Selected Political Parties in the Face of the Challenges of Reconstruction and Development of the Maritime Economy in Poland

Abstract

Main focus of the article is promotion and support of the state’s maritime policy by politicians after 1989 as an important factor in the development of the Polish maritime economy. The lack of a coherent state maritime policy and related neglect of infrastructure, finances and personnel resulted in a decrease of both competitiveness and the pace of development of the Polish maritime economy, especially in the period immediately following the political transformation in Poland. The aim of the article is to draw attention to the creation of favourable conditions for functioning of entities of the maritime economy, which is an element of the national economy. Creation of legislation supporting the activities of the maritime economy and promoting maritime traditions present in Poland since the interwar period are equally important. The involvement of political parties in issues related to Poland’s membership in the European Union can also constitute support for the European maritime policy. The Baltic Sea is important to the state for many reasons – especially economic, strategic, but also social and political ones. The activities of political parties should focus on strongly emphasizing the need to recognize and invest in the maritime economy treated as a broad, multidimensional area, not forgetting about environmental issues.