Common Crisis: Poland’s Approach to the Pandemic

As governments work to flatten the curve of covid-19 infections, the public health crisis is evolving into an economic and security crisis with long-term effects on the Transatlantic Alliance. Poland has begun to cautiously loosen its covid-19 restrictions, opening public areas such as parks and beaches, while maintaining social distancing. Now, Poland is pivoting to the next challenge at hand: holding presidential elections during the pandemic. At the same time, there is growing concern on how the current crisis will affect commitments to collective security.

Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz joined CEPA for a fireside chat on the Polish perspective on how the Alliance is adapting to the new coronavirus-reality. The discussion covered Poland’s strategy for dealing with the pandemic, how allies can bolster common security during the crisis, and opportunities for members of the transatlantic community to collaborate in an effort to mitigate long-term strategic and economic challenges.