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Polish FM launches diplomatic drive against EU treaty changes

28.11.2023 14:00
The Polish foreign minister has said he will try to persuade his European counterparts this week to reject proposed amendments to European Union treaties, as these changes could strip member states of crucial powers.
Polands Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk talks to reporters before departing for Copenhagen, at the Warsaw Okęcie airport, on Tuesday, November 29, 2023.
Poland's Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk talks to reporters before departing for Copenhagen, at the Warsaw Okęcie airport, on Tuesday, November 29, 2023. X/Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk made the declaration on Tuesday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Speaking to the media before departing for Copenhagen, Poland's newly appointed top diplomat said that Warsaw was "ready to build a coalition to stop the proposed changes to EU treaties."

He added it was necessary in order "to defend the Polish state" and its powers to decide in matters affecting Polish citizens. 

Szynkowski vel Sęk was on Tuesday due to visit the Danish capital, before attending a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, and making a visit to Prague, later in the day, the PAP news agency reported.

On Wednesday, the Polish foreign minister will hold meetings in Vilnius and Riga, according to officials. 

Last week, the European Parliament adopted a set of proposals to amend EU treaties, a move designed to "give citizens a stronger say and create a more effective EU."

The main proposed changes include abolishing the principle of unanimity in the European Council in 65 policy areas, to be replaced by qualified majority voting; the transfer of powers from member states to the EU, in areas such as foreign affairs, external security and defence; and making the euro the mandatory currency for EU countries, public broadcaster Polish Radio's IAR news agency reported.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, polskieradio.pl