Ukrainian President Zelensky is not present at the international conference on the European Union and Ukraine in the Polish port city of Gdańsk. His absence follows an open conflict with conservative Polish President Nawrocki, further escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Award
The diplomatic row began after Nawrocki stripped Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state honor. Several prominent Ukrainian officials responded by returning their Polish awards as well. This gave new political weight to an already simmering conflict.
Domestic Issues
Historical disagreements still play a significant role. The debate over World War II in that region has flared up again, putting additional pressure on the relationship between Warsaw and Kyiv. Ukraine has also become an increasingly sensitive topic in Polish domestic politics. Polish Prime Minister Tusk is opposed to conservative President Nawrocki, siding with Zelensky.
Promotion
Reconstruction
The tensions coincide with the international conference in Gdańsk on the reconstruction of Ukraine, where further European support for Ukraine is being discussed. The President of the European Commission is expected to announce the first tranche of a 90 billion euro European loan to Ukraine.
Despite political tensions, European support for Ukraine remains intact. At the same time, several EU leaders warn that worsening relations between Poland and Ukraine could complicate European cooperation. It is also noted that divisions within Europe could ultimately benefit Russia.
Agriculture
Alongside the political dispute, the future of European agriculture remains a major point of contention between the two countries. Ukraine’s possible accession to the European Union is causing concerns in Poland about the effects on Polish farmers. Various sources highlight the lower production costs of Ukrainian agricultural businesses.
Polish farmers fear that the influx of Ukrainian agricultural products could put additional pressure on prices and incomes. Poland is currently one of the larger agricultural countries within the EU.
More Complex
But the arrival of the huge Ukrainian agricultural sector forces the current EU-27 to adopt a new agricultural policy. Therefore, the Polish government continues to push for protection of domestic agriculture and guarantees before Ukraine fully joins the European internal market.
As a result, political tensions and economic cooperation increasingly run alongside each other. The combination of historical disputes, agricultural interests, European support, and preparations for a possible Ukrainian accession to the European Union makes the relationship between Poland and Ukraine more complex than before.