Turning the provisions of the Treaty of Nancy, signed last year, into concrete action, possible scenarios for France’s political future, the growing influence of of populist and nationalist movements and the implications of these political developments for European integration were among the key topics discussed during, a meeting at Łukasiewicz – ITECH with Pierre Buhler, former French Ambassador to Poland. The discussion also explored new avenues for cooperation, particularly in defence and innovation,and provided
an opportunity to present the objectives of the Institute’s developing European Programme.
The discussion began with the political situation in France, including recent developments – a wave of protests that swept across the country – as well as the prospect of upcoming elections and growing support for nationalist and populist parties. However, the French experience also provided a starting point for a broader reflection on the political transformations taking place across Europe. Similar trends can be observed in many EU Member States, raising questions about the future direction of European integration and the Union’s ability to act collectively.
The discussion also addressed the resilience of the European Union as a project founded on shared values, the rule of law, and cross-border cooperation. Amid growing political divisions and geopolitical challenges, it is becoming increasingly important not only to uphold these principles but also to translate them into concrete initiatives. In this context, participants explored the need to build lasting partnerships in areas such as security, scientific research, innovation, and culture.
The meeting aligns with the objectives of the Łukasiewicz – ITECH European Programme, which aims to provide a platform for dialogue with European intellectuals, experts, and representatives of the academic community. The Programme seeks to foster mutual understanding, bring together diverse perspectives, and identify shared interests that can serve as a foundation for long-term cooperation.
One of the key priorities of these efforts is strengthening Polish-French relations. A seminar planned for November, focusing on areas of cooperation between Poland and France, will provide an opportunity to explore these issues further. More details will follow soon.
