[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING POLAND'S PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2011

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of more than 110,000 
of my constituents who are of Polish descent. It is my privilege to 
recognize Poland's upcoming role as the governing body of the 
Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Poland is a strong 
democratic ally of the United States with diplomatic relations 
extending over 100 years.
  Last summer I had the privilege to travel to Poland and represent the 
United States Congress in Krakow for the Community of Democracies 
conference. Over 70 ambassadors from democratic and currently 
democratizing countries around the world attended the 10th annual 
conference to discuss the future of democracy, and to celebrate the 
progress democracy has made so far. The trip was an important moment in 
solidifying the already strong diplomatic relations between the United 
States and Poland and displayed Poland's ardent commitment to 
furthering democratic ideals throughout the world.
  While in Poland, I was fortunate to witness democracy first hand as 
the nation held a special presidential election after the death of 
Polish President Lech Kaczynski. President Kaczynski and 95 others 
tragically died in a plane crash over Smolensk, Russia more than a year 
ago. During my trip to Krakow, I visited the Wawel Cathedral and had 
the opportunity to lay a wreath at the grave of President Kaczynski. I 
was truly humbled to experience the incredible sense of community and 
togetherness among the Polish people. I was also honored to deliver a 
flag and resolution from Speaker Nancy Pelosi on behalf of the House of 
Representatives to Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressing 
sympathy for Poland's tragic loss. The people of the United States 
stand in admiration of the strength of Poland's democratic 
institutions, which have persevered through three centuries filled with 
many hardships.
  Poland's leadership at the Presidency of the European Union not only 
displays Poland's influence in the world's largest economy, but shows 
the growing respect the Nation receives as a growing voice within the 
global community. During its presidency, Poland hopes to successfully 
lead the European Union toward economic growth and an enhanced 
political community. Poland has set forth a ``Six-Month Program'' that 
will focus on three fundamental priorities it plans to achieve during 
their tenure. The first priority is to increase integration with the 
European Union. Poland believes that it is essential to create an 
internally competitive Europe and to develop a single European market 
within the European Union. Additionally, Poland hopes to improve the 
security of the European Union primarily through an increase in 
economic macro-security and through the development of an external 
energy policy. Poland also believes that the European Union will 
significantly benefit from economic openness. The Presidency will fully 
support any European Union enlargement, as well as continued 
participation in the World Trade Organization.
  Finally, I would like to remind my colleagues in Congress to keep in 
mind Poland's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, supported by 
President Obama. With Poland's strong diplomatic ties to the United 
States, and their growing influence in the European Union and the 
global community, it is important to finally include Poland in visa-
free travel to the United States. It will promote increased relations 
with a democratic ally of the United States, as well as further 
encourage economic and cultural exchange between our two nations.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Poland as the upcoming 
governing body of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 
Poland is a democratic ally of the United States whose diplomatic 
relations will only strengthen as time goes on. I have seen first-hand 
their commitment to democracy and their importance as an ally.

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