Poland says ties with US ‘absolute foundation’ of Europe’s security

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who is heading to the US, said Poland’s EU presidency in 2025 would make alliance with America its ‘main priority’

His remarks come after French President Macron ruffled feathers by saying Europe must not be a ‘follower’ of either Washington or Beijing on Taiwan

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Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:05pm, 11 Apr 2023

The alliance with the United States is “an absolute foundation” of European security, Poland’s prime minister said on Tuesday, after controversial remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron about ties with the US and China.

Mateusz Morawiecki, speaking before boarding a plane to begin a US visit, said his country’s EU presidency in 2025 would make the partnership with Washington its “main priority”.

“The alliance with the United States is an absolute foundation of our security which is based on two pillars: economic cooperation and in the field of defence,” said Morawiecki, whose US visit will include talks with Vice-President Kamala Harris.

“Some Western leaders dream of cooperation with everyone, with Russia and with some powers in the Far East,” he added, without naming those leaders.

The comments, however, followed controversy sparked by Macron who, fresh from a visit to China, said Europe must not be a “follower” of either Washington or Beijing on Taiwan.