Slawomir Dembsky – The Director of the Center of Polish-Russian dialogue and reconciliation.
- Many experts in the West considered Poland as one of the most successful examples of post-communist transit. What is happening now? To which extent does Poland cope with current economic problems?
Slawomir Dembsky – The Director of the Center of Polish-Russian dialogue and reconciliation.
Many experts in the West considered Poland as one of the most successful examples of post-communist transit. What is happening now? To which extent does Poland cope with current economic problems?
Yes, of course, Poland is a very interesting example of a successful transformation. And the membership of Poland in NATO and the EU is the proof of this success. In addition, the Polish economy demonstrated the resilience to the global crisis. As you know, the crisis started in 2008 and it is still going on, but, oddly enough, beginning from 2008 and up till now the volume of the Polish economy grew by 15-16%. It means, that in Poland the impact of global crisis, which strongly affected the economy of Europe is limited. This example is very interesting, because, perhaps, on the basis of what is happening with the economy of Poland, we can create some kind of a universal model.
Greek crisis has caused a strong reaction in the EU. What is the attitude of Poland towards the situation in Greece?
On the one hand, we are not members of the euro zone. It means that our role in the negotiations related to the reform of the euro, is limited. But sooner or later we will enter the euro zone, and nobody knows, what will happen at the time of our entrance. Certainly, we have our own interests, our views on how it should look like, and based on and what principles should predominate. And of course, Poland has its own position on the strategic issues, deciding inside the EU: for example, approval of the budget. Although, Poland is not included in the euro area, due to economic success, our country is an important participant in the negotiations on the strategic plan.
Let me ask you a tough question. The attitude toward Russia experienced different variations in the Polish society. How do the Poles see Russia now? Do they experience fear, neglect, and rejection or vice versa, they see us as allies, seek to an open dialogue, discussion?
Why do you think this question is complicated?
Well, for example, in connection with the recently held football match: there were some tough relations between Russian and Polish fans.
Of course, the Polish-Russian relations have their own specificity, in the sense, that they have a long historical tradition. And it always happens between countries, the example of Polish-Russian relations is not special in any way. For example, if you dwell on the sport, in the case of important football matches between Germany and England, if you look through the English press - including the yellow edition - you will always find a reference to the Second World War and the battle for the islands. Certainly, there are situations when the interest of the press and the mass media is reduced to the use of stereotypes in order to sell the product, including a football match. There is, of course, a part of the society, which I would not call the fans, because they really are not interested in the game, they live in a black and white world. The tools that journalist are using have the strongest impact on them.
The key to a constructive dialogue, which was created through an agreement between Prime Minister Tusk and Prime Minister Putin, the current president of Russia, is the fact that, given the context of stereotypes and myths, and the desire of the media to use them, gradually explaining to our societies, that, some of these stereotypes are based on a simplified view of our history. Stereotypes are based on simplifying and I think that a strategic task for us is an investment in young people, in mutual contact, in the mutual understanding. When there is mutual understanding? It appears, when we know more about each other and we are able to accept and understand, wherefrom are all our approaches, why there is a difference between them, what is the train of thought of the Poles and Russians on certain issues.
No doubt, we have strategic disagreements in some areas, but, in fact, first, there are different strategic grounds, and if there are differences in one or another direction, it does not mean that we all can not understand each other. Second, it seems to me that the basic principle is a desire to understand each other. The desire does not only refer to the stereotypes and myths, because it's pointless.
Or, refer to the products of the mass media that incite disagreements.
Absolutely. First of all, during the last twenty years we have had different periods in the relationship, but our countries are changing, society is changing. For people other things become more interesting. Our countries should be frankly and simply towards each other and keep each other informed. I think this is the problem that we have today. I hope that while resolving this problem, we will find allies in Poland and in Russia.
I also hope so. Thank you very much. Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed.
Interviewed by PR-manager of RIAC Olga Amelina.
