PANEL DISCUSSION 2024

Krzysztof SZCZUCKI:
NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests!

It is both an honour and a pleasure to address you here, in Prague, the Cultural Gem of Central Europe. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the invitation to speak at this esteemed conference.

We stand at a critical juncture in Europe's history. The long period of "geopolitical slumber" has ended, and the spectre of war, which we believed to be a relic of the past, now looms again at our borders. The belief that history had come to an end, a conviction held two or three decades ago, has proven illusory. In fact, history has reawakened with renewed urgency. We must now re-examine our assumptions, for the pace of global events has quickened, demanding fresh perspectives and bold strategies.

Central Europe faces a complex array of new security threats. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains, emphasizing the critical need for self-sufficiency in food and energy security. Central Europe's geographic location places us at the crossroads of these global networks, offering both challenges and unprecedented economic opportunities. By strengthening our infrastructure and regional cooperation, we can transform our position into an asset, ensuring resilience in times of crisis. Additionally, cyberattacks and the risk of large-scale blackouts present real dangers. Central Europe must enhance its self-sufficiency in these areas, developing infrastructure resilient to global disruptions. This also necessitates the formation of cross-border cooperation to secure regional systems, from energy grids to digital networks.

The issue of migration, particularly uncontrolled waves from conflict zones, raises significant challenges for Central Europe. In terms of migration, we must recognize that it has become a weapon in Russia's hybrid warfare against the West. Moscow exploits our humanitarian values – knowing that the more refugees we accept, the more vulnerable we become to destabilization.

As NATO evolves, its role as either a purely military or political organization remains in flux. Central European countries must carefully navigate their memberships within NATO and other international pacts. While NATO provides a strong defence framework, nations in the region should consider greater regional defence cooperation, particularly in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics. Strengthening regional self-defence capacities will be key to maintaining security independence, especially amid growing tensions with global powers like Russia and China. The stronger we become as sovereign states, the more credible the security guarantees from international alliances will be. Our defence, built on regional cooperation, must complement rather than replace these alliances, ensuring Central Europe's role as a reliable and secure partner.

As the nations of Central Europe cultivate an increasingly robust collective identity, the imperative for economic cooperation and integration becomes more pronounced. Economic cooperation between Central European nations can act as a powerful tool for resilience in times of crisis. By forming a common economic area that emphasizes shared goals – such as energy diversification, infrastructural development, and technological innovation – countries in the region can pool resources to bolster their competitiveness in the global market. This cooperation would also strengthen the internal market, reducing reliance on external powers. Investments such as the Via Carpathia project exemplify the transformative potential of regional collaboration, serving as one of many initiatives that can enhance connectivity and foster trade among our member states. By improving infrastructure and creating more seamless trade routes, we can significantly bolster our economic resilience, positioning ourselves as a unified entity in an increasingly competitive global market.

While Central European nations share a growing collective identity, significant differences persist that we must navigate collaboratively. One of the most prominent of these differences is our stance on the euro. While several countries in our region have adopted this common currency, we view it as a potential threat to our national sovereignty. The euro often serves the interests of larger economies, particularly Germany, and can be perceived as a mechanism of dominance over so-called peripheral nations like ours. The euro's imposition of austerity measures can stifle growth and innovation, hampering our capacity to develop independently. For Poland, maintaining our national currency is essential for preserving our economic sovereignty and crafting policies that align with our unique national interests. Despite these differences, it is crucial that we engage in constructive dialogue, acknowledging that divergent perspectives exist regarding the euro and its implications for economic autonomy.

In this context, we must work collaboratively to establish a unified stance on key issues at the European Union level. By consolidating our efforts and articulating common objectives, we can amplify our collective voice and ensure that the interests of our region are effectively represented. United in our purpose, we are indeed stronger, capable of navigating the complexities of the contemporary economic landscape and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead. The European Union stands at a crossroads. It faces challenges from both progressive movements advocating for deeper integration and liberal policies, and conservative forces calling for a return to national sovereignty and stricter controls on migration and economic regulation. Central Europe has the opportunity to shape this debate, pushing for reforms that reflect the interests of its member states. Within the European Union, Central Europe must advocate for a more balanced future – one that prioritizes cultural preservation, economic self-sufficiency, and secure borders. Whether the EU veers toward deeper integration or undergoes conservative correction, our voice must be clear: national sovereignty is non-negotiable.

As global power centres diversify, Central Europe has the chance to redefine itself not merely as a geographic region but as a political and cultural hub with a distinct identity on the global stage. At a time when Europe faces internal debates over progressivism, gender and Islamization, Central Europe must assert its unique identity, refusing to succumb to the "pedagogy of shame" often imposed by Western European elites. Rather than being seen as mere followers, Central European countries like Poland should recognize their potential to contribute meaningfully to Europe's shared values. This includes Poland's republican traditions, which emphasize democratic participation and national sovereignty – values that could guide Europe in its current identity struggles.

In a multipolar world, Central Europe is presented with both dangers and unprecedented opportunities. The decline of transatlantic hegemony, driven by global conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and Taiwan, marks a turning point. As power shifts globally, Central Europe can seize the moment to establish itself as more than a buffer zone between global superpowers. It can become a political and cultural centre, contributing its own experiences and values to the broader global narrative. By embracing its European heritage and confidently asserting its role, Central Europe can transform from a geographically defined region to a key player in the new global order.

In conclusion, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that defines Central Europe, as we work together to confront the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By forging a path of economic resilience and unity, we can ensure that our region not only survives but thrives in an ever-changing global landscape. Together, we can shape a future where our collective strength is our greatest asset, driving us toward prosperity and stability for all our nations. Thank you very much.