Opening of the Krynica Forum 2024

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Does Poland need a European army?

The war in Ukraine reopened the discussion about the need for the EU to develop military capabilities. Is this concept in line with Poland’s interest? Is the creation of a European army realistic and probable at all? Would a European army cooperate or compete with NATO?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Central and Eastern Europe: can it matter more in Europe?

Recently, Central and Eastern European countries celebrated the 20th anniversary of their accession to the EU. Why, despite two decades of the region’s dynamic development, has it not translated into a stronger political position? Is the CEE region doomed to be a political periphery of the EU? Does the problem lie in our region or on the part of the Old Europe?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

How to build a local brand with local entrepreneurs?

In recent years, the idea of economic patriotism has gained popularity. Is similar success possible at the level of local economic patriotism? What can be done to ensure that local products become more valuable in the eyes of residents? What role can local governments play in this process?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

What kind of war should we prepare for?

There is an established consensus that Poles need to be ready to defend their homeland in the face of the Russian threat. However, is a military threat the key challenge? Or, perhaps, is it more reasonable to prepare for a conflict below the so-called war threshold? How should Poles be prepared for such challenges?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Was Poland naive towards Ukraine?

After a period of a very close relationship between Poland and Ukraine, now follows a time of dispute and tension. Is it right to claim that the problem in this relationship was Polish naivety and “romanticism”? Should Poland have perceived the support given to Ukraine in a transactional way from the very beginning of the war? Are the mistakes made in the policy towards Ukraine emblematic of broader issues with implementing Polish foreign policy? In light of the war in Ukraine, does the policy of values contradict the policy of interests?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

What reforms does the Polish local government need?

Several local government researchers claim that, aside from the obvious successes of the local government reform delivered by Jerzy Buzek’s administration, its shortcomings are becoming increasingly glaring. Does the Polish local government require systemic changes? Does the main problem lie in the model of its funding? How can we more effectively involve local governments in implementing public policies, for which they share responsibility?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Spotkanie autorskie z Marcinem Giełzakiem "Wieczna lewica"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

Spotkanie autorskie z dr Krzysztofem Rakiem „Piekielni sąsiedzi. Jak Rosja i Niemcy dogadywały się kosztem Polski"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

Which scenario of developments in Russia would be best for Poland?

Poland unequivocally supports Ukraine in its war with Russia. Is the optimal scenario for Poland Russia’s spectacular defeat and a deep political crisis in this country? Is political destabilization the only way to paralyze imperial ambitions? Or, perhaps, a political revolution in Russia would work against Polish interests, since it would bring about a risk of reducing the West’s determination to act decisively against Moscow?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

China: the biggest beneficiary of the war in Ukraine?

The war in Ukraine has led to significant Western involvement in fending off the invasion, as well as it forced Western countries to increase their security spending. Given the circumstances, is China the biggest winner of this conflict, since it is subordinating Russia while still using it to weaken the West? Or are those right, who point out that Russia’s weak position towards China weakens the anti-Western alliance that Beijing primarily wants to utilize in Asia? Should the West take a harsher stance towards China’s support for Russia?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

What is the migration strategy we need?

Poland has transformed from an emigration country into an immigration country in just a few years. How can we avoid the mistakes made by several European countries, where migration has become a real issue? Which groups of migrants does Poland need and how many of them? How can we reconcile the needs of the labor market with the concerns of many Poles?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

Spotkanie autorskie z dr Sławomirem Dębskim „Myśl i strategia"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

Who will be the President of Poland in 2025?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

International partnerships of Malopolska: bridges to innovation and development

‘If you are not networking, you are not working’. Is this the case in reality? How do the activities of the Małopolska Region compare in a business context? Is a well-developed network of contacts a key element of success or is something more needed? Are joint ventures always the key to success and development or a loss of valuable know-how? To what extent do international regulations support institutions and entrepreneurs, and to what extent do they paralyse and limit flexibility in their actions?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

Jak zwiększyć dostępność mieszkań dla młodego pokolenia?

Drożejące mieszkania powodują coraz większy problem dla młodego pokolenia. Jak państwo, w tym samorząd, może na ten problem odpowiedzieć? Czy kredyt 0% to krok we właściwą stronę? Czy kluczem do rozwiązania problemu jest budowa mieszkań przez państwo pod wynajem?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Networking with a glass of wine

VIP tent

Poland and Germany: are we on the same team regarding Ukraine?

