“This has enormous significance for strengthening Polish-Atlantic ties — not just Euro-Atlantic, as we usually say. It’s primarily about enhancing cooperation between Poland and the United States, binding the U.S. more closely to our part of Europe. This is fundamentally important,” said President Andrzej Duda during an interview with journalist Michał Rachoń on Republika TV, discussing the upcoming Three Seas Initiative summit. Among the attendees will be U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
Earlier, funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis were held at the Vatican. Large numbers of world leaders gathered in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, including a Polish delegation consisting of President Andrzej Duda, First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, and Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia.
Reporters from Republika TV, including the station’s program director Michał Rachoń, were also present on site.
That evening, following the funeral, Rachoń spoke with President Duda during a special broadcast.
“This Conversation Was Very Symbolic”
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the significant meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as the forthcoming Three Seas Initiative summit.
President Duda remarked at the outset, “Today is truly a special day.”
“On one hand, we are attending the funeral of the Holy Father, who — as we say — has gone to the Father’s House. It’s not a ceremony of tragedy, but rather a gathering of believers who trust in the afterlife and that the Holy Father has passed on to a better life. Still, beyond the religious farewell and prayer, this is also a major political event. Remember, the Pope is not only the head of the Vatican state but above all the head of the global Catholic Church — the largest Christian community worldwide. He is a global figure in politics and diplomacy. Pope Francis was such a figure. It’s no surprise that world leaders have gathered here, including U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, as well as many other presidents and prime ministers. It’s a major event. We also witnessed an unplanned meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky inside St. Peter’s Basilica,” Duda said.
Rachoń noted that Pope Francis often spoke about the war in Ukraine. “It seems this blends the religious and political dimensions — perhaps a signal that the war might be nearing its end,” he suggested.
President Duda agreed.
“In this difficult situation, President Trump has repeatedly declared he will do everything to end the war as quickly as possible. He has taken it upon himself to push for peace, to end the fighting, and to stop the deaths. Meeting today with Zelensky, president of an invaded nation, he likely sought new avenues for peace, while also discussing future actions against the Russian aggressor. What is most significant to me, as a believer, is that this conversation took place here. Maybe this will be the site that inspires both leaders to find an effective solution to end the war. Zelensky himself called the meeting ‘symbolic.’ It truly was. I hope it brings new momentum to a very difficult situation. Let’s hope,” Duda said.
“Our Cooperation Is of Enormous Importance”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Three Seas Initiative. The jubilee summit, scheduled for April 28–29, 2025, in Warsaw, will not only conclude a decade of regional collaboration but will also set the course for future development. Michał Rachoń also discussed this with President Duda.
“Security issues are paramount, but I also view today’s Trump-Zelensky meeting through the lens of Poland’s security. As president, the security of Poles is my top priority — by far. I’m responsible for it. And this involves not just military security, but also energy and economic security. Infrastructure development, a core theme of the Three Seas Initiative, has proven to be of strategic importance, especially after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Our collaboration here is crucial,” Duda stated.
He added: “I’m glad that not only the Three Seas members but also our allies will be represented.”
“I believe the summit will be highly productive, with discussions centered primarily on energy security — not just gas but, importantly, electricity. We have several new and groundbreaking developments. For instance, the Baltic states’ energy synchronization with Europe via Poland — moving away from the Russian system. We, the Poles, strongly supported this transition, a clear success story of Three Seas cooperation. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, a close associate of Donald Trump, will attend, and we plan to discuss vital issues, particularly in nuclear energy, which is indispensable for us,” the Polish president noted.
Tusk’s Government Slowing Poland’s Development…
President Duda also expressed concern about delays in critical Polish investments under the current government coalition led by Donald Tusk, citing examples like the Central Transportation Hub (CPK).
“We are currently building a nuclear power plant in Poland with Westinghouse and Bechtel. I am pleased Secretary Wright is coming — we fought hard for this. We feared the project was facing serious delays. After Donald Tusk’s government took power, work clearly slowed down, just like with CPK, now almost halted. Staff changes in companies also contributed to the slowdowns. The entire process got delayed. Moreover, there were even criticisms raised against the U.S., claiming not enough Polish involvement in these investments,” the president stressed.
“I have repeatedly spoken with Westinghouse and Bechtel executives — even yesterday, right before signing the so-called ‘bridge agreement,’ which Tusk will sign with Secretary Wright. Why? Because deadlines have slipped, and a bridge agreement is now necessary to move forward. But this all highlights the need for vigilance over these vital security projects. I strongly emphasized to our American partners how crucial this investment is to us. It’s not just about electricity; it’s about strategic U.S. interests in nuclear energy in Poland,” Duda continued.
In his view, “this cooperation has tremendous importance for tightening Polish-Atlantic ties. Not just Euro-Atlantic ones. It’s about binding the United States closer to our region of Europe — and that’s fundamental. Today, there are three key pillars: the U.S. military presence, the missile defense base in Redzikowo — two goals once championed by the late President Lech Kaczyński — and now we add nuclear energy. Nuclear power is a sensitive, strategic factor that could greatly enhance our relationship with the United States.”