Polish Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski called this step by Hungary a hostile act.
“Following the situation around Romanowski, Minister Sikorski sent a note to the Hungarian ambassador that he is not a welcome guest,” Poland’s Deputy Minister of European Affairs Magdalena Sobkowiak-Carnecka told TVP at the opening ceremony of Poland’s EU presidency.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President of the European Council Antoniu Košta are expected to attend the event in Warsaw.
Polish prosecutors have accused Romanowski of 11 violations, including membership in a criminal organization.
As the deputy minister of justice, Romanovskis allegedly diverted several million zlotys from the crime victims’ fund to projects that, as the then justice minister Zbigniew Zjobro believed, would benefit the PiS party.
Romanovski denies all the accusations.
Polish Prime Minister Tusk, who heads the center-left government, has criticized Budapest.
Corrupt officials who avoid criminal prosecution can now choose to seek protection from the leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, or the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister said.
Poland takes over the presidency from Hungary, which drew criticism for using the status for its own interests.
Poland has stated that its goal is to strengthen European security.
“We want to focus on seven aspects of security – external and internal security, as well as information, economy, energy, health care sector and food security,” said Poland.
Poland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU until June 30, after which Denmark will take over these duties.
Poland’s Tense EU Presidency: An Interview with Dr. anna Nowak
Alison Hayes, Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: Good morning, Dr. Nowak, and thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Anna Nowak, Political Analyst, Warsaw University: My pleasure, Alison. It’s good to be here.
Hayes: Poland has just assumed the presidency of the European Union. Already, the handover from Hungary has been marked by friction.Can you shed some light on the situation for our readers?
Nowak: Certainly. The tension stems from Hungary granting asylum to Ryszard Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister facing serious corruption charges in Poland. [1] Polish authorities view this as a hostile act, particularly as Romanowski is accused of diverting funds intended for crime victims. It’s a sensitive issue, and understandably, Polish officials are angered.
Hayes: This isn’t just a bilateral matter between Poland and Hungary,is it? How does this play into the broader EU context?
Nowak: It’s crucial to remember that Poland takes over the presidency amid widespread criticism of Hungary’s own handling of its EU presidency.There were accusations that Budapest prioritized its national interests over the common good. [1] This situation with Romanowski reinforces the sense that Hungary is not fully committed to EU principles and solidarity.
Hayes: Prime Minister Tusk has been quite vocal in his disapproval. What exactly does Poland hope to achieve as president, given this contentious start?
Nowak: Despite these challenges, Poland is persistent to focus on strengthening European security. [1] They’ve outlined seven key areas: external and internal security, facts security, economic security, energy security, healthcare security, and food security. It’s an ambitious agenda, but it reflects Poland’s desire to steer the EU towards a more secure and stable future.
Hayes: It’s certainly a challenging time for the EU. Dr. Nowak, thank you for your insightful analysis.
Nowak: Thank you,Alison. It was my pleasure.
