Sikorski's Exposé in the Sejm: Strong EU, Relations with the US, and the SAFE Dispute

Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski delivered his exposé in the Sejm, in which – according to reports from several editorial offices – he argued that a strong European Union remains Poland's raison d'état, and policy towards partners should combine interest with realism. The Russian thread was highlighted in the comparison of Vladimir Putin to Leonid Brezhnev and in the thesis that the chosen course could lead Russia to bankruptcy. Some media noted a harsher rhetoric towards the USA, emphasizing the thread of costs borne by Poland, while simultaneously assuring the maintenance of the alliance. Reports from the Sejm chamber and commentators' comments also pointed to the domestic political dimension of the speech: interpretations emerged that Sikorski is building a position extending beyond the role of minister. Some texts also noted that one name was not mentioned in the exposé, which became the subject of separate speculation.

„My zapłaciliśmy cenę” (We paid the price) — Radosław Sikorski „We cant be a sucker” (We can't be a sucker) — Radosław Sikorski

Since 1949, after the creation of NATO, European security was based mainly on American guarantees and the military superiority of the USA. After the Cold War, EU states gradually developed common political and economic tools, and after 2014 increasingly linked them with the security agenda and support for the defense industry.

practically 5% of GDP — on defense in Poland

Parallel to the dispute over the tone of the exposé, media described the debate on defense financing. Lithuanian LRT reported on Vilnius's own plans for defense spending exceeding 5% of GDP, while in Poland Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed to the strategic goal of a "half-million-strong army" and deterrence. The thread of the EU's SAFE divided commentators: on one hand, assessments emerged that it is a chance for quick financing and support for purchases, although the time for decisions is short; on the other – opinions warning of the risks and conditionality of the instrument. TVN24 reported that Polish defense companies declare support for SAFE and call for coordinated actions, while some right-wing commentators called the program a trap. Karol Nawrocki, in separate statements, linked the discussion about SAFE with the issue of reparations from Germany, which also shifts the dispute to the level of Polish-German relations.

On the same day, reports from the Sejm and Nawrocki's conference focused on tensions and incidents. Interia reported that PiS MPs mostly did not participate in the exposé, and Włodzimierz Czarzasty assessed Jarosław Kaczyński's absence as a signal of disrespect towards Nawrocki. Some editorial offices described sharp behavior in the Sejm debate and the disruption of Nawrocki's conference by a KO MP; others emphasized reactions from the presidential box and emotional comments by Donald Tusk. In turn, opposition politicians and right-wing commentators – including Krzysztof Bosak, Ryszard Czarnecki, and Marek Jakubiak – criticized Sikorski's speech as predictable or calculated for effect, while media closer to the center and liberal ones emphasized the need for cooperation and limiting "sectarianism" in foreign policy. Key threads of the day surrounding the exposé: February 26, 2026 — Foreign Minister's exposé; February 26, 2026 — Parliamentary debate; February 26, 2026 — Debate on SAFE; February 26, 2026 — Nawrocki's conference

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the need for cooperation in the EU and pragmatism towards the USA. Conservative media highlight the risks of SAFE and accuse Sikorski of political games and submissiveness towards Brussels.