With its strong economic growth for a western country, added to its desire to play a greater military role within NATO, Poland is poised to become a key player in Europe.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is having an impact on the entire European Union. Countries like France and Germany are struggling to adopt a coherent policy.

Once the driving forces behind the European Union, these two countries are now weakened by economic and political factors, both internationally and domestically. That makes them hesitate between helping Ukraine and maintaining their relations with Moscow.

With a doctorate in international relations, I study relations between NATO member countries and Russia, as well as the use of new technologies in defence and security. This has led to my work looking at Poland’s increasing role in Europe’s political scene since the conflict in Ukraine began.

Over the past decade, Poland has had one of the highest economic growth rates in the European Union, with GDP rising by more than five per cent for many years, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the second quarter of 2024, the country recorded the highest increase in GDP in the EU compared to the previous quarter, at 1.5 per cent.

While most European countries are stagnating, Poland is maintaining its rate of economic development.

At the same time, Warsaw has been active on international........

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