Embassy Newsletter - Summer 2024
Ambassador's message
Hello from Warsaw and welcome to our summer 2024 newsletter!
2024 has seen an unprecedented number of high level visits from Ireland to Poland. We’ve had seven major visits in the first five months of the year, including Taoiseach Simon Harris (who visited Warsaw just two days into his role), the Ceann Comhairle (Ireland’s Speaker of Parliament), and Ministers of State James Browne and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. In April, Joe Hackett, the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, visited for very useful policy talks with the Polish government. In May, Enterprise Ireland organised a trade mission led by Minister Dara Calleary, looking at opportunities to further increase trade and investment between Ireland and Poland.
We’ve celebrated two major days in the Irish calendar. March saw some fantastic events and activities around St. Patrick’s Day, including a reception at the Residence, an Irish Day at the College of Europe Natolin, and visits to Universities and schools. A very special thank you to the St. Patrick’s Foundation for their work organising the Irish Charity ball. For over 20 years the ball has been a highlight of St. Patrick’s Day, raising millions of złotys for charities in Poland in the process.
In recent years, St. Brigid’s Day has come to take on equal prominence, as we celebrate the huge impact women have made to Irish society. This year we partnered with the National Opera in Warsaw for a special evening showcasing young female singers from Ireland, Poland and Ukraine.
We’ve also celebrated a special milestone in Irish-Polish relations. Twenty years ago Poland joined the European Union at a ceremony in Dublin, forever transforming the relationship between our countries. In the years following accession, hundreds of thousands of Polish people came to Ireland. Our Consul Rob Enright interviewed some of those who have since returned to Poland about their memories of Ireland – you can find their stories here: In Their Own Words | Ireland In Poland | Ireland.ie | Ireland - this is Ireland. We also met with a group of young Polish students to hear their views on the next 20 years in the EU.
Assisting Irish people in need, as always, is our top priority. I’m very grateful to our Consular team, who have dealt with some challenging cases over the last six months. It’s not work we can usually talk about in public, but helping people in trouble is the most important work we do. If you’re travelling to Poland this summer, we hope you have a great time. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with some travel tips, that can help you avoid becoming one of our Consular customers!
Whatever your plans are this summer, we wish you a fantastic time.
Patrick Haughey
Ambassador of Ireland to Poland
High-level visits
To date in 2024, the Embassy has welcomed a number of high-level visits from Ireland to Poland.
- In January, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl attended a conference on combatting antisemitism in Kraków. While in Kraków, the Ceann Comhairle also visited the Galicia Jewish Museum and the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau.
- Also in January, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, visited Warsaw. In meetings with her Polish counterparts at the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy and at the Ministry of Finance, Minister Carroll MacNeill discussed the EU’s new Anti-Money Laundering Agency, EU cooperation and Irish-Polish bilateral links. The Minister also met with Enterprise Ireland, and companies in the retail and cyber security sectors.
- In February, Minister of State for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, James Browne, visited Poland. Minister Browne met with Minister Arkadiusz Myrcha from Poland’s Ministry of Justice, as well as Minister Maciej Duszczyk from the Ministry of the Interior. The Minister also met with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and he visited the headquarters of Frontex - Europe’s Border and Coast Guard Agency.
- In April, Taoiseach Simon Harris visited Warsaw for discussions on the Strategic Agenda with other EU Heads of Government. The discussions were co-hosted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President, Charles Michel.
- The Embassy welcomed the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Joe Hackett, in April. The Secretary General took part in consultations with the Polish government on European and global issues.
- In May, Enterprise Ireland organised a trade mission to Wrocław and Warsaw, led by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary. The mission included 37 companies. In Warsaw, Minister Calleary met with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digitalisation, Krzysztof Gawkowski where they discussed Irish-Polish cooperation on digitalisation, cyber security, and trade and investment. You can read more on this trade mission below, in ‘News from Enterprise Ireland’.
Day of Welcomes
On May Day 2004, Ireland hosted a ‘Day of Welcomes’ to celebrate the EU accession of Poland and nine other countries.
Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney was commissioned by the Government of Ireland to write a poem for the ceremony. To mark the 20th anniversary of this historic day, his poem, ‘Beacons at Bealtaine’, was translated and published in Polish, along with the national language of the nine other states. You can watch a short film marking the occasion below. The poem, translated by Jacek Dehnel, was also displayed in public spaces around Warsaw, as part of the "Poems in the City" project.
In the years following accession, over 300,000 Polish people moved to Ireland. Around 100,000 Polish people still live in Ireland, and Polish is the third most spoken language, following English and Irish.
In recent years, many people have returned home to Poland. We hope that they bring with them fond memories of their time in Ireland, and maintain a lasting connection.
That is why, to mark 20 years since Poland’s accession to the EU, the Embassy of Ireland in Poland has asked just a few of these people to share their stories. You can read these here.
