Citizens' Dialogue in Wałbrzych with Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska

Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska took part in four Citizens’ Dialogues in Poland within one week: in Krakow, Walbrzych, Wroclaw and Czestochowa. All four brought an opportunity for the Commissioner, as well as for 700 participants, to reflect on the past 15 years of Poland’s membership in the EU and to talk about the future of Europe in the light of the upcoming European elections.  

When asked in Krakow about the image of the EU in Poland, the Commissioner shared her thoughts and experiences. “Poland”, she said, “at the moment of EU accession, due to its size and political influence, was naturally recognised by other Member States in the region, as a leader and used that position skillfully. Currently that position has been lost”, she argued.

In Walbrzych, Commissioner Bieńkowska was asked about her definition of European identity and the future of Europe: “I am Silesian, Polish, European and those identities are not mutually exclusive. There will be no federation nor the United States of Europe, because the EU means diversity”, she said. She also mentioned the importance of democratic processes in the EU and encouraged people to vote in the EP elections.  

In Wroclaw, she also mentioned the importance of casting one’s vote, because it means a chance to make a change in the EU. Asked what she thinks about the possible results, she said it was hard to predict what exactly the new European Parliament will look like after elections. “It will probably require more efforts to negotiate, discuss and agree on most fundamental issues”, she emphasised.

Another important part of the discussion in Wroclaw was the Common European Market. ”Unfortunately, now there are more barriers in the common market than there used to be 10 years ago. It is a serious problem, which has an influence on economic unity in the EU, especially in decision-making processes”, she said.

In turn, the circular economy was a leading topic during her Dialogue in Czestochowa. “Now we are all facing the revolution in technology, IT and communication, and these changes have an influence on the way we live, produce our goods, and think about our future. (…) Our society has realized that environmental safety is the most important aspect that the EU should take care of”, she said.