Poland may pay for its veto of EU-Russia pact

By Staff
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WARSAW, Nov 24 (Reuters) Poland's blocking of a European Union-Russia cooperation pact may have cemented its reputation as a diplomatic ''troublemaker'' and may have cost it some influence within the bloc, diplomats and analysts say.

Poland, which joined the EU in May 2004, yesterday vetoed the launch of talks between the EU and Russia on a new partnership agreement after a row with Moscow over a ban on imports of Polish foodstuffs.

Polish politicians say the veto of the EU-Russia deal is no more than an attempt to defend its national interest in the face of an overbearing communist-era political master. In this, some in Warsaw say, the EU might show more understanding.

''What kind of damage can be (deemed acceptable) when you fight for your sovereignty? You wage everything for this. Even reputation,'' Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga said after the collapse of the pre-summit talks in Brussels.

The move, however, angered many Brussels diplomats and caused political embarassment for the EU, showing it unable to speak with one voice at a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to start in Helsinki today.

Poland has had a series of battles with the EU, which analysts have in the past put down to a lack of understanding of the nuances of EU diplomacy.

But diplomats say this time Poland has managed to irk many of its fellow EU members and more than two years after joining the EU Warsaw can no longer hide behind its ''newcomer status''.

''Warsaw's honeymoon period is over,'' said a former Polish diplomat and analyst at Demos Europa, a Warsaw-based think tank.

''This time it went a step too far and (it) will pay a price for it,'' said Pawel Swieboda. ''I fear it will not be treated seriously anymore.'' Diplomats say that some old EU members, such as France and Britain, at times resort to national vetoes on one area to enforce concessions in another. But they usually do it pragmatically, with a clear result in mind.

''DISPROPORTIONATE STRATEGY'' Since taking power, Poland's leaders, Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his twin brother Lech, have irritated many of international partners by implementing what they call their ''tough foreign policy''.

Poland angered many of its EU partners when it blocked or threatened to block several key agreements, including the EU's long-term budget in December 2005, and a deal on prolonging reduced value-added tax on some services earlier this year.

The brothers argue that the EU has not shown enough solidarity with their country in dealing with Russia, and have repeatedly expressed fears the bloc is talking with Moscow over their heads on key matters, including energy.

Most diplomats express sympathy for Poland's position over Russia's ban of its meat products. Russia banned the imports after finding veterinary certificates to be forged, but Warsaw argues cases were isolated and Moscow's reaction harsh.

''There is compassion for the Polish situation,'' said one senior western European EU diplomat, who accepted Poland was defending its interest, but added: ''Beyond a certain point it becomes a difficult partner using a disproportionate strategy.'' ''We've reached the limit,'' the senior diplomat said. ''If they really go all the way with their scorched earth strategy, the risk is that nothing will ever grow again.'' Reuters SBA VP0715

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