In the eyes of many, the war in Ukraine has ultimately proven that Poland and Germany fundamentally differ in their assessment of the situation, particularly regarding the optimal scenario for ending the war in Ukraine. Is it fair to claim that Germany does not want Russia to lose? Or is this argument as exaggerated, as underestimated is the current German policy towards the war in Ukraine?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Digital sovereignty: can Poland challenge Big Tech?

The digital zone is becoming an increasingly important dimension of security. Does Poland’s digital sovereignty mean an inevitable conflict with global corporations like Big Tech? Which aspects of this relationship can Poland directly influence, and in which areas crucial is the role of the EU? Does the EU help or hinder Poland’s striving towards digital sovereignty?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

How are local governments dealing with transport exclusion?

The issue of transport exclusion has been gaining significance in public debate for years. Are local governments responding to this problem with adequate solutions? What is the key challenge in expanding transport accessibility today? Is the cooperation between local governments and the national government in transport policy satisfactory?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Spotkanie autorskie z gen. Leonem Komornickim o książce „Ciężar na pagonach"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

Challenges of cross-border regional cooperation for economic recovery

Cross-border cooperation between EU countries will continue to develop if appropriate legislative mechanisms are developed at governmental level to support this process, and local governments, business environment institutions, employers' organisations and entrepreneurs develop common priorities to facilitate trade. Providing decision-makers with a clear path forward will be crucial to improving the economic situation of border regions. 

What unites us and what divides us? Where is unity needed and where is individual action needed? Where are the bottlenecks currently being identified? In other words, what works for us and what doesn't?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

What can Polish business gain in Ukraine?

There is no indication that warfare in Ukraine should cease soon. In this context, is it realistic to envisage the process of the reconstruction of Ukraine as a new Marshall Plan? In which areas are the opportunities for the development of Polish companies in Ukraine already emerging? What are the prospects for implementing strategic Polish-Ukrainian economic projects?

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

YouTube and Podcasts: The End of Media History?

More and more people are getting their information from YouTube videos and podcasts. Is it only a matter of time before these become the primary sources of knowledge about the world, taking over the traditional media? Are podcasts and YouTube the ultimate stage in the evolution of journalism?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Speech by the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Does NATO want to defeat Russia?

The panel will be held in English.

NATO’s involvement in the war in Ukraine has been widely regarded as moderate, with member states supporting Ukraine and coordinating actions mainly through other formats. Does NATO, in this context, have a clear strategy towards Russia? What are its
potential goals: deescalating the conflict or Moscow’s defeat? How does NATO define potential success and failure?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

What is the role of local government in developing civil defense?

In public debate, civil defense is often highlighted as the missing piece in the Polish security architecture. How can we wisely divide the responsibility for strengthening civil defense between the government and local authorities? What should be the priorities for local governments? What are the biggest challenges?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Is the Polish right doomed to turn into the alt-right?

In many Western countries, the alt-right is gaining popularity. Is it to be expected in Poland that the alt-right rhetoric and mindset will soon be prevalent, too? What could this mean for the Polish political scene? Would such a transformation be desirable?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

Spotkanie autorskie z Bartłomiejem Radziejewskim „Nowy porządek globalny"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

Polish foreign investments: a new growth engine?

The current development model of Polish companies is based chiefly on the growth of domestic investments, sales, and exports. Does the trend of locating the investments of Polish companies abroad mark the beginning of a new stage for Polish businesses? Which directions are the most promising? How should the Polish government support this process?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Modernization of the Polish army: are we catching up wisely?

Poland is spending unprecedented amounts on military equipment. Are we managing the  finances allocated to the military effectively? Is the priority of rapidly increasing military capabilities coming at the expense of the harmonious development of the Polish defense  industry? Is the Polish state utilizing its potential effectively?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

How to build the resilience of the younger generation?

It is increasingly diagnosed that one of the main problems of the younger generation is their mental health. How should we support our children, so that they are prepared to face both individual challenges and those faced by the community? Are smartphones and social media the source of the problem? How should the state support parents in the process of building their children’s resilience?

