Alliance against the British
Michał Pakulniewicz: What are your expectations for the EU summit?
Janusz Lewandowski: Before the summit I expect many rounds of individual meetings, during which Tony Blair will be giving Christmas presents to everyone, after frightening the whole of Europe with his initial proposals. I would prefer the countries didn't let themselves be bought and didn't break ranks because of this round of gift-giving. Personally, I would prefer to talk about the long-term budget with the Austrians, who take hold of the rotating EU presidency in January.
How stubbornly should Poland defend its position in the EU budget negotiations?
If an agreement on the long-term budget is not reached, we will be left with annual budgets, and the budget for 2006 will be the basis for following budgets. This is why we deliberately took such a tough stand in the negotiations for the 2006 budget, preparing for the worst-case scenario of annual budgets rather than a long-term solution. As far as taking a tough stand on the long-term [2007-2013] budget is concerned, it makes no sense - it would only serve to isolate us.
So you don't think Poland needs to take a firm stand?
Not individually, because such gestures will only isolate Poland and will prevent us from playing the natural role of leader of the new member states. There has been too much of that in the last few weeks.
We should rather form an alliance of countries, including those who are not Visegrad Group members. Only then would there be a chance to oppose the British. Those opposed to the British budget proposal make a good point when they advocate going back to the old, so-called Luxembourg proposal, which protects the new, poorer countries and is therefore more favorable to Poland.
Do you think an agreement will finally be reached?
Keeping the history of the EU in mind, we can expect a last-minute agreement, which requires having strong nerves and not bowing to blackmail. The rich states know that the poorer ones attach great importance to predictability and a quick compromise because they want to get ready to consume the funds from the EU. I believe there will be a last-minute compromise.
Interviewed by Michał Pakulniewicz
