Poland in the EU

Minister Rau referred to the deteriorating situation in Belarus, highlighting the need for the EU to react to repression of journalists and human rights defenders by the Belarusian authorities and recalled the European Commission for swift implementation of a comprehensive plan of economic support for a democratic Belarus.

Following the High Representative Josep Borrell’s trip to Moscow, the head of the Polish diplomacy pointed out that the persecution of Alexei Navalny and the brutal repression of the protesters cannot remain without an adequate response from the EU, including sanctions against those responsible for these actions. Ministers unanimously agreed to impose sanctions on the individuals linked to the arrest of Russian oppositionist.

During the ministers' talks with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Minister Rau spoke in favor of an ambitious agenda for transatlantic cooperation on global issues, including health, climate and trade, and regional issues, such as the EU neighborhood policy. He also pointed to the need to intensify the US involvement in the international arena in the context of the assertiveness of powers that do not share Western values. Chief of Poland’s diplomacy thanked for the declaration of the new US administration regarding the maintenance of the presence in Europe, including Central and Eastern Europe, and for the involvement in the Three Seas Initiative.

After the Foreing Affairs Council, Minister Rau held a meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, jointly with the heads of diplomacy of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. Moreover, he spoke with the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi. Ahead of the FAC, he also participated in discussions with associates of the Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny.