Krynica Forum 2023: Discussing the Future

Central Forum motifs included the energy sector, discussions focusing on topics such as “Poland’s energy security”, “Derussifying European energy – realistic goal or pure utopia?”, “Poland’s roads to net zero emissions. Goals, directions, inspiring examples.” Nuclear energy development was also explored during discussions and meetings, the topic significant in view of the need to secure clean and stable energy sources, and part of broad-scale activities designed to make Poland independent of Russia’s energy resources.

Large-scale nuclear plants apart, SMRs (small modular reactors) are to be launched in Poland, works underway already. In Krynica, the subject was discussed by Orlen Synthos Green Energy representatives. Established by the largest Polish corporation and eminent entrepreneur Michał Sołowow, the company will develop BWRX-300 technology-based 300 MW small nuclear reactors, the technology supplied by the American-Japanese corporation General Electric Hitachi Nuclear.

Economic matters (including a Polish-Korean Forum) and foreign investment influx into Poland were significant themes of the Krynica Forum 2023. Foreign investment can be viewed through the various lenses: benefits to the country, economy, equity-allocating investors, and Europe. Investments in Poland stand for supply chain stability while boosting the Old Continent’s position on the world map.

Małopolska, the region Krynica-Zdrój is located in, was the Forum’s lead partner. Among the most dynamically developing regions in Poland, its geographical location makes it essential to Polish-Ukrainian relations as well.

JPO

What were the key themes at the Krynica Forum 2023?

The Krynica Forum addresses issues that are most important not only from the perspective of Poland, but also for the region and the world. The topics naturally included security, which was discussed in three dimensions: strategic, energy and climate. There was also the Polish-Korean Forum with the participation of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the Prime Minister of Korea, Han Duck-soo, in which we focused on cross-sectoral comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, including in the fields of defence, nuclear energy and transport. We should also not forget about support for Ukraine and its reconstruction – much of the discussion was devoted precisely to the situation beyond our eastern border. President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda spoke very extensively on this topic.

What are the key takeaways from the discussions, speeches, meetings? What emerged from the meetings at the highest political level?

The topics discussed at the Krynica Forum highlighted the fact that Poland is currently at the centre of world events and is a point on the map that has strategic importance for the security of the West and the shape of the world as we know it today. Cooperation with key allies such as the United States and the growing importance of relations with Korea, as well as cooperation with our neighbours in the region, might have a pivotal impact on our future. Strong declarations were made in Krynica-Zdrój and, most importantly for us, all the Forum participants showed an understanding of the problems and a consistent approach to solving them. This shows that the dialogue we are betting on is already having a positive effect. We are confident that our Polish-Korean Forum will reinforce the cooperation we have already built and strengthen our relationship; President Nausėda’s presence is a strong voice speaking to the unity of the region.

JPO