismissed concerns about EU conditionality, saying restrictions apply only to how funds are spent, not to social or political reforms.
Beyond the policy dispute, Włosowicz delivered a broader critique of PiS, arguing the party is shifting away from traditional conservatism toward a more nationalist direction. He warned that such a turn could deepen political divisions and potentially open the door to cooperation with more radical right-wing groups.
Recently, also MP Krzysztof Szczucki was suspended from membership in PiS, with the case referred to the party’s disciplinary body. The reason was his stance in a parliamentary vote and statements diverging from the party line. He voted against the presidential veto on the reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Szczucki stated he had not been informed in advance and learned of the suspension through media reports, while denying wrongdoing, making the move a sign of internal tensions within PiS.
Both events are part of an internal conflict within the party. The struggle between Mateusz Morawiecki's "scouts" faction and the "butters" faction, a conglomeration of radical activists, is a fact. Kaczyński wanted to end it by appointing Przemysław Czarnek, from the radical wing, as the PiS candidate for prime minister, but the disputes only subsided temporarily. Morawiecki is very active in politics across the country, presenting himself as an alternative to Czarnek. He hopes Czarnek will slip up and replace him as PiS's lead candidate for 2027 elections. However, for now, his activism and criticism of his right-wing colleagues have the media wondering whether he will leave PiS and establish his own, more moderate party, perhaps in alliance with the Polish People's Party (PSL).
New Tensions Over the Constitutional Tribunal
Poland is facing renewed political tensions after the Sejm elected six new judges to the Constitutional Tribual (TK), a move that has deepened the ongoing dispute over the country’s judicial system. The newly appointed judges include legal scholars and experienced jurists, engaged in campaigns in favor of free courts, such as Krystian Markiewicz and Maciej Taborowski. The governing coalition argues that filling vacant positions is necessary to restore the court’s independence and credibility.
However, opposition politicians have strongly criticized the move, claiming it undermines legal procedures (some of the seat have been vacant since late 2024) and represents political interference. The situation is further complicated by the role of President Karol Nawrocki, who should formally swear in the judges before they can begin their duties.
The president surprised everyone by inviting only two of the six judges to the swearing-in ceremony. His representative said that the government had delayed appointing new judges for too long, and that only two vacancies had arisen during Nawrocki's term, so the president filled the bench with two more judges. Nawrocki chose judges nominated by the PSL and Poland 2050, rather than the Civic Coalition (KO) and the Left, which remain at the center of his heated conflict.
The TK now has 11 judges (out of 15), a so-called "full bench." PiS and the president hope that the TK, still dominated by their appointees, will continue to serve the interests of Jarosław Kaczyński and his circle. Politicians from the current ruling camp emphasize that it is significant that the president administered the oath of office to two judges, as this demonstrated that he considered their appointment procedure legal. At the same time, politicians from the ruling coalition emphasize that the president is obligated to administer the oath of office to the remaining judges and have announced substitute measures if Nawrocki fails to do so soon. It's rumored that the remaining judges could take a proxy oath before the Speaker of the Sejm, or even the National Assembly (Sejm and Senat), in the presence of a notary. This would be a nuclear option, paving the way for the right-wing to challenge the legality of the entire TK.
Society
Court Forces Recognition of EU Same-Sex Marriages
A major legal shift has taken place in Poland after the highest administrative court (NSA) determined that same-sex marriages performed in other European Union countries must be officially acknowledged by Polish authorities.
The decision centers on how Poland applies EU law domestically, particularly in cases involving citizens who married abroad. Judges ruled that civil registry offices are required to record such marriages, even though Polish law itself does not permit same-sex unions.
The case that prompted the ruling involved a couple who formalized their relationship in Germany several years ago. After returning to Poland, they sought to have their marriage entered into the national registry but were repeatedly denied by local officials. Authorities had argued that the Polish Constitution defines marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman, leaving no room for recognition of same-sex couples.
However, the court rejected that interpretation as overly restrictive. In its reasoning, it stated that acknowledging a marriage concluded abroad does not equate to changing domestic marriage law. Instead, it fulfills obligations stemming from European legal principles, including the protection of fundamental rights and freedom of movement within the EU.
The judgment builds on a 2025 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which clarified that member states must recognize marriages legally established in other EU countries, particularly when it affects residency, family rights, and administrative status. Poland had not clearly implemented that principle until now, leading to legal uncertainty.
Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights have welcomed the outcome, viewing it as a practical breakthrough in a country where broader legislative reform has faced political resistance. Advocacy groups estimate that tens of thousands of Polish citizens may have entered same-sex marriages abroad, meaning the ruling could have wide-reaching consequences.