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

Polska polityka pieniężna w latach 2020-2024. Uwarunkowania-Założenia-Realizacja

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

What are Poland’s priorities in the Global South?

Public debate about Polish foreign policy largely focuses on the transatlantic world. Yet, Poland’s growing potential raises questions about its activity outside of this region. What should be Poland’s priorities towards the countries in Africa, Asia, or South America? Where lies the untapped potential for cooperation?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

How can we take Polish universities into the academic ‘Champions League’?

Polish universities have long ranked low in international rankings. Do these rankings reflect the real position of Polish science in the world? What do Polish institutions lack to match the best? Why is Polish higher education chronically underfunded, notwithstanding the political agreement that this issue must be tackled?

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

How to prepare Poles to defend their homeland?

Preparation for war is a challenge not only for state institutions but also for the society. How to develop civil defense capabilities? Where are the biggest deficits? Is the reintroduction of mandatory military training necessary?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Złoty, złoto, gotówka. Dlaczego warto mieć swoją walutę, gromadzić zasoby złota i utrzymać gotówkę w obiegu?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Reshoring and nearshoring: an opportunity for an additional development boost for Poland

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have raised the topic of reshoring/nearshoring. Can Poland be a beneficiary of the relocation of industries from distant parts of the world? How significant can this trend be for the Polish economy?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

European Entrepreneurial Region: how do Malopolska's start-ups implement the innovative solutions of the future?

Małopolska is once again on the European podium. The Malopolska Region received a special distinction in the ‘European Entrepreneurial Region 2024’ competition announced by the Committee of the Regions of the European Union. What specifically made Małopolska receive such a prestigious distinction? How does the Małopolska regional government cooperate with local start-ups to support the development of innovation in enterprises? Which innovative technologies, implemented by startups, have the greatest potential to revolutionise the market at European and global level? 

Can more be achieved? Is the European title a culmination of activities or a challenge to go further?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Has the war in Ukraine increased Poland's significance?

On the one hand, the war in Ukraine has created new security challenges for Poland. Still, on the other hand, it also elevated our country’s position, due to its role in delivering aid to Ukraine. To what extent has the war increased Poland’s significance on the international stage? Is this increase permanent? Does it apply to both the EU and NATO?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Evening of the Małopolska Region

Małopolska - the Main Partner - invites you to the Małopolska Region Economic Award Gala. During this unique evening, in the mountainous scenery of Krynica-Zdrój, we will recognise the region's leaders in four categories: micro, small, medium and large entrepreneur. We will also meet the winner of a special award. These will be distinguished personalities and companies which, through their activities, have contributed to the economic development of the region, becoming a flagship of the voivodeship in the Polish and global arena.

More on: https://krynicaforum.pl/article/wieczor-malopolski

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Spotkanie autorskie z Jackiem Bartosiakiem „Zapiski w przededniu wojny"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

How to fend off Russian espionage?

The escape of a Polish judge Tomasz Szmydt to Belarus has raised questions about the level of infiltration of Poland by Russian agents. Are Russian influences in Poland so significant as to be alarming? Or is this a false image, projected by exaggerated political rhetoric? Are Polish authorities effective in tackling Russian espionage?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Nuclear power: why do we keep going around in circles?

Successive Polish governments declare support for investments in nuclear energy, and yet they are unable to implement the planned investments. What is the cause of the Polish state’s impotence? Is it that the successive Polish governments do not want to or cannot build nuclear power plants? Are we able to overcome this “can’t-do” attitude?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

Poland in the EU and NATO. What is the balance for Poland?

Ukraine is striving for accession to both the EU and NATO. However, is the accession of this country to both organizations beneficial for Poland? What conditions, upon its accession to the EU and NATO, should Ukraine meet to maximize benefits and minimize costs for Poland? Does the West have a genuine willingness to accept Ukraine into both organizations?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Spotkanie autorskie z prof. Andrzejem Zybertowiczem „AI Eksploracja"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

What should be the response to Belarussian provocations at the border?

The death of a Polish soldier on the Polish-Belarusian border has sparked a discussion about the possible escalation of the hybrid war led by Russia. Should Poland send more decisive signals to Belarus, in response to Minsk’s actions? What can Poland do to increase the operation costs for Belarus? Given Russia’s strong influence over Belarus, should Moscow be the target of Poland’s response?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Is EU protectionism the only way to save European farmers?

