Poland's New National Doctrine: Independence and Belonging Based on Strength
Republic of Poland
25.04.2025
"Under the white-and-red flag, there must be room for every Polish woman and every Polish man," emphasized Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the Special Assembly of MPs and Senators on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of Bolesław the Brave in Gniezno. The Prime Minister announced that Poland is adopting a new national doctrine inspired by the Piast dynasty's strength and courage, exemplified by the coronation of Bolesław the Brave in 1025. Its key tenets are proud national independence and a rational belonging to the Western community. Poland's strength will rest on three pillars: the region's strongest army, a robust economy, and strong political standing.
The Legacy of Bolesław the Brave - A Foundation of Polish Identity
The celebrations marking the millennium of Bolesław the Brave's coronation became a unique opportunity to uncover words, gestures, and events in history that unite all Poles—regardless of era or political beliefs.
"Bolesław the Brave left behind one word with absolute certainty. That word is Poland. (...) We gather here today despite our differences. Because though we may differ in words and matters, those words and matters are less important than this word and this matter—the most important word and the most important matter: Poland," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the ceremony in Gniezno.
Caring for Poland also means asking which directions we should pursue to strengthen its power and potential. The answers we can draw from our past remain relevant today.
1000 Years of Shared Values
This year's commemoration of Bolesław the Brave's 1025 coronation reminds us of the significance of a decision Poland made a thousand years ago—then, as now, choosing to belong to the Western community.
"By placing the crown on his head, Bolesław the Brave declared that the Kingdom of Poland was joining the West—a West defined as a political, religious, and values-based community. (...) That choice, repeatedly renewed, sometimes questioned by our enemies, sometimes by some within Poland, requires constant effort—and remains valid always. This choice between the political East and the West," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Poland in 2025 faces vastly different challenges than those during the reign of its first crowned ruler, but it should still draw on ancestral wisdom. Bolesław the Brave, guided by the good of the homeland, managed to preserve the country's independence while building its strength through affiliation with the European community.
"This is the lesson of Bolesław the Brave, who knew how to combine independence and belonging when, through his decision, he fulfilled his father's work and made Poland a sovereign kingdom. At the same time, he consciously made Poland a part of the community of values—the West, Europe. He knew how to reconcile, which is something we don't always manage today: independence and belonging, pride and prudence, Poland and Europe," said the Prime Minister.
The choice of Europe paid off for Poland a thousand years ago—and continues to pay off today as we are part of the European Union.
Three Pillars of the New National Doctrine
Inspired by Bolesław the Brave's courage and strength, Poland should now take steps to reinforce itself. The Prime Minister announced in Gniezno the three pillars of the new national doctrine.
"Perhaps today, without unnecessary pomp, it is time to announce a new national doctrine—a Piast doctrine. A doctrine based on strength. Not on illusions, not only on dreams or aspirations, but on strength. (...) Independence and belonging based on strength. That is our Piast doctrine," declared Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The first pillar of the Piast doctrine is having the strongest army in the region. This challenge is within reach—provided we approach it with the faith and courage shown by Bolesław the Brave.
"Our army must be able to repel any threat. (...) And we are ready to build the strongest army in this part of the world. We are doing this together, regardless of views. And we are using the tragic and dramatic experiences of the war raging beyond our border," said the Prime Minister.
The second pillar of Polish strength is the strongest economy in the region. Compared to other countries, we should no longer feel any inferiority. Poland is cementing its place among the absolute leaders of economic growth in Europe. Symbolically, the Warsaw Stock Exchange Index yesterday, for the first time in history, surpassed 100,000 points.
"Today, we are truly one step away from becoming a country admired not only in Europe but across the world: 'Oh, Poland, that's an economic miracle.' That's what generations once dreamed of. (...) Looking at the pace of our development, (...) within a few years we will catch up with the largest economies, such as Germany and Japan," noted the Prime Minister.
The third pillar of the Piast doctrine is Poland's political position in the region and Europe. The government is strengthening international alliances, evidenced by the recently intensified cooperation with the Baltic States and the planned signing of a treaty with France. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining the best possible transatlantic relations and close cooperation with the United States—our most important ally.
"Few in Europe can say they have built a very strong position in the EU and maintain excellent relations with the United States—regardless of who governs in Washington. And that is a shared achievement of everyone present here," emphasized Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The new national doctrine—based on strength—ensures that Poland will never again be powerless. It is a tribute to past generations and a commitment to those yet to come.
"King Bolesław! We, the Polish people of the 21st century, say today, on the 1000th anniversary of your coronation, with full voice and full conviction: Your crown shines brightly, and your Kingdom stands strong!" concluded the Prime Minister.
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