The Dynamics of contemporary Czech-Polish Relations
2024/12/10
Introduction
Czech-Polish relations are a key element of regional policy in Central Europe, not only from the perspective of bilateral cooperation, but also in the context of broader cooperation within the Visegrad Group (V4) and the European Union. Since the Polish parliamentary elections in October 2023, the dynamics of this relationship have evolved under the influence of a series of significant events that have highlighted both the strength and challenges of this bilateral cooperation. Shared historical ties, common economic interests, geographic proximity and shared values remain the solid foundations of the relationship, but the current geopolitical and economic environment has brought new questions that require strategic coordination and the ability to resolve disputes.
One of the key topics in Czech-Polish relations remains the issue of energy security, which has come to the fore due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources. The two countries have been working together on strengthening infrastructure and on joint solutions to emergency situations. This process has highlighted not only the importance of cooperation, but also the need to seek effective compromises on issues of resource sharing and financing.
Geopolitical issues, especially the war in Ukraine, have significantly affected not only mutual relations, but also the joint actions of both countries in the international arena. In this regard, the Czech Republic and Poland profiled themselves as continuing active supporters of Ukraine, both in the form of humanitarian and military aid, as well as diplomatic assistance at the EU and NATO levels. Both countries were simultaneously confronting the challenges of the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the need to integrate them into their societies.
The recent rise of Poland as a popular tourist destination for Czechs should also not be overlooked. The growing interest in Poland as a vacation destination has contributed to the deepening of mutual understanding and awaking interest in other fields as well, such as economics and business cooperation.
This article aims to analyse the development of Czech-Polish relations from October 2023 to the present, focusing on the key events and themes that have influenced them, and offering a look at possible scenarios for their future development. It shows how the two countries are striving to meet demanding challenges while seizing opportunities to grow together and strengthen their position in the European and global context.
2022 - a significant milestone in mutual relations
An unprecedented dynamic not experienced in the past 30 years has undergone Czech-Polish relations in 2022. Ironically, the key moment of this rapprochement was the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which changed the geopolitical situation in the region and helped achieve the best relations between the two countries in their modern history.
This decisive step in taking full responsibility for events in the region, not only in terms of aid provided, but also in security and energy policy
issues, strengthened the position of Poland and the Czech Republic as key players in the region.
As a result of these events, Czech-Polish relations have historically reached their best level, creating opportunities for further deepening cooperation in the political, economic and defence spheres. However, in order to maintain and further develop this positive trend, it is necessary to continue building mutual institutions and cooperation mechanisms, which will not be dependent on political changes in each country.
Key impulses of mutual cooperation
New Polish government representation - a change in regional policy?
Poland’s October 2023 parliamentary elections brought a change in the country’s political leadership. Although the Law and Justice (PiS) party won the largest number of votes, it did not get the majority needed to form a government. The opposition bloc, comprising the Civic Coalition (KO), the Left and the Third Way, won a majority of seats in the Polish Sejm and formed a government led by Donald Tusk on December 13. The new government began to orient its foreign policy more toward the Weimar Triangle and closer cooperation with the EU, rather than toward the
paralyzed V4 and regional cooperation.
This turn in Poland’s foreign policy has had important consequences for relations with the Czech Republic. While the previous Law and Justice government placed great emphasis on regional cooperation within the V4, the new Tusk government has begun to seek stronger ties with France and Germany. Cooperation within the Weimar Triangle became a priority, which may have weakened relations with the Czech Republic, especially in the context of joint regional projects.
February V4 meeting
On February 27, 2024, a meeting of prime ministers of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries was held in Prague. This meeting, convened by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, was the first since the Czech Republic took over the presidency the previous July. The main topics were Russian aggression against Ukraine, energy security, illegal migration and the future of the V4 itself.
