Poland's joining the European Union was a beginning of a long process. After 22 years, it is clear that the greatest benefits become apparent over time. What used to be a promise in the past, is Poles' everyday experience today. Europe remains the best place to live-a stable haven in an unpredictable world-and Poland is an integral part of the EU and a country that is contributing to shape the future of the Union's 450 million citizens. We are Europe.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland expresses strong concern regarding another incident involving a soldier of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Lebanon, who showed disrespect toward the figure of the Virgin Mary. Such actions offend the religious sentiments of Christians.

On 7 May, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski met in Warsaw with José Daniel Ferrer, one of Cuba's key opposition figures and the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). His travel to Europe is another step in Mr Ferrer's peaceful struggle for Cuba to become a democratic state.

On 6 May, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski presented a Bene Merito distinction to Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka, Vice-Rector of the College of Europe in Natolin. Poland's top diplomat took the opportunity to meet with students at the College's Warsaw campus.

On the 22nd anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summarised the economic and social effects of Poland's membership of the European Union. The summary shows, beyond doubt, that Poland has achieved economic success within the EU, and making the most of the opportunities afforded by EU membership has largely contributed to this success. Since joining the EU, our country has caught up with many developed economies and has become a driving force of the Union's growth.

On 28-30 April, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski travelled to Algeria, one of Poland's most important partners in Africa. Talks focused on deepening bilateral relations, economic and energy cooperation, and political dialogue.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to thank him for the cooperation that had led to the release of journalist Andrzej Poczobut from a Belarusian prison.

Republic of Poland and The United States of America held the 16th round of the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue April 30 in Warsaw. U.S. Department of State Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Kupiecki led the Dialogue, which included meetings on bolstering security and defense cooperation, enhancing regional energy security, and fostering economic growth. The two sides deepened their exchange on regional security amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and international efforts to bring a durable peace to Ukraine. The Dialogue built on deep bilateral cooperation between the United States and Poland and reaffirmed that the relationship is strong and growing.

Security and defence cooperation, especially in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the current challenges to regional security were the focus of the 16th round of the Poland-US Strategic Dialogue. The talks, held on 30 April, were led by MFA Undersecretary of State Robert Kupiecki and US Department of State Undersecretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is following with concern the reports of actions taken by the Israeli armed forces against activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which declares to be delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Polish nationals are among the activists.