Saint Patrick’s Day
This year, once again, we were delighted to see St. Patrick’s Day celebrated across Poland.
Some of the larger events took place in Warsaw. The St. Patrick’s Foundation Ball took place on 9 March, attended by around 400 guests. The Ball has, over the past 25 years, resulted in millions of złotys being raised for charity and this year’s event was, as usual, a huge success, thanks to the immense efforts of the Foundation members. A St. Patrick’s Day business reception took place on 13 March, organised by Enterprise Ireland, in conjunction with the Irish-Polish Chamber of Commerce as well as the US, Canadian and British Chambers of Commerce in Poland. This event was attended by around 250 guests and provided an excellent platform for business people to network while, in the process, enjoying Irish food, beverages and culture.
Other events were organised by local authorities, universities, schools and other organisations, as music, dance, poetry, and more, brought people together to celebrate. Thank you to all of our Polish and Irish friends for their commitment to celebrating Ireland and Irish-Polish relations.
The Embassy marked the event with an official reception at the Ambassador’s Residence, welcoming guests from government, business, the Irish community, and the Diplomatic Corps.
Bernard O'Connor Award
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Bernard O’Connor Award. The Bernard O’Connor Award celebrates those who have made a significant contribution to friendship, cooperation and understanding between Ireland and Poland. The award was established by the Embassy in 2018 and honours another important figure in the story of Irish-Polish relations, Bernard O’Connor. Once a physician at the court of King Jan Sobieski III, the Irish man also wrote the first history of Poland in English.
The recipient of the 2024 Bernard O’Connor award is renowned Polish poet, literary critic, translator and essayist, Jerzy Jarniewicz.
Jerzy Jarniewicz has a long association with Irish literature. He translated Irish poetry and prose, including John Banville, James Joyce and Seamus Heaney and many others. Congratulations, Jerzy!
Saint Brigid’s Day
This year we were also pleased to celebrate another of Ireland’s patron saints: Saint Brigid. To mark the occasion, the Embassy partnered with Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera, to recognise the contribution of women to the arts. The concert highlighted some outstanding emerging female artists from Ireland, Poland and Ukraine. You can watch the concert in full here.
Youth engagement
20th anniversary of Poland’s EU accession
We are proud to continue our close cooperation with schools and universities across Poland. The month of May was particularly active, as we marked Poland’s 20th anniversary in the European Union:
- The Embassy hosted a meeting with students from Action Diplomacy. Ambassador Haughey set out some of the huge benefits that EU membership had brought to Ireland and Poland, and students then met in groups to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities the EU will face in the next 20 years.
- The Ambassador also spoke online to pupils from 20 different schools, located right across Poland, setting out the benefits of EU membership.
- The Ambassador then delivered a lecture at the Vistula University in Warsaw, on the impact of EU membership on Ireland and Poland.
Irish Days
I mí na Márta agus i mí na Bealtaine thug Seán Ó Riain dhá léacht an ceann in Ollscoil Vársá agus Ollscoil Poznań faoi seach, faoin nGaeilge agus ilteangachas na hEorpa. Labhair sé faoi stair na Gaeilge, an borradh faoin teanga faoi láthair agus faoi chosúlachtaí na Gaeilge leis an bPolainnis. Ag ócáid ar líne a d’eagraigh Fundacja Kultury Irlandzkiej an 21 Bealtaine chun 20 bliain d’aontachas na Polainne leis an AE a cheiliúradh, léigh sé a aistriúchán Gaeilge ar dhán Seamus Heaney, Beacons at Bealtaine/Bladhmanna Bealtaine.
In March and May, Seán Ó Riain delivered two lectures each at the University of Warsaw and the University of Poznań respectively, about the Irish language and European multilingualism. He spoke about the history of Irish, the current boom in its use and the similarities between Irish and Polish. At an online event organised by the Irish Culture Foundation on 21 May to celebrate 20 years of Poland's accession to the EU, he read his Irish language translation of Seamus Heaney's poem, "Beacons at Bealtaine/Bladhmanna Bealtaine."
"Ireland and the Birth of Europe"
Last year, as part of the cultural programme marking the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the EU, the Irish Government worked with University College Cork to develop an exhibition telling the story of "Ireland and the Birth of Europe".
This richly illustrated exhibition tells the story of the part played by Irish scholars and missionaries in the early history of the European idea, taking as its starting point French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman’s statement in 1950 that Columbanus should be ‘the patron saint of all those who seek to construct a united Europe.’
The exhibition arrived in Poland this year and has been touring the country, appearing at the College of Europe in Natolin in March, and at the University of Poznań in May.
Regional visits
The Embassy team have continued their visits to Poland’s regions:
- In January, a trip by the Ambassador to Wrocław included engagements at the University of Wrocław, a meeting with S3 Connected Health, an Irish-Polish company operating in the region, and a meeting with Wrocław’s GAA Team.
