EU Relations with Australia: Time for a Strategic Partnership

The Polish Institute of International Affairs is an analytical institution established by an act of Parliament in 1996 to carry out research and provide expertise in international affairs. PISM disseminates information on contemporary international issues and maintains contacts with academic and political centres in Poland and abroad. The Institute runs courses for public servants, maintains a library (open to the public; 165,000 books and journals), organises conferences, and publishes books, periodicals and documents on Polish foreign policy and international matters.

The funding for PISM comes from the budget. The director is appointed by the prime minister for a term of five years, following consultation with the minister of foreign affairs. The minister supervises the Institute and appoints its advisory council, which includes a representative of the President of the Republic of Poland, academics and officials.Australia has been one of the important political and economic partners of the European Union. The UK’s exit from the EU risked undermining the traditional ties and the uncertainty surrounding U.S. global leadership in the face of China’s growing role required closer cooperation with Australia. That is why the EU should recognise the country as a strategic partner and seek the swift conclusion of free-trade-agreement (FTA) negotiations. By supporting increased EU engagement, along with stronger bilateral cooperation, Poland may become a more attractive partner to Australia.