At the European Forum for New Ideas in Warsaw in mid-April, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported on the country's economy, setting out a new national economic strategy — active, unambiguous and supportive of Polish businesses. It marks a clear shift in the approach to the role of the state in the economy, one that makes room for a modern economic patriotism. Mr Tusk noted that the time had come to renew and "Polonise" Poland's economy, market and capital. Addressing the forum's participants in this context, he stressed that he was counting on the support of those present.

"Modern economic nationalism means firm and decisive action, so that no one obstructs and no one takes away what is due to Polish companies and Polish entrepreneurs. There will be a very serious confrontation with those who object to this change of approach," the head of the Polish government emphasised, recalling that the national economy deserves the personal involvement of every resident of Poland.

"The participation of each of our people lies at the heart of Polish patriotism — perhaps the most important dimension of it in today's circumstances. I believe no one needs convincing that our young people, too, must have their place in this economic space," said Donald Tusk, emphasising that if Poles want to succeed in the economy, it must be stated plainly that Poland will not be a naive partner in the ever more ruthless and self-serving competition of the world market, and that Polish companies will not be left at a disadvantage when competing with international giants.

"The age of naive globalisation is ending. The time has come to renew the national economy and to look after the interests of our entrepreneurs. We must, without reservation and 'selfishly', look after the interests of Polish companies. Why do international companies from outside the European Union beat us in public procurement, why is it so hard for Polish companies to win contracts? This situation must change! We will support our companies in accordance with the law, and report systematically on how to give preference to Polish companies in tenders of various kinds."

In the Polish prime minister's view, what is happening in the global economy shows that both capital and those who manage it have a nationality. "The time of modern economic nationalism is approaching. Our interests are white and red," the Polish prime minister said, announcing that he would shortly present the first package of measures to lift restrictions.

A new approach to managing state-owned companies

The new approach also entails the need to improve the strategic management of Poland's state-owned companies. Their activities must be directed not only towards profit, but also towards long-term public objectives and the strengthening of the country's economic security. The aim is to increase the transparency and effectiveness of support for domestic business.

An important element of the new economic policy will be major investment in infrastructure and energy, which Polish companies are to deliver as quickly and efficiently as possible. One example is the construction of Poland's first nuclear power plant. The company making the investment must set aside a considerable share of the money for contracts with Polish companies. The prime minister noted that 53 billion zloty must go directly to Polish companies. Subcontractors must also be Polish companies. This can be achieved if the political will is there to carry through changes in the interests of the Polish people.

Rebuilding the country's industrial potential

Investment priorities also include the reconstruction of the country's industrial potential. Refurbishing Poland's strategically important plants matters not only to local communities, but also to the country's energy security.

"There is nothing to stop us starting arms production in a place where boilers were once made. We have already decided to invest money there in order to maintain a suitable production facility," the head of the Polish government emphasised.

Mention was made of the Częstochowa steelworks, which was saved and restored thanks to state involvement and has become an important point of support for the Polish army. The Ministry of Defence has taken on responsibility and become the administrator of the Częstochowa steelworks — not only to rescue the plant, but also to give Polish arms companies the materials to produce with.

Reference was made to the work begun at the Sławków transhipment terminal and its considerable importance. The terminal on the broad-gauge line from the east is one of the key logistics points that foreign companies have spent years trying to acquire. Investment in this area cannot be subordinated to external interests; it must serve both Poland and its international partners. The Polish prime minister stressed: "We Poles, Polish companies, the Polish state, will have 100% control of the development of this site and of the investment in it. We will be the ones earning from it!"

The investment is intended to serve not only the development of Poland's economy, but also to support the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Poles emphasise that the development of the Sławków terminal must be a model of a policy in which solidarity goes hand in hand with responsibility, and in which the benefits of investment do not bypass the Polish economy.

The aim of this approach is both to stimulate the domestic economy and to strengthen Poland's position as a country that deliberately builds its economic power and is more resilient to external economic shocks.

Unnecessary obstacles must be removed

Work is under way to lift restrictions, with the aim of making life easier for businesses and removing unnecessary administrative obstacles. Poland is also active within the European Union — working together with Denmark on solutions intended to achieve a real reduction in red tape and bureaucracy across the whole European Union. During its EU presidency, Poland has taken on the task of convincing Europe that the deregulation drive must apply to the entire European Union. At the same time, the head of the Polish government announced a fight against discrimination and inequality in access to the labour market and to public procurement. In the economy, the criteria of equality, competence and suitability must be absolutely decisive, particularly where the state and the economy meet. On these matters, too, the Polish government will act very decisively and firmly. The pursuit of equal opportunity and transparency in relations between the state and business must become a permanent element of the new economic policy.

In Poland there is confidence that the change of economic course will have a positive effect — for the economy, for the standing of the state and for the people.

Poland's economic nationalism could be a good model for preserving and developing Latvia's economic viability and for national security. Latvia's economic capacity is, of course, hard to compare with Poland's, yet we can and should learn from the Polish attitude and patriotism, both in the economy and in matters of national security. The lack of political will in Latvia is, sadly, a constant, and the absence of patriotism is equally plain to see. That is perhaps precisely why it is worth following the Polish example and turning our attention, here in Latvia too, to putting economic nationalism into practice.