- In January, Deputy Head of Mission Brendan Farrell represented the Embassy at the 79th commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz.
- In February, Consul Rob Enright travelled to Poznań to visit the new offices of Ireland’s Honorary Consulate in the city. During the visit, the Consul met with Honorary Vice Consul Krzysztof Schramm to tour the Honorary Consulate's new premises at the Imperial Castle.
- In April, the Embassy was represented by Rob Enright at an event marking 15 years of studies through English at the NCU Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz. Over 40% of students studying through English at the College have been from Ireland, and these students continue to form an important part of the Irish community in Poland.
- In June, Deputy Head of Mission, Brendan Farrell, along with economic counsellors from 15 other embassies in Warsaw, participated in a study tour to the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship organised by the Polish Chamber of Commerce. During this tour, participants learned about economic opportunities in the region through visits to several companies, and meetings with representatives from the regional government, the Economic and Investment Promotion Office, the Industrial and Commercial Chamber Office, and universities in Toruń and Bydgoszcz.
Working for Ireland
Ever wondered about the work performed by an Irish Embassy? Ambassador Haughey explains our wide ranging role in a series of videos. Check out the following content which covers:
Consular Support
Citizens' Registration
We encourage all Irish residents of Poland to register with the Embassy via our Citizens' Registration platform – this allows us to reach you in case of emergency. You can also sign up to receive news about upcoming events in Poland.
Passports
Irish Passports can be renewed from anywhere in the world using Passport Online. First time applicants in Poland can also apply online. More information here.
News from Enterprise Ireland (EI)
Trade Mission Poland May 2024
In May, Enterprise Ireland organised a trade mission to Poland, led by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary, and including 37 companies.
In Wrocław, the Minister and companies took part in a networking session, with the participation of Vice Mayor of Wrocław Jakub Mazur. Minister Calleary visited three Irish companies already operating successfully in Wrocław: IPL Smart Solutions (specialising in smart bollards); ID Technology (labelling), and PM group (hi-tech construction).
Minister Calleary then travelled to Warsaw, where he attended a trade dinner with over 100 Irish and Polish businesses.
Minister Calleary met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digitalisation Krzysztof Gawkowski on 16 May. The Ministers discussed the need to continue making progress on the digitalisation of our economies, combatting threats including cyber-attacks, and the potential for further strengthening Irish-Polish cooperation, including in trade and investment.
Trade between Ireland and Poland has risen to over €7.4 billion annually. We hope this latest trade mission will have forged some new connections and partnerships, and encouraging further growth.
Cybersec Expo Forum Kraków 19-20 June
In June, Enterprise Ireland organised a stand for five client companies to exhibit together at the Cybersec Expo in Kraków. More than 2,000 key players from the cybersecurity sector attended the event. The stand highlighted great Irish innovation in this sector, and their growing success on the Polish market.
News from the Irish Polish Chamber of Commerce (IPCC)
The Irish Polish Chamber of Commerce is a friendly and outward-focused Chamber, run by a dedicated group of volunteers. It acts as a focal point for the Irish business community in Poland as well for Irish people living in Poland and Polish nationals with Irish connections. Working frequently with the Irish Embassy and Enterprise Ireland, the Chamber performs this function by regularly organising networking meetings and social events – which include family events in May and December in Warsaw – and business mixers with other chambers of commerce, as well as business and economic briefings throughout the year. Whether you are an entrepreneur in Poland, a professional working in an organisation or someone who simply wants to connect to members of the Irish community, the Irish Polish Chamber of Commerce offers a ready-made community of friendly, approachable and interesting people whose love of Poland is matched only by their special connection to Ireland. Membership is open to both individuals and businesses, with very reasonable annual fees that offer excellent value and access to events throughout the year. To find out more about us and potentially join the Chamber community, check out our website at www.irishpolish.pl and get in touch with Brian Mason at brianmason@irishpolish.pl.
Recent events: Frolic@Lolek 2024
In May, the Chamber hosted the annual IPCC Frolic@Lolek family picnic at Lolek Pub, in the newly-renovated Pole Mokotowskie Park in Warsaw. Entertainment was provided for younger attendees, including creative workshops, bubble art and a guest appearance from the kids’ favourite 'Rob the Magician'.
Upcoming events: Flavours of Ireland 2024
On 27 September, the Chamber will host the annual Flavours of Ireland at Aruba Restaurant in Warsaw. With Irish produce provided by sponsors, the talented chefs at Aruba will prepare a range of traditional Irish dishes, including shepherd’s pie and roast beef. Irish beverages will also be served. Flavours is one of the primary autumn social occasions for the Irish community in Poland, providing an opportunity for Chamber members to make new business and social connections and to renew existing ones. If you wish to attend, please write to Brian Mason at brianmason@irishpolish.pl.