English Section

Polish FM holds unofficial meeting with influential Wallenberg family from Sweden

09.10.2024 16:50
Representatives of the Wallenberg clan met with Polish FM Radosław Sikorski in Warsaw to discuss industrial collaboration, with a particular emphasis on green energy and investment policies, as Poland prepares for its upcoming presidency of the EU Council. 
On the left, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski speaks during the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York (2024). On the right, Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman of the Swedish industry holding company Investor AB, at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switz
On the left, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski speaks during the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York (2024). On the right, Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman of the Swedish industry holding company Investor AB, at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, SwitzLeszek Szymański/PAP; JEAN CHRISTOPHE PAP/EPA

Due to the informal nature of the meeting, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not intend to issue a statement regarding it.

According to the Polish state news agency PAP, citing diplomatic sources, the discussions primarily focused on industrial cooperation, including issues related to green energy and investment policy.

Among the delegation from the influential family of financiers and investors who came to Poland on Tuesday to meet with Minister Sikorski were Marcus Wallenberg, his son Peter, and grandson Jacob, as well as senior representatives of their companies, Christian Cederholm and Hakan Buskhe. 

As confirmed by Laura Safir, spokesperson for the Wallenberg family, her clients traveled to Warsaw before Poland assumes the presidency of the EU Council to understand the country and its priorities.

In a series of planned meetings, representatives from politics, industry, science, and companies in which Swedish entrepreneurs invest will participate.

Who are the Wallenbergs?

The Wallenberg family manages, controls, or holds stakes in many of Sweden's and the world's largest companies, such as Ericsson, Saab, Electrolux, ABB, Stora Enso, and SAS Group.

They also own one of Scandinavia's largest banks, SEB, founded in 1856 by André Oscar Wallenberg. It is estimated that the companies they control account for one-third of Sweden’s GDP.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, their role has increased primarily due to the rising demand for weapons and military equipment, which has impacted the operations of Saab, the defense conglomerate that is part of their business empire.

Additionally, in Sweden, the family operates through a foundation that grants funds for research and education.

As Poland assumes the presidency of the European Council at the beginning of 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is initiating a series of open meetings focused on Poland and its role in shaping the future of Europe, which was announced through social media.

Source: IAR/PAP

(m p)