At the same time, the decision has sparked criticism from conservative political circles. Former deputy Justice Minister from PiS, Marcin Warhoł, said: “NSA issued an unlawful and unconstitutional judgment, prescribing solutions that are alien to the Polish constitution and Polish legal culture. Poles have never agreed to equalize same-sex marriages with those referred to in Article 18 of the Constitution”. Opponents argue that the court has overstepped its authority by interpreting constitutional provisions in a way they believe should be reserved for constitutional judges or lawmakers. PiS will submit an application to the Constitutional Tribunal regarding the interpretation of the constitutional article made by the NSA. Some have also warned that the move could pave the way for broader recognition of same-sex unions in the future.
Within the government, reactions have been mixed but generally supportive among more liberal parties, especially the Left and Civic Coalition. "The Civil Registry Office must recognize foreign same-sex marriage certificates. This is a groundbreaking ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court!", commented deputy PM and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski. Officials have already been exploring administrative adjustments, such as modifying registry forms to use gender-neutral terminology, which could help implement the ruling without changing existing legislation. The Left has asked mayors belonging to the party to implement of the judgement in their municipalities as soon as possible.
Despite the court’s decision, Poland remains among a small group of EU countries that do not recognize same-sex relationships under domestic law. This means that while marriages conducted abroad may now be acknowledged for legal purposes, couples still cannot marry within the country itself. The bill on civil partnership is being currently debated by the Sejm (read more in the December 2025 issue). Even if it is a very limited one, there are slim chances that President Nawrocki will sign it.
Economy
Poland Doubles Recycling Rates
Poland’s bottle deposit system, introduced in October, is already showing measurable results, with recycling rates for plastic containers rising to around 60%, roughly double the previous level. The scheme works by adding a small refundable fee to drinks packaging, which consumers get back when they return empty bottles or cans.
Despite the early progress, the rollout has not been smooth. Many users report practical issues, such as limited access to return machines, unclear collection points, or devices that are frequently out of order. Surveys suggest public opinion has shifted significantly since launch, with more people now critical than supportive.
Officials acknowledge the shortcomings and say adjustments are underway, including better in-store guidance and expanded infrastructure. “Operators need to improve logistics. We see that the scale of returns in the first few weeks has also surprised operators. It's likely higher than expected. Stores will be equipping themselves with vending machines, operators will improve collections, and we'll be discussing all of this”, commented Climate Minister Paulina Henning-Kloska. While the system is expected to meet ambitious collection targets in the coming years, its long-term success will likely depend on how quickly these early frustrations are addressed.
Poland Moves to Cap Fuel
Poland has introduced a sweeping package of measures aimed at shielding consumers from surging fuel costs, combining tax reductions with direct price controls in response to a rapidly deteriorating international energy environment. The policy comes as global oil prices have spiked following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, particularly the war involving Iran.
At the core of the government’s intervention is a temporary reduction in fuel taxation. VAT on fuel has been lowered from 23% to 8%, while excise duties have been cut to the minimum levels permitted under European Union rules. In practical terms, excise duty on gasoline has been reduced to around PLN 1,239 per 1,000 litres, with diesel also seeing significant cuts.
Alongside tax changes, authorities have introduced a nationwide system of maximum fuel prices. These caps are calculated based on wholesale market prices, taxes, a fixed fuel fee and a capped retail margin, with the energy minister updating the limits regularly. Fuel stations are required to comply, with penalties reaching up to PLN 1 million for exceeding the ceiling.
The government estimates that the combined effect of these measures could reduce prices at the pump by roughly PLN 1.20 per litre, a politically significant move ahead of the Easter travel period. “Drivers, if the average tank is 50 liters, will save on average about PLN 60 per fill-up compared to prices before the introduction of the package”, declared Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The relief package carries a substantial fiscal cost. Estimates suggest that lowering excise duty will reduce state revenues by around PLN 700 million per month, while the VAT cut will cost an additional PLN 900 million monthly, adding pressure to an already widening budget deficit. This comes at a time when Poland’s public finances are under strain, with the deficit expected to rank among the highest in the EU relative to GDP.
While the legislation passed parliament with broad support, the political debate around the timing and adequacy of the measures remains contentious. Opposition figures, particularly from the PiS party, have argued that the government acted too late to prevent the surge in fuel costs from hitting key sectors such as agriculture. They have also called for compensation for farmers who had already paid elevated fuel prices during critical periods like the spring sowing season.
At the same time, the government has defended the package as necessary to ensure that tax reductions translate directly into lower consumer prices, rather than increased margins for fuel companies. Officials have even floated the possibility of introducing a windfall tax on energy firms if excessive profits are detected.
Poland’s intervention mirrors a broader trend across Europe, where governments are scrambling to cushion households from energy price shocks. Countries such as Hungary and Romania have already implemented similar price caps, highlighting the regional scale of the crisis. However, Warsaw’s approach also carries risks. Artificially low prices encourage so-called “fuel tourism,” where drivers from neighbouring, countries, especially Germany, cross the border to take advantage of cheaper fuel.
