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In a bold stance amidst escalating tensions between Poland and the United States, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski reaffirmed his commitment to implement a new tax targeting large technology companies. His statement comes in response to critical comments by the incoming U.S. ambassador, Thomas Rose, who warned that the tax could undermine Polish-American relations.
The ongoing friction between Washington and its European allies has been heightened by President Trump’s security and trade policies, as well as a recent public dispute among senior diplomats. A notable episode unfolded over the weekend, involving a pointed exchange between U.S. and Polish officials regarding Ukraine, reflecting the increasingly strained ties.
In a post on social media platform X, Ambassador Rose labelled the proposed tax as “not very smart” and cautioned that it could have detrimental effects on Poland’s economy and its diplomatic relationship with the U.S. He stated, “A self-destructive tax that will only hurt Poland and its relations with the USA,” suggesting that any further developments would evoke a reciprocal response from the Trump administration.
Responding to Rose’s remarks during an interview with Radio Zet, Gawkowski, a member of the Left party and the Minister of Digital Affairs, chastised the ambassador’s interference, calling it “sick” for one country to dictate another’s legislative decisions. “This is standing democracy on its head,” he asserted.
The tax proposal has also sparked internal debate within Poland’s coalition government. Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz, a Minister representing the center-right Poland2050 party, expressed hesitation regarding the timing of the tax initiative, despite agreeing on the necessity of taxing big tech firms. She emphasized that the current geopolitical climate could lead to a trade war, making the proposal ill-timed.
While specific details about the tax remain limited, Gawkowski indicated that it would target the profits of large tech corporations operating in Poland and aims to bolster the country’s own tech industry.
Tensions were further exacerbated when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio interacted with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski over concerns about internet services for Ukraine, which Poland currently subsidizes through a subscription to SpaceX’s Starlink. Rubio accused Sikorski of fabricating claims and underscored the sacrifices Poland has made amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk intervened by advising Poland’s allies to show humility and understanding, particularly given the backdrop of the social media spat. At the same time, Poland’s opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), has criticized the government’s approach, arguing that it risks alienating an essential ally.
As the situation evolves, it is critical for both Poland and the U.S. to navigate these diplomatic waters carefully to maintain mutual interests and foster cooperative relations.
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