Between Brussels and London:The Conceptual Analysis of the Poland’s Balancing Act in European Power Politics

Abstract

In the landscape of contemporary European politics, Poland has emerged as a pivotal actor straddling strategic relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom. From its early post-socialist years in the 1990s, marked by democratic transition and economic modification, Poland has undergone a significant transformation. Since its accession to the European Union in 2004, the country has steadily grown in stature, evolving from a peripheral participant into one of the EU’s influential mid-range powers. With its considerable territory, a population exceeding 35 million, and a growing economy, Poland presents itself as an attractive situational and strategic partner within both European and transatlantic frameworks of cooperation. Its favorable geographical position at the EU’s eastern frontier further reinforces its strategic relevance, especially in matters concerning security and energy policy.

Historically marked by complex and often strained relations with Russia, Poland's geopolitical importance has only intensified following the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022. As one of the regional critics of Russian aggression and a frontline supporter of Ukraine, Poland has actively sought to reshape EU narratives concerning the security. This assertive stance of Warsaw has aligned it closely with British foreign policy priorities, particularly in the post-Brexit era, while occasionally placing it at odds with more cautious or consensus-driven approaches within the EU.

This paper explores Poland’s dual role in contemporary international relations as both a strategic partner and a political challenge through the lens of its interactions with Britain and the European Union. It seeks to analyze how Poland leverages its geopolitical, demographic, and historical position to assert itself as a crucial player in shaping Europe’s response to regional instability and shifting global power dynamics.