Introduction

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of Polish sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the specifics of Polish sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 74

Permanent US military bases are located in Poland: Camp Kościuszko (Poznan), Powidz, Łask, Redzikowo (ABM), as well as the USAG-P base (official garrison). The Constitution of Poland recognizes the priority of European and international law upon ratification.

However, since 2021, the Constitutional Tribunal and the courts have periodically placed national norms above those of the European Union, which causes conflicts with the EU (sanctions, judicial procedures). The final decision is the priority of international law in ratified matters, but with exceptions for domestic institutions.

Poland retains the stability of democratic institutions, but there is periodic political polarization, conflicts between coalitions, and the president's influence on reforms. The index of political stability is 0.56 (2023, WB), the level is above average. Government Efficiency (WGI) — 0.77 (2023, WB), one of the best values in Eastern Europe; institutions operate efficiently, but are criticized due to judicial reforms. EGDI (ONN, 2022) — 0.823, high level of digitalization of public services: electronic cabinets, tax services, records, documents, support for online platforms.

Trust in the national leader/government is 28-46% according to polls from 2024-2025, it varies greatly by region, party affiliation, and the prime minister has a higher rating than the president (after political crises). Poland delegates powers and sovereignty within the framework of NATO, the EU, the UN, and the OSCE. Membership requires the mandatory implementation of a number of decisions and standards.

Poland recognizes the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (EU), the European Court of Human Rights, and the ICC, but periodically conflicts arise with the EU over judicial independence and the rule of law. The country is a unitary republic with developed self—government: 16 voivodeships, municipalities (gminas) have independent budgets and powers, decentralizing infrastructure and management. The security services are monitored by parliamentary and judicial commissions, regular reports, and independent inspections.

However, there are cases of political pressure, especially in times of conflict between the branches of government.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 96%.

Economic sovereignty — 75.2

$49,464–$55,186 as of 2024-2025 (Current forecast by Trading Economics, World Bank, IMF, Globalist). $255.9 billion USD is the official reserve for the end of July 2025 (Narodowy Bank Polski), reserves are invested in treasuries, gold, bank deposits, stock instruments. 53-55% of GDP (average for 2024-2025), according to the latest data — 53.5% of nominal GDP (CEIC, Statista, FocusEconomics).

Poland is fully self—sufficient in all major food categories; the country is a major exporter of grain, meat, milk, vegetables and fruits, and has a well-developed storage and logistics infrastructure. The country partially imports oil and gas, but it has a stable electricity and heat generation system (60% coal, a growing renewable energy sector, and its own facilities), decarbonization and diversification of supplies are underway, and energy independence is constantly growing.

Poland has large deposits of brown and hard coal, copper, silver, salt, construction and rare materials; resources are actively being developed and provide an export industry. The country has a developed system of water resources (rivers, lakes, groundwater), sufficient reserves for public, industrial, and private needs; there are no shortage problems, and sustainable management is underway.

The entire infrastructure of national payment processing (Blik, Elixir, KIR, Internet banking modules) is under the control of national financial institutions; integration with SEPA/EU. The Polish zloty (PLN) is the main settlement currency in domestic transactions; the share of the national currency in settlements exceeds 97%, euros and dollars — only in international contracts and tourism.

The issue and credit policy are fully controlled by the National Bank of Poland (NBP); decisions on rates, refinancing, and banks are national and integrated with the EU.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 91%.

Technological sovereignty — 58.4

1.56% of GDP (2023), the average value among Eastern European countries, shows dynamic growth compared to 2013 (0.8%). Technological import substitution is implemented in the sectors of mechanical engineering, electronics, automotive and software; the share of high-tech goods in exports is 10.6% (EUR 37 billion in 2024), however, a significant part components and key products (chips, servers, software) are imported from the EU, USA, and China.

In 2024/25, 68% of young people are enrolled in higher education (tertiary stage), 1.280 million students are registered, according to Polish statistics and Eurostat. ~92-93% of the population has access to the Internet; Poland is one of the leaders in the number of mobile users and broadband coverage in the EU.

