Poland launches bid for permanent G20 seat during ministerial meetings in Milwaukee

Diplomatic campaign in Milwaukee

Polish Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domański used the G20 ministerial meeting in Milwaukee, United States, to advocate for Poland to obtain permanent membership in the group. Poland was invited by the American hosts to take part in the working sessions in 2026. Speaking on Wednesday, Domański confirmed that Poland is pursuing full accession as well as participation in the group's agenda for next year.

We would like to have a permanent seat in the G20. We know that this is a complex process. We know that within the G20 we have strong allies, such as the United States. But this is a decision that we will work on together in the coming weeks.

Economic case and bilateral talks

During the first day of ministerial sessions, Domański held bilateral discussions with trade and finance counterparts from India, China, and Canada. He also spoke with ministers from Australia and the United Kingdom. Poland structured its bid around macroeconomic stability, positioning its domestic economy as a central asset for the group.

We are currently the fastest-growing large economy in the European Union. Our growth rate is several times higher than that of other large EU economies. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates.

Domański argued that Polish economic achievements command international respect and that the country's policy experience would benefit G20 deliberations. He noted that formal entry requires extensive backroom discussions, pointing out that no new country has joined the G20 in many years.

Black Sea grain and agricultural trade

At a dedicated session addressing illicit practices in agricultural trade, the Polish delegation focused on food security and supply line disruptions. Domański condemned Russian naval operations in the Black Sea that obstruct maritime grain exports from Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine remains a critical supplier to world agricultural markets, and that disrupting its maritime corridors reduces global food availability while damaging the Ukrainian economy.

According to Domański, the Polish delegation secured broad agreement among attending ministers in Milwaukee on a formal condemnation of actions aimed against international food commerce.

Obstacles and consensus requirements

Despite support from Washington, Polish officials acknowledged significant structural hurdles in securing a permanent seat. Expanding the G20 requires unanimous consensus among all member states. Turkish Deputy Minister of Trade Tuzcu confirmed to journalist Marcin Antosiewicz that any formal expansion depends on collective agreement, noting that Turkey would examine a Polish application once formally submitted.

We know that the American side supports Polish membership in the G20. We were invited to participate in the work this year. However, let us remember that within the G20 we have, for example, Russia. We have countries with which we have good relations, but these are not countries for which Poland is currently the most important trading partner. So I am an optimist, but on this issue I would still remain cautious.

The accession campaign will continue into future presidencies. The United Kingdom is scheduled to hold the G20 presidency next year, followed by South Korea the year after.