Polish Election Results Shake Up Political Landscape, Prompting Brussels’ Joy

Polish election: Expected political earthquake delights Brussels

Introduction

The recent Polish election results have caused quite a stir in Brussels. The centrist opposition Civic Coalition’s victory in the election has brought much relief to EU officials who have been concerned about Poland’s democratic norms and its strained relationship with the European Union. Led by former European Council chief Donald Tusk, the Civic Coalition’s success sends a strong message to Brussels that Poland is ready to reclaim its position as a core member of the EU.

Poland’s rocky relationship with the EU

For years, Poland has been viewed as one of the EU’s “problem children” alongside Hungary. These countries were accused of flouting democratic norms and being hostile towards the EU. In response, Brussels had withheld billions of euros of funds from Poland, citing concerns over issues such as women’s rights, the independence of the judiciary, and press freedom. Furthermore, Poland and Hungary have consistently opposed EU-wide measures on migration and climate goals.

Brussels‘ sigh of relief

The expected outcome of the Polish election has brought a sense of relief to Brussels, as it seems to counter the growing trend of Euroscepticism and the rise of the hard right in other European countries. In France, Austria, Germany, and even Slovakia, populists have recently won elections, causing concern among EU officials. The victory of the Civic Coalition in Poland provides a glimmer of hope for the European mainstream.

Russia’s influence and Poland’s commitment to NATO

One of the reasons Brussels is eager to improve relations with Poland is due to Russia’s involvement in the region. Any disunity among Ukraine’s international backers plays into Russia’s advantage, and Warsaw’s tough stance against Moscow is unlikely to waver, regardless of the election outcome. From a defence perspective, NATO has been more sanguine about the election results, as Poland has consistently shown dedication and support for Ukraine. Poland’s commitment to spending 3% of its GDP on defense has been appreciated by Washington as well.

Conclusion

The Polish election results have brought delight to Brussels, as it signals a potential return of Poland to the European mainstream. The victory of the Civic Coalition provides hope for stronger adherence to democratic norms and closer alignment with EU policies. However, it is important to note that the outgoing hard-line conservative Law and Justice party is expected to retain a significant number of parliamentary seats, which may limit the new government’s room for maneuver. Nonetheless, both the EU and NATO are optimistic about Poland’s commitment to the European family and its role in maintaining regional security.