Poland Strengthens Global Ties as Local Community Prepares for Australia Day
CANBERRA, 24 January 2026 – As the Polish-Australian community in Perth gears up for a unique Australia Day cricket match, Poland’s government has been actively engaging on the world stage. Recent weeks have seen high-level diplomatic visits to India and France, continued support for Ukraine, and new economic data pointing to a resilient economy, albeit with significant fiscal challenges.
Polish-Australian Community News
The Polish Club Sikorski in Bellevue, Perth, is inviting members and the public to a special Australia Day celebration on Monday 26 January. The event will feature a community BBQ and a friendly “Australia vs Poland” cricket match, welcoming participants of all ages. Meanwhile, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Canberra and its Consulate General in Sydney have announced they will be closed on the Australia Day public holiday.
These local activities coincide with the recent conclusion of the major PolArt cultural festival in Adelaide (27 December 2025 – 5 January 2026), which celebrated Polish arts and heritage, with echoes of the event to be relived at a poetry gathering in Perth on 1 February.
Key Diplomatic Engagements
Poland’s foreign policy remains focused on security, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships. Key recent engagements include:
- Visit to India (17-20 January): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski met with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi. The talks, under the framework of the Strategic Partnership elevated in 2024, focused on advancing trade, defence, and technology cooperation. Bilateral trade now stands at approximately US$7 billion. The ministers also held candid discussions on regional security, with India raising concerns over cross-border terrorism and Poland acknowledging shared challenges.
- Polish-French Consultations (23 January): Undersecretary of State Henryka Mościcka-Dendys met with France’s Secretary General for Europe and Foreign Affairs, marking the entry into force of the enhanced Treaty for Cooperation and Friendship between Poland and France, known as the Treaty of Nancy.
- UK-Poland Talks (16 January): Minister Sikorski met with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in Warsaw, with discussions centred on peace negotiations for Ukraine and bilateral cooperation.
- Support for Ukraine (13 January): Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki visited Kyiv, focusing on defence industry cooperation, countering disinformation, and supporting Ukraine’s EU integration path.
Economic Snapshot and Fiscal Outlook
Recent analyses present a mixed but resilient picture of the Polish economy. Strong December 2025 data suggests the National Bank of Poland may pause its interest rate cutting cycle.
| Indicator | Latest Data / Forecast |
|---|---|
| Industrial Output Growth (Dec 2025) | +7.3% year-on-year |
| Wage Growth in Enterprise Sector (Dec 2025) | +8.6% year-on-year |
| 2025-26 GDP Growth Forecast (Scope Ratings) | 3.4% – 3.5% |
| 2025 Fiscal Deficit Forecast | ~6.9% of GDP |
| Defence Spending (2025) | ~4.8% of GDP (PLN 200bn) |
Credit rating agency Scope notes that Poland’s fiscal position is strained by high deficits and rising debt, but is cushioned by robust growth and significant concessional financing from the European Union, including from the new SAFE instrument for security. Political divisions between the government and the presidency, however, pose a risk to fiscal consolidation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of the Polish community in Australia?
While exact 2026 census data is not yet available, the Polish community is a well-established and vibrant part of Australia’s multicultural fabric. Community hubs like the Polish Club Sikorski in Perth and various associations in Melbourne and Sydney facilitate cultural, social, and linguistic connections.
What are Poland’s main economic challenges?
According to economic analysts, Poland faces the challenge of managing a high fiscal deficit (near 7% of GDP) driven by record defence spending and structurally high social transfers. Public debt is rising, though access to EU funds provides a critical buffer. The government’s ability to implement revenue-raising measures, like a proposed bank tax, is tested by political polarisation.
What was the significance of the Polish Foreign Minister’s visit to India?
The visit aimed to translate the 2024 Strategic Partnership into concrete outcomes. With bilateral trade having grown 200% over the past decade, the focus was on implementing a five-year Action Plan covering trade, investment, defence, and technology. The talks also involved frank exchanges on global security issues, reflecting the relationship’s strategic maturity.