Polish Business Council Calls for Dialogue Between Poland and Ukraine

The Polish Business Council (Rada Przedsiębiorczości) has sent a letter to Polish and Ukrainian governments, calling for dialogue amid a recent escalation of tensions in bilateral relations. The council, representing Polish entrepreneurs, expressed concern about the growing strain and stressed that dialogue and cooperation remain the primary means to overcome differences.

The council recalled that after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Polish society and business people opened their hearts and homes to millions of Ukrainian refugees. The economies of the two countries have become closely intertwined, and both sides should work to reduce tensions.

"Nearly one million Ukrainian workers and entrepreneurs are an integral part of Poland's economic system, and Poland is Ukraine’s most important trading partner today. This capital of trust cannot be wasted," the statement said. The council calls on Polish and Ukrainian authorities to take steps aimed at de-escalation and strengthening economic and institutional cooperation.

The business representatives emphasize that the common interests of Poland and Ukraine significantly outweigh the differences that divide them. The council also declared its readiness to support any initiatives aimed at dialogue, economic cooperation, and building a strong partnership between the two countries.

The call comes after President of Poland Karol Nawrocki on June 19 decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the naming of a Ukrainian unit after UPA heroes, and stated that Poland would not allow EU membership for those who do not understand the need to renounce the "cult of totalitarianism and violence." Following this decision, several Ukrainian officials announced they would return their Polish awards. Additionally, questions arose about whether Zelenskyy would attend this year's Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland.