Editorial comment. We believe Poland’s seat at the G20 table in Atlanta is the most important diplomatic opportunity in years. But it is an opportunity that has to be earned, not a permanent gift.
On Friday and Saturday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta. This year’s list of participants on the official g20.org site includes Poland, added by the US presidency in place of South Africa. Poland is represented by Radosław Sikorski, Russia by Sergei Lavrov, as reported by money.pl.
Why does this matter to a Polish family in Leeds or a building firm in Glasgow? Because the G20 countries produce around 85 per cent of global GDP. Decisions on trade, energy and supply chains are made there, and we later feel them in the prices of materials and fuel and in contracts. Until now these matters were discussed about us, but without us. Now Poland can speak for itself.
The second reason is less comfortable. At the same table sits a representative of the state that has been waging war in Ukraine since 2022. Sikorski said he would go even if Russia attends. We think that is the right decision. An empty chair would not stop the talks, and a discussion about Europe’s security would go ahead without the voice of a country on its eastern border.
We understand the critics. They say Lavrov’s presence in America is a step towards normalisation, and that Poland’s invitation depends on the goodwill of one administration and may end after a year. That is true – Poland’s status is not permanent today. But that is exactly why these two days are a test: will we arrive with concrete economic proposals, or just for the photo?
For Poles in Britain there is one more thread. In 2027 the United Kingdom takes over the G20 presidency, and Poland is seeking an invitation then too (Notes from Poland). Several hundred thousand Poles living and working in the UK are a strong argument in talks with London. The government should use it.
We will get the real answer in December at the leaders’ summit in Miami. If Poland is written into the final declaration, Atlanta will be the start of something lasting. If not, it will remain a one-off guest appearance. We will follow it every day.
Full facts about the meeting: G20 in Atlanta: Poland and Russia at one table.
THE BUSINESS TIME editorial team
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