What goes in Poland on 26th of June.
Macron vs. Poland
According to French media, Emmanuel Macron is very serious about the issue of posted workers and wants to reach a new agreement on the subject with Eastern Europe as early as this fall.
Beata Szydło, Polish Prime Minister, asked him for a „dialogue without stereotypes.” Le Mond reported that according to an EU diplomat present at the meeting, the Polish PM „was quite clear – the dialogue between France and Eastern Europe is supposed to be more direct, without stereotypes and statements, which could be understood as humiliating, or sometimes insulting.”
The French press reported that the talks, which lasted over an hour, between the French President and leaders from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary (i.e. the Visegrad Group – V4) were „as frank as possible” and exceptionally „direct”. Le Figaro wrote that Macron „agreed to lay the cards on the table for CEE „troublemakers”, because it is a mission, which Angela Merkel does not want to undertake because of the historical burden between Germany and its neighbors.”
The French commentators stress that Macron who uses stronger language than toned-down Merkel, is more likely to reach out to Eastern Europe. They believe that even arguments about the „EU not being a supermarket,” or the insulting term „traitors” will not antagonize the Visegrad Group when it comes to France, if they have Germany as an alternative.
Donald Tusk: V4 and Poland cooperation with Macron productive
„During the EU summit the cooperation between Poland and the other Visegrad states with French President Emmanuel Macron was exceptionally productive and without unnecessary emotions,” said Donald Tusk, President of the European Council.
His statement referred to the press interview where the French President accused the leaders of Eastern Europe of a „cynical approach” to the EU and betrayal of Europe. „Europe is not a supermarket, Europe is a common destiny. It is weakened when it accepts its principles being rejected,” said Macon.
The interview provoked strong reactions, because it was released on the day the summit started, a few hours before the meeting with the Visegrad Group.
Tusk stressed that despite what is said in the press and interviews, when it came to the summit he was pleasantly surprised.
Russian gas deliveries to Poland resumed
On Wednesday 21 June, Gaz-System suspended gas deliveries from Russia at the Interconnection Point (IP) because it did not fulfill quality requirements specified in the Transmission Network Code.
Gaz-System issued a press release where it explained that „ensuring correct quality parameters is a responsibility of the supplier introducing the gas to the domestic transmission system.” The statement also said that „gas off-take suspension at the IP did not affect the balance and safety of operation of the transmission system managed by Gaz-System”.
Three Seas: Czech Republic not backing out
Last Monday, the Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza reported that the Czech Republic would not participate in the Three Seas Initiative Summit.
Michal Ryšavý, Minister Counsellor at the Czech Embassy in Warsaw denied this information and confirmed the Czech Republic would be represented at the Summit on the 6th of June. This is when President Donald Trump will also visit Poland for a few hours.
„We do not know yet whether the president, prime minister or someone else will lead our delegation. The decision will be made very soon. However, it is absolutely certain that our country will be represented at the meeting,” said Ryšavý. „Of course we are still part of the Three Seas Initiative,” he added.