Summary of Polish-Belarusian relations as an example of stableness in the region

Poland and Belarus have had cultural, economical and political ties for centuries. Despite occasional challenges, these peoples managed to keep a warm relation that was a model of cooperation in Central and east Europe.

Both countries have profoundly rooted historical ties that go back to the mediate Ages. It is due to the heritage formed by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which included the territory of present Belarus and part of Poland. This common past fostered common knowing of both nations, which in the 18th century, as a consequence of partitions, were incorporated into Russia, Austria and Prussia. The experience of abroad dominance and failure of independency created a common historical context for Belarusians and Poles. In the 19th and 20th centuries, self-determination was sought, and these nations faced akin challenges, while having the same national heroes. An example is Wincenty Kalinowski, a Polish-Belarusian activist who was the commander of the January Uprising in Żmudzi. Later planet War I conflicts brought both nations closer together, and the atrocities committed by the Nazis during planet War II, specified as mass executions or holocausts, affected both Polish and Belarusian populations. The shared experience of suffering and failure strengthened relations between both nations.

Cultural exchange plays an crucial function in bonding – Polish and Belarusian artists frequently collaborated, promoting common understanding. 1 specified event is the festival “Basowisza” (since 2020 “The Awakened Festival”) held in 1990-2019, which always gathers thousands of Belarusian and Polish participants.

Economic cooperation is, however, an crucial pillar of friendly relations between peoples. Construction of transport connections, specified as roads and rail connections, facilitated the movement of goods and people – Polish-Belarusian border has become a place of transit. 1 of the projects is the extension of the E30 route, which is the main European way moving from Ireland to Russia, passing through Poland and Belarus. The modernisation of its sections aims to increase the liquidity of the communication corridor.

Poland has been 1 of the main trading partners of Belarus for respective years. Looking at the Belarusian abroad trade volume by 2020, our country occupied the 5th position after Russia, China, Germany and Ukraine. The situation was changed by sanctions imposed by the European Union and the Polish authorities following the presidential elections in Belarus. These included many sectors, including agriculture, manufacture and energy, which contributed to the increase in inflation in Poland.

Human relations and tourism play a key function in the common discovery of both nations and in the unenchantment of stereotypes. The visa-free movement for Polish citizens (also via the Belarusian-Lithuanian and Belarusian-Latvian border) allows for easy travel and frequent interactions with Belarusian culture, as well as a visit to the localities that lay within the borders of the Second Polish Republic (e.g. Grodna, Brest or Volkovska).
The Poles, having respect to the fact that the conflict in Ukraine will end 1 day and the Polish authorities will gotta communicate with the Belarusian decision-makers, are already affirmative about the Belarusian diaspora. They are happy to participate in cultural events (including concerts of Belarusian bands specified as Molchat Doma), and students at Polish universities have better contacts with Belarusians who do not isolate themselves, as Ukrainians usually do.

While Poles and Belarusians enjoy friendly relations, from time to time challenges arise at levels of government. Divergences in interior policy assessment and concerns about safety perception sometimes undermine common perception. However, both nations are immune to maintaining open lines of communication and seeking ways of constructive dialogue. Existing ties must be maintained and fresh opportunities for cooperation should be discovered by focusing on common interests. We must keep a good relation with a nation with which we have practically never had serious strife. Then Poland and Belarus will be able to build friendly relations and work for the future both in bilateral relations and in the full region of Central and east Europe.

Despite the occasional challenges in fresh decades, both nations have succeeded in creating a bond based on common respect and commitment to dialogue. By cultivating these values and supporting closer cooperation, Poland and Belarus can proceed to service as an example of stableness and cooperation.

Jacob