The prime ministers agreed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a flagrant violation of international law. Nevertheless, their views on the form of support for Ukraine differed. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the need to continue military aid to Ukraine. In contrast, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán favoured focusing on humanitarian and financial aid. Fiala said the discussion was long and difficult, but open and frank, which he considers important for further cooperation.
Another key topic was energy security, especially in the context of efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources. The prime ministers discussed the possibilities of developing nuclear energy and strengthening the interconnection of energy networks. They agreed on the need for closer cooperation in this field to ensure stable and secure energy supplies for their countries.
On the issue of illegal migration, there was consensus among the prime ministers on the need to fight this phenomenon more intensively. They stressed the need for a more proactive and assertive approach towards third countries, and expressed their opposition to prolonged controls at the European Union’s internal borders, which,
in their view, are not an effective solution to the migration crisis and oppose the idea of European integration.
The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the future of V4. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said before the meeting that the summit would show whether V4 still makes sense. There were disagreements during the deliberations, especially between Tusk and Orbán, which led to a tense atmosphere. Nonetheless, the prime ministers agreed to continue cooperation in areas where there is agreement, and the need to maintain dialogue on issues where their views differ.
Although the prime ministers stressed the importance of the V4 as a platform for regional cooperation, fundamental differences over approaches to helping Ukraine continue to paralyze any political cooperation among all four countries in the region. More than ever before, a significant decline in activities within the Czech presidency of the V4 was noticeable. While Hungary was after the Russia’s invasion in Ukraine considered the lone “black sheep” of the group, the balance shifted to 2:2 in terms of different views on support for Ukraine after Slovakia’s parliamentary elections in September 2023, leading to the V4 being nicknamed “V2+2.” The upcoming parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic next autumn could potentially tilt this balance to 3:1, leaving this time Poland as the alone standing subject within this group. It is paradoxical that the aforementioned division of the Visegrad Group into “V2+2” has to some extent contributed to the intensification and thus strengthening of bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and Poland.
This was evidenced by the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Petr Fiala and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, which took place the day before the V4 Prime Ministers’ Summit in February. The main topic of their discussion was closer cooperation in the energy sector and coordination in building infrastructure to ensure stable and sustainable energy supplies.
A similar scenario was repeated a month later, in March 2024, ahead of the V4 foreign ministers’ meeting. The day before this formal meeting,
a bilateral meeting between Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky and his Polish counterpart Radosław Sikorski took place in Prague. The two ministers discussed several important topics, including the issue of mutual support in filling key positions in international organisations such as the UN, NATO and the EU. They agreed that the representatives of the Central and Eastern European countries should be better represented in these institutions, in line with their contribution to international security and stability.
Czech-Polish intergovernmental consultations
A positive impetus in mutual relations was given last year by the ninth joint meeting of the governments of the Czech Republic and Poland, which took place in Prague on October 9, 2024, under the chairmanship of Prime Ministers Petr Fiala and Donald Tusk. At this meeting, which followed one of the most devastating floods on Czech and Polish territory in recent decades, the two governments stressed the importance of strengthening cross-border cooperation, especially in the field of flood protection. The prime ministers recognized past cooperation in dealing with floods and expressed determination to improve mutual communication and coordination in emergency situations. The goal is to establish direct forms of communication and more effective information sharing during natural disasters.
The discussion also focused on energy security, including cooperation in the nuclear field, which is crucial for both countries in their quest for complete independence from Russian energy supplies. Another important topic of the agenda was the construction of transportation infrastructure linking the Czech Republic and
Poland. Prime Minister Fiala announced the start of construction of the D11 highway, which will connect the Czech highway network with Poland’s S3 highway. This project, which has long been postponed, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and will significantly improve transport links between the two countries.