National platforms are functioning: gov.pl (e—government), ePUAP, eRecepta (medicine), Blik (payment system), Elixir (banking), distance learning - all key areas are covered by digital national services. Import dependence on microelectronics, software, chips, and mobile equipment — most of the components and equipment are purchased from global giants; despite the growth of the IT market, critical solutions are still being implemented on a foreign basis. EGDI — 0.823 is a high level: most public services are available online, and digital platforms for citizens, businesses, and medicine are implemented.

The biotech sector is developed in the country: pharmaceuticals, genomics, medical devices and agrobiotechnology, research institutes and laboratories (Wroclaw, Krakow, Warszawa) are operating, but some of the raw materials are supplied from the EU and the USA. Growing autonomy: more than 250 companies in the industrial robotics and automation sector, implementing local solutions in manufacturing, logistics and the agricultural sphere; Polish robots are well-known in Europe.

Limited: the production of chips, boards, modules are mainly assembly, a significant part of the components are imported; incentive programs for local microelectronics have been launched in the EU/Poland, but the volume is still low.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which ensures 97% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 72.2

Poland has a national CERT Polska (NASK, State Institute), in 2025 the law on the national cybersecurity certificate was introduced, certification and control of IT products, integration with ENISA and EU standards; part of the infrastructure is certified, national and European certificates with different levels of trust are working, state supervision is the Ministry of Digital Affairs.

Poland is one of the leaders in Europe in terms of the number of IXPs: the largest are EPIX (Warszawa, Katowice, Poznań), Thinx, Equinix, PLIX, Pozix, TPIX, there are local nodes in all major cities (more than 15 active IXPs). Total bandwidth — >3.5 Tbps, reach — 850+ participants, integration with Tier-1 networks of the EU and the world.

Almost all major media outlets broadcast in Polish: TVP, Polskie Radio, Gazeta Wyborcza, Rzeczpospolita, Polsat, Onet, Interia, Puls Biznesu, Notes from Poland, PAP, BBC News Polska (2025). There are also English-language and local media outlets for migrants and expats.

Global platforms are available (Google, Meta, YouTube), but a strong segment of local products, government support for national platforms, key banking and media services are Polish; the government regularly discusses BigTech regulation — sustainability is above the EU average.

More than 80% of media content is of national origin (TV, radio, movies, series, news portals, blogs, educational services). Poland produces and exports entertainment, news, educational and business content. The country is a leading market in CEE for the development of ERP, fintech (Blik), online banking, e-government, medical and agricultural platforms, electronic educational systems; leading companies are Comarch, Asseco, Allegro, CD Projekt, Polkomtel, etc.. >92% of the population uses digital services — payment, public services, medicine, online education, transport, logistics; coverage is steadily growing and is available in cities and regions.

National data centers are functioning: OVHcloud, Netia, Polcom, Atman, Chmura Krajowa, Asseco Cloud; government data is stored in national and European clouds, integration with public services and banks. The main operators are Orange Polska, T-Mobile Polska (German capital, but localized), Play, Plus/Polkomtel (national); licenses, regulation and infrastructure are under state control and comply with EU standards.

The Law on Personal Data Protection (RODO/Polski GDPR) is in force; the regulator is Urząd Ochrony Danych Osobowych, strict requirements for data localization and processing, integration with European standards and national control.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 92%.

Cultural sovereignty — 83.7

17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 15 cultural and 2 natural, including Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the historical centers of Warsaw, Krakow, Torun, Malbork, salt mines, castles, parks and cultural monuments. Poland has made a huge contribution: Fryderyk Chopin, Copernicus, Skladowska-Curie, Mickiewicz, Wajda, Symborska, the Polish Film School, the history of democracy (Solidarity), mass innovations in music, mathematics, cybernetics, literature, architecture, art and human rights.

