A pivotal choice: Poland’s presidential election and the future of Europe’s foreign policy and defence agenda
Guests
- Piotr Buras, Head, ECFR Warsaw and Senior Policy Fellow
- Wawrzyniec Smoczynski, Founder, New Community Foundation, Polityka Insight
- Karolina Wigura, Associate Professor, University of Warsaw and Member of the Board, Kultura Liberalna Foundation
Chaired by
Vessela Tcherneva, Deputy Director, ECFR
The final round of the Polish presidential election of 1 June 2025 is a milestone for Poland and for Europe. The close race between pro-European Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, and Karol Nawrocki, backed by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, crystallizes two of the biggest challenges facing the European Union (EU) at the moment: the political stability and resolve needed to bolster Europe’s security and defense; and the rise of the far right. Will this election signal a change of course in Poland’s role within NATO and the EU, or consolidate Prime Minister Tusk’s political project? How will the new Polish political leadership shape regional alliances, defense strategies, and foreign policy priorities in the continent? How will the rise of the far right in Poland influence the country’s European and geopolitical trajectory? Join us for a discussion exploring the far-reaching implications of the Polish presidential election for the future of Europe’s foreign policy and defence agenda.