This transport link is of major importance as it directly connects the largest part of Bohemia with Poland, and Poland has already this year completed and put into operation its part of the infrastructure. Equally important is the train connection between Prague and Gdynia, which will operate four times a day from mid-December. The route will run from Prague via Wrocław, Poznań and Bydgoszcz. These infrastructure projects will significantly improve transport accessibility between both countries, especially between Bohemia and the western regions of Poland. The paradox is that, despite their geographical proximity, this part of Poland has long been difficult to reach from Bohemia. A symbol of that was among others the fact, that there was no stable long-lasting connection between Bohemia and the nearest large Polish
city, Wrocław. However, these new transport options will not only make travel easier but will also strengthen economic and cultural exchange between the two neighbouring regions.
The Czech Republic and Poland reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. The two countries are among Ukraine’s main supporters in the European Union and NATO and cooperate in providing military and humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Fiala thanked Poland for its active involvement in the Czech munitions initiative and stressed
Poland as “a new Croatia”
Year of 2024 alluded to the growing trend of Czech tourists’ interest in Poland, which has quickly become one of the most popular foreign destinations. While in previous years Czechs focused mainly on Poland’s southern border areas and mountainous regions, the current economic situation has significantly changed their travel habits. Rising prices in Croatia and generally high inflation have directed Czech tourists to explore new destinations, among them Poland’s Baltic Sea shore.
This tourist boom has been supported by increased interest in Poland in the Czech media. Public television aired several travel programs about Polish regions, while the print and online press regularly published articles focusing on Poland’s most beautiful places, tips for trips or recommendations for family vacations. The result was not only greater awareness of Poland as a tourist destination, but also a deeper mutual understanding of both nations.
Personal visits to Poland helped Czech tourists overcome previously held stereotypes and
the importance of joint projects such as training Ukrainian soldiers.
A recurring topic in bilateral relations, the Turów lignite mine – once a source of significant tension that brought Czech-Polish relations to their lowest point but also led to a 2022 agreement marking the beginning of their strongest cooperation – was again part of the discussions. Poland committed to sharing the necessary data on mining operations, aiming to ease tensions and provide a clearer understanding of the environmental impact on both sides of the border.
discover the country’s diversity. The Polish Baltic coast, with resorts such as Leba, Kolobrzeg and Swinoujscie, has become a sought-after alternative to more expensive destinations. Czechs also increasingly visited historic cities such as Krakow, Wroclaw and Gdansk.
According to available estimates, Poland will be visited by more than 550,000 Czech tourists in 2024, a record number. This trend is not just the result of economic factors, but also a growing interest in Polish culture, history and political and economic events. For many Czechs, Poland has become a discovery that brings not only a surprising travel experience, but also broadens their horizons how fare their neighboring country went in the last years.
The 2024 tourism boom therefore represents a significant step toward strengthening Czech-Polish relations, not only in the area of tourism, but also at the level of mutual understanding and business cooperation.
Czech munitions initiative - an example of cooperation in the region
The Czech Republic in 2024 initiated an important project focused on the purchase of artillery ammunition for Ukraine from countries outside the European Union. This initiative received the support of 18 countries, including Poland, which played an important role in this initiative as a key regional partner. Its strategic location and experience in logistics operations made it possible to efficiently transport ammunition to Ukraine. The Polish government not only promised to provide funding, but also participated in securing these deliveries through its logistical capabilities and expertise.
Major problems
One of the key challenges to fostering closer mutual cooperation in the near future lies in the ongoing dispute between the Polish government and the president over ambassadorial appointments. This has once again left Poland without a resident ambassador in Prague. Notably, since 2017, no Polish ambassador in Prague has completed the standard four-year term. This persistent absence of consistent, high-level Polish representation in the Czech capital significantly lowers effective communication and collaboration between the two countries at the highest political level.
A key issue for the development of mutual relations will also be the Czech parliamentary
Cooperation between the Czech Republic and Poland under this initiative, internationally well recognized as an effective and rapid response to the needs of the Ukrainian army, has strengthened mutual relations and demonstrated the ability of both countries to coordinate their efforts in addressing security challenges in the region. This joint step has contributed to strengthening stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe.
elections, scheduled for October 2025. According to pre-election polls, the favorite for these elections is former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. His possible victory could mean a significant change in the direction of Czech foreign policy.
