On Wednesday 28 October, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński spoke at the Krynica Forum about how to change the European Union. He listed several options, including a new treaty. As a last resort, if other methods failed, he proposed talks on Poland leaving the EU.
Kaczyński later wrote on X that he wants a thorough reform of the Union, not its abolition. He blamed the governments of Angela Merkel and Donald Tusk for the crisis in the EU.
On Thursday 29 October, Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded on X. He wrote that the PiS leader had announced negotiations on the terms of leaving the EU. He said he would not lose the fight over Poland’s place in the Union.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski listed the possible consequences of leaving: customs checks on the borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania, passport checks at airports, and the end of subsidies for farmers and funds for investment, including from the KPO (National Recovery Plan) and the SAFE programme.
Mateusz Morawiecki, leader of Rozwój Plus, replied that his party supports Poland’s EU membership but wants serious reforms of the Union.
What it means for Poles in the UK
Poles in the UK know the effects of Brexit well: visas, customs duties, border checks and new residence statuses. Today this is only a political dispute – nobody has started a formal procedure for Poland to leave the EU. However, the topic will keep returning in the campaign before the 2027 parliamentary elections. For businesses that trade with Poland via the EU, it is a signal to follow the debate.
Our assessment
We see no realistic path today to Poland leaving the EU. It would require a government decision and a majority in parliament. However, the dispute shows that the Union will become one of the main campaign topics. The Brexit experience teaches that such slogans can quickly change the debate.
What to do
- Check the facts at source – on government websites: gov.pl/web/premier.
- If you want to vote in Polish elections from the UK, keep your passport or ID card valid and watch for registration on the consular voters’ list: gov.pl/web/wielkabrytania.
Source: Rzeczpospolita/PAP (29 October 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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