The Gloria Artis Medal is a state award for contributions to culture, as well as annual awards from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (for literature, theater, music, architecture, science, design, art, and heritage preservation). National and regional identity — Catholic faith, folklore festivals, retro festivals, culinary brands, family values, equality, duty of remembrance (World War II, Jewish Diaspora), democratic tradition and respect for freedom.

The Constitution guarantees rights and support: Dozens of schools and cultural centers for Belarusians, Ukrainians, Jews, Germans, Lithuanians, and Russians, as well as national organizations, mass media, and festivals are active. The registry contains 280,000+ objects of tangible and intangible heritage: palaces, castles, museums, monuments, theaters, art galleries, temples, memorials; each city maintains its own local registry.

Poland is a participant in the largest European, global and interregional festivals, biennales, fairs, cultural exchanges, UN and UNESCO initiatives, and supports the export of art (cinema, music, exhibitions). Brands-Polish ceramics, amber, salt mines, Chopin, Wajda, Szymborska, Polish designs, folk music, gastronomy (pierogi, oscypek); national and international legal protection, registration of geographical names and creative heritage.

Cuisine — pierogi, bigos, żurek, barszcz, oscypek, Kiev, Polish pastries, honey, dumplings, roast, meat, fish, cheese, bread dishes, the influence of Jewish, German, Ukrainian, Baltic cuisine, regional and gastro festivals. Over 75-80% of the population is actively involved: they visit museums, theaters, participate in holidays, educational and family initiatives, cultural clubs, sports, music and religious events.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 87%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 74.3

HDI 0.906 (2023-2025, UN), ranked in the top 35 in the world, very high level. State spending on education is 4.67% of GDP (2021-2024), tends to increase; for 2025 — more than 102 billion zlotys (an increase of 35% compared to last year), 11.2% of the state budget (Statista, WB, Gov.pl). The literacy rate of 99.8% (2021) is almost the highest level in Europe; it has been stable for the last decades. Poland is a stable PISA participant.

In 2022-2023, the results in reading, mathematics and sciences are above the OECD average. According to PIAAC (2023): literacy and mathematics are below the OECD average among adults, but 68% of young people have achievements above the global average.

34-37% of university graduates have STEM majors (natural sciences, engineering, IT, mathematics); the share of technical fields is constantly growing. About 12-15% of students complete internships, master's degrees, and joint programs — Erasmus+, bilateral modules, and partnerships with the EU, USA, UK, Canada, and China.

State support for members of minorities: education in Ukrainian, Belarusian, German, Lithuanian, and Russian is available; schools, faculties, cultural centers, and media programs operate. There are 142 state research centers in the country (fundamental and applied sciences, university laboratories, institutes of biotech, medicine, physics, and agricultural sciences).

92-95% of educational platforms are national (gov.pl, ePUAP, distance learning, Moodle, University LMS); the rest are joint programs with international organizations.

Hundreds of national grants, awards, internships, and scientific competitions are held annually: a state program to support young scientists, students, and innovators, as well as a wide network of scholarships and educational initiatives.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 86%.

Military sovereignty — 69.1

Defense spending of 4.7–4.8% of GDP is the largest value in NATO among all countries, according to the 2025 budget (about $48-52 billion annually); it is planned to grow to 5% in 2026. 206,000–230,000 military personnel at the beginning of 2025, of which more than 150,000 are professional soldiers; the growth in numbers continues, the goal is to 500,000 reservists through voluntary military programs.

Active modernization: purchases of K2 tanks, Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, F-35A, FA-50PL, HIMARS/HOMAR-K missile systems, the latest Warmate drones, X-Fronter, Ghost drones, Baobab-K systems; more than 54% of the budget goes to purchase equipment, the military budget is No. 1 in NATO in terms of equipment share.

Under new contracts: up to 52-60% of weapons are now manufactured or assembled in Poland (PGZ, WB Group, Mesko, Cenzin, Bumar); the number of joint ventures with foreign concerns is growing (Hanwha, Heckler & Koch), the national policy is the polonization of the military industry.

