Poland's Participation in Key Transport Infrastructure Projects of the Three Seas Initiative. 2016–2024

Abstract

The article deals with priority transport (railway, motorway road and river) projects of the Three Seas Initiative promoted and implemented by Poland, a country whose long tradition of political thought is rooted in the ideas of cooperation in the Baltic-Adriatic-Black Sea triangle and aspirations for leadership in the region. The author focuses on the infrastructural gap between the Eastern and Western members of the European Union, which has not yet been bridged, despite the fact that most Central and Eastern European countries joined the economic and political union 20 years ago. The lack of transport corridors and connections in East Central Europe along the north – south axis is analysed, as well as the response of the Republic of Poland to this problem. The evolution of Polish efforts to create transport infrastructure is traced, from defining objectives and forming a list of projects to establishing specialised institutions, attracting investments and building highways, railroads and waterways. The study concludes on the geopolitical significance of the implemented initiatives both for Poland and the region of East Central Europe, as well as for external players, especially the United States, the European Union, China and Russia. The insufficient level of financing for Trimarium projects is noted, while the leading role of Poland in investing in infrastructure development is emphasised. In addition, it is revealed that the realization of the projects in the area between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas depends largely on the context of the international environment.

Received 24 January 2025

Revised 21 February 2025

Accepted 24 March 2025

For citation: Afonin, A. D., 2025. Poland's Participation in Key Transport Infrastructure Projects of the Three Seas Initiative. 2016–2024. Slavic World in the Third Millennium, 20 (1–2), pp. 104–122. https://doi.org/10.31168/2412-6446.2025.20.1-2.06