VIEWPOINT FROM THE LEFT

Paweł Makowski: There is a lot of talk about problems adjusting Poland and Poles to the standards of the EU. Do you think, after several years as an observer in the EP, that our deputies will be able to meet the standards which are observed in that parliament?
BOGDAN PODGÓRSKI: It is impossible not to notice that in Strasburg traditions other than those of our Sejm dominate. First and foremost deputies in the EP have enormous political and personal culture. There opponents are really won over by arguments and not by demagoguery and political terror. I am afraid that some of our future deputies may have a small problem with that. That’s why I emphasize at every meeting that work is accomplished in a completely different way there and I hope that our parliamentarians are able to adjust to the habits which govern the EP.

You are a member of the subcommittee for the cultural heritage of the EP. Do you believe that Europe should refer to its Christian cultural heritage, or perhaps some other part of its identity, in its constitution?
The beauty of the idea of a United Europe is based on the inclusion of people with various perspectives and faiths. That’s why I believe that we should honor that ideal and not refer specifically to one religion in the constitution. A significant number of French and German residents are Muslim. Another country eager to enter the EU is Turkey, which is 99 percent Muslim. In this situation should we refer only to our Christian roots? I think that such a declaration would be at the very least awkward.

Do you think that satiated and sluggish “old” Europe will be able to accept new members to the EU with positive interest as if for new family members or rather treat them as logs in the economic game?
We are experiencing this positive interest all the time! Take a walk on the Main Market Square of Cracow – if you ask a passerby to take your picture, chances are that you should ask in English or German. Notice everywhere Poland is promoted by stands among those from other countries – they are always crowded. Interest in our country emerged before 1989 and has lasted until today. Our entry into Community structures is confirmation that we are perceived as stable and predictable countries in which the law is observed and even though the new members are somewhat farther away, they are still family.

You are a tourism specialist. How should we promote our country in the EU: with storks and bread with lard or other symbols? Should we have a special offer for Germans, who in particular experience sentimental visits to Poland, although those sentiments are not accepted here?
Let’s begin with lard and storks. You have correctly observed that these are only symbols. But they hide something as well. On one hand it is a sign that Poland is a country of clean and unpolluted nature with beautiful environmental virtues. On the other we should mention that we have a rich and varied culture, a great deal of experience and many accomplishments which have influenced the fate of Europe and the world. By combining those two elements skillfully, we can count on success. Particularly since, more than once in speaking with European officials, I have heard that they have had enough of vacations in Spain and Italy. In terms of the Germans, well, this is an issue that still provokes a lot of emotions. I am afraid that some people, without a state guarantee, will fear those visits. Actually, I don’t think the situation is as bad. Western areas of Poland make a living from contacts with Germany, buyers and entrepreneurs have a new market in Germany and trade cooperation effectively eliminates a lack of trust. Look at the problem from another side: do the residents of Lviv or Vilnius have something to fear from our visits to their cities? Do we travel there in order to take away their historic buildings? No, we go there in order to experience the sentimentality of childhood for a moment.

You are a candidate for the EP. What is your vision of a common Europe, a Europe you plan to help build as a EP deputy?
I want to live in a “Europe of Nations.” I see Europe not as a federation but rather a confederation of countries strong in heritage and traditions. We are curious about other nations and cultures but do not forget about our own identity. I am sure of it.