Poland and its Eastern Neighbours: Foreign Policy Principles

Abstract

This article examines the main principles that underpin Polish foreign policy towards its Eastern neighbours, focusing on the attributes of Poland’s latest contribution to the European Union’s (EU) policies – the Eastern Partnership (EaP). The article argues that the main attributes of the EaP are not only the outcome of Polish security concerns, but are also deeply rooted in Polish national identity. After years of communist rule, Polish national identity has been in a process of reconstruction not only through the “return to Europe”, but also through the re-establishment of closer bonds with its Eastern neighbours. At the same time, the Eastern Partnership provides the means for Poland to redefine its role in the political landscape of the EU and to infiltrate its national identity and ideals into the EU’s political reality.