The Government’s Strategy for Cooperation with the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad for 2025-2030 – The Voice of Polish Diaspora Media in the Discussion

At the end of January 2025, the Polish government presented the Strategy for Cooperation with the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad for 2025-2030, a document outlining priorities and directions for actions aimed at Polish communities worldwide. This strategy seeks to strengthen ties between the Polish diaspora and their homeland, support education, foster the development of Polish organizations, and promote Poland’s cultural heritage abroad.

However, the government’s proposal has also sparked discussions and raised concerns, particularly among representatives of Polish diaspora media. The editor-in-chief of Wyspa TV, a leading Polish media outlet in the United Kingdom, has pointed out significant omissions in the document regarding the role and support for Polish diaspora media. These media have been crucial for years in building community, counteracting misinformation, and promoting the Polish language and culture.

In response to the proposed strategy, the Wyspa TV editorial team has presented its position, highlighting key gaps and advocating for the genuine inclusion of Polish diaspora media in government plans.

Proposal to Include Polish Diaspora Media in the Strategy for Cooperation with the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad for 2025-2030

Dear Sir/Madam,

As the editorial team of Wyspa TV, actively working for the Polish community in the United Kingdom, we would like to draw attention to certain omissions regarding the role of Polish diaspora media in the proposed Strategy for Cooperation with the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad for 2025-2030.

Polish diaspora media do not merely inform and educate; they primarily serve as a community-building force, strengthen national identity, and counteract disinformation. Their exclusion from the plans for the coming years sets a dangerous precedent that may weaken the ties of Poles abroad with their homeland.

The Wyspa TV editorial team joins the appeal for the genuine inclusion of Polish diaspora media in the strategy and for the introduction of concrete support mechanisms for their operations.

My comments refer to the following sections of the original government document on the Strategy for Cooperation with the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad for 2025-2030. Below are the specific areas where I raise concerns:

Introduction

There is no mention of Polish diaspora media as a key tool for strengthening ties between the Polish diaspora and their homeland.

Proposal: Include the role of Polish diaspora media as an informational, cultural, and educational link between Poles abroad and Poland.

Government's Polish Diaspora Policy Priorities

Polish diaspora media have been overlooked in the context of building a global network of the Polish diaspora.

Proposal: Recognize Polish diaspora media as an integrative and communication tool between Poland and the Polish diaspora.

Polish Language Education

There is no reference to the role of media in supporting Polish language education.

Proposal: Include Polish diaspora media as an educational tool that acts as a bridge between Polish language teaching and the daily life of the diaspora.

Funding for Polish Diaspora Activities

Polish diaspora media have not been included as eligible recipients of systematic financial support.

Proposal: Establish dedicated grant programs for Polish diaspora media, enabling the funding of informational, educational, and cultural projects throughout the year.

Promoting Poland’s Image

The strategy does not utilize the potential of Polish diaspora media to promote Poland abroad.

Proposal: Collaborate with Polish diaspora media in campaigns promoting Poland, ensuring that content aimed at Polish communities and local societies has a broad reach.

Civic Education

The role of media in civic education within the Polish diaspora has not been emphasized.

Proposal: Promote social and political engagement of the Polish diaspora through Polish diaspora media.

Counteracting Disinformation

There is no reference to the issue of fake news and disinformation in Polish diaspora communities.

Proposal: Create a fund to support reliable journalistic initiatives that combat disinformation and fake news.

Lack of Monitoring Mechanism for Polish Diaspora Media

There is no systematic evaluation of the condition of Polish diaspora media.

Proposal: Establish a dedicated research institute or introduce annual reports on the state of Polish diaspora media.

Conclusion

The concerns raised relate to key sections of the government document, where the role of Polish diaspora media has either been omitted or marginally acknowledged. My proposals focus on including them in the strategy’s priorities, ensuring systematic financial support, integrating them with domestic media, and actively involving them in promoting Poland and Polish language education.

It is also essential to include Polish diaspora media in initiatives counteracting disinformation and strengthening the ties between the diaspora and their homeland. Without real media support, this strategy will fail to fulfil its role, and the Polish diaspora will lose one of its most crucial tools for integration and representation.

Sincerely,

Maria Anna Furman

Editor-in-Chief, Wyspa TV