The war has caused turmoil in agricultural markets, which has seriously affected Polish farmers. How can we support Ukrainian agriculture while also protecting Polish farming? Is European agriculture able to survive without protectionism?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

How can Poland make the best use of the new wave of EU funds?

The recent decision to unblock EU funds for Poland has posed the challenge of how to best make use of them. What should be treated as priority investments for Polish cities? Is it fair to accuse city councils that they prioritize cladding the public spaces in cobblestone and concrete? Do the plans of the local government include investments in security?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Spotkanie autorskie z Markiem Budziszem „Obywatelska armia Rzeczypospolitej. Ani służba ani branka"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

How to win cognitive warfare?

While kinetic warfare is still a remote threat, information warfare has been ongoing for a long time. Have we, as the West, built the kinetic resilience? Are the measures taken so far to tackle the disinformation sufficient? Or, perhaps, are the sources of our vulnerability to disinformation much deeper than we think?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

What adjustments does the European Green Deal require to preserve the EU’s competitiveness?

The European Green Deal has found itself under intense criticism, and before the European Parliament elections, many candidates voiced the need for a revision of the EGD. Will the correction be extensive? Which areas might be affected? What changes should the EGD undergo, so that it strengthens, rather than weakens, the EU’s ability to compete against external entities?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

Will Trump’s election change the face of the war in Ukraine?

It is believed that former president Donald Trump has a high chance of success in the upcoming US elections in November 2024. Is it justified to fear that Trump’s potential reassumption of office would significantly impact the dynamics of the war in Ukraine? Are the concerns about him halting support for Ukraine to force a ceasefire valid? Will a potential reduction of US support prove decisive for the authorities in Kyiv to sit down for negotiations with the Russians?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

Spotkanie autorskie z dr Markiem Kozubelem „Wojna rosyjsko-ukraińska. Pierwsza faza"

Library – Nowy Dom Zdrojowy, 3 floor

What does the popularity of the Central Communication Port (CPK) reveal about the Polish aspirations?

The social popularity of the CPK topic has sparked as much debate as the project itself. Are the growing aspirations of Poles and the desire to implement ambitious projects behind the CPK phenomenon? Is there a ‘CPK electorate’ in Poland that currently does not have political representation? Why did the CPK become so popular only in 2024?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor

What should be the priority of the Polish presidency?

In 2025, Poland will assume the presidency of the EU Council for the second time in history.What should be Poland’s priorities? Is there a chance for political consensus around these priorities? Does the presidency provide real tools to influence EU politics?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

Czy Polska to dobry kraj dla innowatorów?

Polska od lat świetnie się rozwija, ale wciąż bolączką jest niski poziom innowacyjności. Jakie bariery napotykają w Polsce innowatorzy? Co może zrobić państwo, aby ich mądrze wspierać? Jakie są doświadczenia tych, którym się udało odnieść sukces?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

What are the best ways of overcoming the Polish institutional crisis?

For many years, it has been diagnosed that the political system in Poland is inefficient. Is there a need for a reset of the Polish political system? What would such a reset entail? Is there a chance to build a political consensus around substantial systemic reforms?

Stage II – Pijalnia Główna

Jak powinny być finansowane samorządy?

Rząd przedstawił w wakacje założenia reformy finansowania samorządów. Czy przedstawiona propozycja spełnia oczekiwania samorządów? Czy rozwiązanie jest optymalne z punktu widzenia stabilności finansów publicznych? Kto najwięcej zyska a kto straci na zmianach?

Stage I – Pijalnia Główna

Czy jesteśmy skazani na demograficzną katastrofę?

Ostatnie dane urodzeń wskazują na realizację "czarnego" scenariusza demograficznego Polski. Czy da się ten trend wyhamować? Jakie narzędzia są w rękach decydentów, aby poprawić dzietność? Czy brak wyników mimo kolejnych świadczeń prorodzinnych świadczy o tym, że czynniki ekonomiczne mają drugorzędne znaczenie?

Stage III – Sala Balowa, Stary Dom Zdrojowy, 1 floor