Poland in the Netherlands

This year Poland and Lithuania, which are bound by the centuries-old ties, mark special occasion for both of our nations and states. It is our honour to share with you the achievement of our common legal and political history.

On 3 May 1791, parliamentarians of Polish and Lithuanian Commonwealth adopted, during the deliberations of the Great Sejm, the Governance Act known as the Constitution of 3rd of May. This modern legislation of Enlightenment was the world’s second, after the American one, and Europe’s first written constitution.

It introduced a tripartite separation of powers and reformed the existing political system, ensuring more equal treatment of all nationalities within the Commonwealth. Constitution foresaw the establishment of constitutional monarchy and laid down framework for development of civic society.

Adopted on 20 October 1791 by the joint Sejm, the Mutual Pledge of Two Nations was an integral part of the Constitution of 3 May and an act of utmost importance to the Commonwealth’s political system. Ensuring equal representation for the Polish and Lithuanian citizens in the common state bodies confirmed a strong union between the two nations.

The Constitution was abolished in 1792 due to intervention of foreign powers followed by the division, occupation and eradication of the Commonwealth. However, the fundamental legal acts of 1791 emboldened Polish and Lithuanian Nations to strive for freedom and independence. Poland and Lithuania reappeared on the world’s map in 1918.

Also today, shared historic legacy and principles of freedom and democracy embedded in 3 May Constitution, inspire our strategic co-operation in bilateral and foreign policy domains.

We invite you to watch a short video with participation of the Ambassador of Poland, Mr. Marcin Czepelak, and the Ambassador of Lithuania, Mr. Vidmantas Purlys, who say a few words about one of the greatest common achievements of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - the adoption of the May 3rd Constitution and the Mutual Pledge.

The second video shares the unknown facts about the famous painting by Jan Matejko "Constitution of 3rd May"