Poland & Germany
German Eurofighters Leave Poland
The German Air Force has completed its deployment in Poland, withdrawing its Eurofighter jets and ending a NATO air policing mission that had been in place since late 2025. Around 150 Bundeswehr personnel—including pilots, technicians, logistics specialists, security forces and military police—have departed from the Malbork air base in northern Poland and returned to Germany.
The mission was part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing aimed at strengthening the Alliance’s eastern flank amid increased Russian military activity in the Baltic region. German jets were tasked with monitoring airspace, intercepting potentially hostile aircraft, and ensuring rapid response capability in case of violations.
Although the deployment was planned as temporary from the outset, its conclusion comes at a time of continued tensions and frequent interception incidents near NATO borders. It remains unclear which ally, if any, will take over the role in Malbork, leaving open questions about the continuity of NATO’s air policing presence in this part of Poland.
First Renewable Cross-Border Heating System
Construction has begun on United Heat, a cross-border renewable district heating project linking the German city of Görlitz and the Polish city of Zgorzelec. The project is designed to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems on both sides of the border, shifting away from gas-fired combined heat and power plants in Germany and coal and gas in Poland.
The system will rely primarily on renewable technologies, including heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal energy, supported by power-to-heat solutions, thermal storage and waste heat from sewage gas. A sewage treatment plant will act as a central hub, enabling heat to be transferred between the two countries depending on demand, with a capacity of up to 15 megawatts.
The infrastructure includes a 3.8-kilometre cross-border pipeline connecting the two cities, along with an additional 12 kilometres of pipelines integrating existing German networks.
United Heat is expected to cut carbon emissions by around 50,000 tonnes annually and forms part of a broader effort by both cities to achieve climate-neutral heating by 2030, demonstrating a rare example of tightly integrated energy infrastructure across an EU internal border.
Environment
Three Bisons Killed by a Train
A fatal encounter between wildlife and rail transport in eastern Poland has drawn renewed attention to the challenges of coexistence between humans and of Poland’s most iconic species.
A passenger train called “Bison” traveling through the region near the Białowieża Forest struck a group of European bison that had wandered onto the tracks. Three animals were killed in the collision, while no passengers or crew members were harmed. The train, carrying around 50 people, was able to continue its journey after a delay.
The incident occurred near the village of Witowo, not far from the ancient Białowieża Forest, one of the last remaining primeval woodlands on the continent and a key habitat for the species.
European bison are the largest land mammals in Europe, with some individuals weighing up to 900 kilograms. Once driven to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century, the species has made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation and reintroduction programs. Today, Poland hosts the world’s largest population, with a significant number living in and around Białowieża.
Despite this success, the growing population has brought new complications. As herds expand beyond the forest in search of food, encounters with roads, railways, and agricultural land have become more frequent. Experts note that while collisions involving bison do occur, incidents involving multiple animals at once are highly unusual.
Culture
Poster Museum Reopens
The Poster Museum in Wilanów (southern district of Warsaw) has reopened after a major refurbishment, unveiling a refreshed space and a new exhibition highlighting the evolution of Polish poster art. The display brings together hundreds of works spanning more than a century, reflecting changes in culture, politics, and everyday life.
As part of the National Museum in Warsaw, the museum remains a unique institution dedicated entirely to posters, considered the first of its kind globally. Its extensive collection, built over decades, includes tens of thousands of pieces from Poland and abroad.
The updated exhibition is designed to rotate regularly, allowing visitors to see different parts of the collection over time while preserving delicate works. The reopening is also accompanied by educational programs and new visitor features, aimed at making the museum more accessible to a broader audience.
Polish-Born Animator Wins Oscar
Polish-born filmmaker Maciek Szczerbowski has won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for The Girl Who Cried Pearls. Their Oscar-winning film, which took five years to complete, follows a poor boy who exploits a girl whose tears turn into pearls, raising moral questions about ambition and compassion.
Born in Poznań, Szczerbowski emigrated to Canada as a child and built his career there, forming a long-standing creative partnership with Chris Lavis. The duo have spent decades developing a distinctive style of stop-motion storytelling, previously earning recognition for their earlier work Madame Tutli-Putli.
Despite his international success, Szczerbowski has often emphasised his connection to Poland, describing his identity as shaped by both his birthplace and his life abroad.
Polls & Trends
Party Support
IBRiS for Rzeczpospolita, 27-28.03.2026
Civic Coalition 32,4%
PiS 24,5%
Confederation 13,4%
Left 7,9%
Crown 7,5%
PSL 4,5%
Together 2,9%
Poland 2050 1,8%