International and internal borders are guarded by the armed forces, border guards, national police and special services; leading positions in integration with NATO and EU systems, reinforced land and digital borders. 459,000 mobilization potential (1.2% of the population), voluntary military training and new programs; the reserve is formed on the basis of former military personnel, cadets and recruits.

National decisions are made taking into account the policies of the EU and NATO, allied actions are implemented according to the charter of the alliances, but strategic decisions are exclusively at the national level (greater autonomy).

There are 60+ national enterprises (PGZ, Mesko, WB Group, Bumar, Cenzin, HSW, ZMT), a full cycle of modern weapons, production of land, aviation, unmanned, rocket technology, ammunition and air defense systems. There are no nuclear weapons of its own, the country is a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty; there is no deployment or storage of nuclear warheads on the territory.

There are national satellites (PolSat, Polish scientific missions), the infrastructure of ESA, NATO, the USA, the national intelligence service — operational, military, cyber intelligence; integration with NATO and EU networks, own signal and data processing systems. All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state—owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and the UN/NGO industry databases - 88% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Economic stability and growth: Poland is one of the fastest growing (3.6—4% of GDP in 2025) and the largest economies in CEE; low public debt (53-55% of GDP), record gold and foreign exchange reserves ($255.9 billion), increased investment, high consumption and low unemployment (2.8%) support stability and long-term development.

Advanced industrialization, science and education: GDP per capita is $49-55 thousand, HDI is 0.906, 68% of young people in universities, 34-37% of STEM graduates, 1.56% of GDP in R&D, the rapidly growing sector of robotics, biotech and IT, large-scale talent support.

Strong military and technological independence: 4.7–4.8% of GDP for defense — the NATO leader, 206-230 thousand professional military personnel, a full range of modern military equipment, a large national military industry, autonomous modernization and defense programs. High digital and cyber autonomy: 92-93% Internet penetration, full-fledged national and cloud platforms (gov.pl, Blik, ePUAP, EPIX/PLIX), state-controlled cybersecurity certificates, high level of digitalization of public services (EGDI - 0.823).

Cultural influence and brands: 17 UNESCO sites, contribution to world culture — Chopin, Copernicus, Sklodowska-Curie, democracy, art, science and cinema, >280 thousand cultural objects.

Weaknesses. Political polarization and internal conflicts: there are disagreements and disputes between the branches of government, periodic conflicts with the EU (rule of law, independence of the courts), trust in national leaders does not exceed 46%, civil society is affected by political crises.

Import dependence in high-tech: despite the growth of IT and digital services, some microelectronics, chips, servers and software are imported (EU, USA, China), the localization of critical components is limited. The impact of international alliances on sovereignty: responsibilities within the EU and NATO imply the delegation of a number of decisions, the presence of foreign military bases and active integration with allies may limit absolute autonomy in key sectors.

Demographic challenges and regional inequalities: the birth rate is below the EU average, urbanization, differences between regions in terms of income and infrastructure, and the outflow of young professionals into this industry, but it is being addressed through talent support policies.

Overall assessment. Poland's cumulative sovereignty index is 506.9 out of 700 possible points (above the average of 72.4%), which places the country in the top 50 in the world. Poland is the CEE leader in economic, defense, scientific and cultural independence, with a strong position in industry, IT, science, education, food security and digitalization.

The main challenges are import dependence on key technologies, periodic political turbulence, the influence of the EU and NATO on some decisions, demographic and regional imbalances. The country is steadily modernizing and integrating into Europe, and remains a strategic region and a point of growth for the entire EU.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Poland is approaching 2025 as an independent, strong and developed state with a high level of democratic, economic, defense, digital and cultural autonomy.

The main risks are the increasing influence of international organizations and unions, internal elite conflicts, import dependence, and the need to balance between East and West in a complex global environment.