Duda breaks protocol: invited Nawrocki to the RCN gathering before NATO summit

On Wednesday, June 18, a key gathering of the National safety Council (RCN) was held at the Presidential Palace, during which president Elekt Karol Nawrocki first attended. The gathering was devoted to energy safety issues and preparations for the NATO summit in The Hague. Andrzej Duda justified the invitation of his successor as a precedent action, but needed – of a preparatory and signal nature towards the future of Poland and the Alliance.

Key themes of the RCN meeting

National safety Council met after 11 on Wednesday 18 June. Representatives of the most crucial institutions in the country attended the meeting, including:

• Prime Minister Donald Tusk
• Marshals of the Sejm and Senate: Simon Holovnia and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska
• Head of Ministry of abroad Affairs, Ministry of abroad Affairs and abroad Affairs: Tomasz Siemoniak, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Radosław Sikorski
• Commander of the Polish Army General Wiesław Kukuła
• Heads of clubs and parliamentary circles

Topics included energy security, including mention to blackouts on the Iberian Peninsula, and The upcoming NATO Summit The Hague.

According to the information provided by the President, the gathering was besides intended to demonstrating a political consensus on strategical issues for national security.

Nawrocki's invitation – "certain precedent"

The biggest media interest was the invitation to the RCN of president Elekt Karol Nawrockiwhich will officially take office on August 6. Andrzej Duda admitted:

– I took the liberty of inviting the President-elect, which is simply a precedent, but we have expressed the opinion that we hope that this will be recorded as a tradition for the future.

Duda stressed that Nawrocki's presence had a character substantive and preparatoryand not simply symbolic:

– I thought it was apparent that as the 1 who would take work for state affairs in six weeks, he should be present now.

The president besides expressed hope that the RCN in this expression would become a standard – as a space beyond organization boundaries, oriented on the safety of citizens.

Support for Ukraine and NATO consensus

In the context of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, Andrzej Duda announced that Poland would:

• Maintain support for Ukraine's Alliance membership
• Pursue NATO unity
• Strengthen transatlantic ties and cooperation with the US

The president pointed out that the presence of US troops in Poland is not threatened. At the same time, he referred to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's proposal to increase investment on defence – up to 3.5% of GDP per army and 1.5% for another safety needs.

– I personally agree with this proposal. For us in Poland this is not a problem," said Duda, pointing to a broad political consensus in the country.

Warning against Russian policies and maneuvers "Fall 2025"

The president besides recalled the danger he posed Russia's imperial policy. In this context, he referred to autumn plans Joint military manoeuvres of Russia and Belarus "Fall 2025", which match akin 2021 exercises – preceding a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

– This requires an additional demonstration of readiness from the Alliance – Duda assessed.

National safety Council – Composition and importance

RCN is an advisory body of the president of Poland on interior and external safety issues. Its composition includes the highest state authorities and parliamentary club leaders. The president convenes meetings and sets out the subject matter.

Due to Energy aspect of the Wednesday meeting, representatives of the ministries besides participated:

• State Assets
• Development and Technology
• Climate
• Industry

The erstwhile RCN gathering took place 24 February, on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and besides focused on current geopolitical threats.

Future perspective: institutionalization of continuity of power?

Although president Elek's participation in the RCN is not provided for by law, The action of Andrzej Duda may open the way to a permanent change in systemic practicewhose intent would be increased continuity of safety policy independently of the head of state.

Nawrocki's invitation, justified by Duda as a form preparation for office, signal of State stableness and organization maturity – which in the context of a tense global situation can be welcomed both in the country and among NATO allies.