Poland threatens not to sign the Rome declaration

Poland won’t adopt the Rome declaration if it won't address certain issues. “If the declaration does not include the issues which are priorities for Poland, we will not accept the declaration,” Polish PM Beata Szydło said in an interview with TVN24. “The unity of the EU, defense of a tight NATO cooperation, strengthening the role of national governments and the rules of the common market which cannot divide but unite — these are the four priorities which have to be included in the declaration,” she explained. EU leaders are due to sign the Rome declaration at the upcoming summit, which will lay out a vision for the future of the EU after Brexit. Poland wants to stop the idea of multi-speed Europe, which could relegate the ex-communist east to second-class membership by the western powers. In the text of the declaration, which was approved on Monday, this issue is addressed in this manner. “Unity is both a necessity and our free choice. Taken individually, we would be side-lined by global dynamics. Standing together is our best chance to influence them, and to defend our common interests and values. We will act together, at different paces and intensity where necessary, while moving in the same direction, as we have done in the past, in line with the Treaties and keeping the door open to those who want to join later.” Poland is not the only country threatening not to sign the declaration. Greece is also throwing a fit, because of the latest problems in negotiations regarding the latest bailout deal for Athens. Still, EU diplomats are sure that the document will be signed on Saturday, as the text has been approved and recent concerns are just a part of local politics.