Babiš has close ties to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This year he even participated in the founding of the new European Patriots fraction, which is critical of some European Union policies and emphasizes national sovereignty. If Babiš were to return to power, the Czech Republic might shift its alignment closer to Hungary and Slovakia, potentially at the expense of its cooperation with Poland. This
could strain the partnership with Poland, particularly regarding joint support for Ukraine. On the other hand, such a realignment would also
bolster ties between Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, in terms of relationship with the new U.S. administration.
The Future of Czech-Polish Relations: Challenges and prospects
Despite these challenges, Czech-Polish cooperation remains crucial to the stability and security of Central Europe. Both countries are involved in important projects, such as energy transition, transport infrastructure development and support for Ukraine. Cooperation in these areas is essential not only for both countries, but also for the European Union as a whole.
The continuously growing interest of the Czech public in Poland as not only a tourist destination shows that relations between the Czech Republic and Poland are not limited to politics, but have a deeper social dimension. To maintain this
Conclusion
Key areas of collaboration, such as energy security and support for Ukraine, underscore the practical and strategic importance of Czech-Polish relations in the context of a shifting geopolitical landscape. As two longstanding neighbors, the Czech Republic and Poland find themselves navigating a complex environment shaped by global challenges, including war, energy transitions, and regional realignments. These shared efforts reflect the necessity of close cooperation, not only to address immediate concerns but also to reinforce stability and prosperity in Central
positive trend, stable institutions of mutual cooperation are more needed than ever before.
Finding a balance between national interests and regional cooperation will be crucial for the further development of Czech-Polish relations.
At the same time, it is necessary for both countries to continue the search for common priorities within the V4 and the European Union. Common challenges, such as the energy crisis, migration and the war in Ukraine proved, that coordinated approach can benefit not only the region, but all of Europe.
Europe.
The value of this partnership is evident in the focus on areas such as security, energy, economic integration, and cultural exchange. Joint projects, ranging from infrastructure development to collaborative approaches to regional challenges, offer tangible benefits for both nations. These efforts are essential for ensuring resilience and fostering mutual growth in a rapidly changing world.
While the past year did not bring the same transformative developments as the pivotal year of
2022, the relationship between the two countries has remained strong. However, the tone has shifted towards a more pragmatic and technocratic approach, reflecting the priorities of the new Polish government. Under its leadership, Poland has increasingly directed its ambitions toward Western and Northern Europe, which has inevitably influenced the nature and intensity of its cooperation with the Czech Republic.
An intriguing development in 2023-2024 has been the remarkable growth of non-political cooperation between the two nations. This includes a significant expansion in trade, business partnerships, and interpersonal connections. The scale
and depth of this collaboration have begun to outpace traditional diplomatic efforts, creating new avenues for interaction that transcend formal governmental relations. This trend suggests that ties between the two nations are broadening in a way that reflects the interests and initiatives of businesses and individuals and endure endure beyond changes in political leadership or regional dynamics.
There is no doubt that this unprecedented interest of the Czechs in Poland is the deserved result of long-standing projects and initiatives that have set the stage for this positive development in the past.
Author:
Jan Rafael Lupoměský has worked as an advisor to the President of the Czech Republic, the Minister of Defense and several members of the Czech parliament, as well as the chief legislative analyst for the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises. Since 2016, he has been living permanently in Poland, where he analyzes political risks in Central Europe for foreign investors, comments on Polish politics for CNN Prima News and Czech Television, speaks at conferences on Central Europe and the 3Seas Initiative, and is city district councilor of the Wrocław-Nadodrze city district. Privately, he is also the founder and president of the first Polish croquet club, the Wroclaw Croquet Club.
The opinions given and the positions held in materials in the Special Report solely reflect the views of authors. Warsaw Institute Wilcza St. 9, 00-538 Warsaw, Poland office@warsawinstitute.org
