Poland–Sweden relations

Polish–Swedish relations

Poland
Sweden

Poland–Sweden relations is historical and bilateral relationship between Poland and Sweden. Both countries are separated by the Baltic Sea and have a very long historical contact between two nations, and it also existed several conflicts between two countries as well.[1] At the beginning of 20th century, Poland and Sweden did enjoy a close relationship only to be interrupted by Soviet and German invasions to Poland. After World War II, both re-established relations and Sweden has become the largest economic contributor for Poland among Nordic countries. Both Poland and Sweden are EU members. There are over 90.000 Poles in Sweden.

History

The Jagiellonian dynasty which ruled Poland from 1386 to 1596 was thought to have some Swedish ancestry and played a significant role in developing Poland into a major European power in the medieval days of Europe. One of Poland's most significant rulers, Sigismund III Vasa, was also partly Swedish through his father King John III of Sweden. Sigismund's mother was Polish Princess Catherine Jagiellon.[2]

At the same time, both Poland, as Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and Sweden, as Swedish Empire, had ambitious plans to expand territorial gains and consolidate power, which led to many major conflicts between the two nations, challenging the power of each. At peak, the Swedes invaded Poland once, known as the Swedish Deluge,[3] which later had razed much of Poland after serious destructions by the Swedish invaders.

At 18th century, the partitions of Poland was the main hot detail in Sweden awake of the fear being partitioned by Russia, but after Russo–Swedish war ended in 1790, successful diplomatic missions from Sweden had finally prevented Sweden from suffering the same fate like Poland.

Sweden was the main destination for many immigrants from partitioned Poland.

Two World Wars

During both World War I and World War II, the Polish community in Sweden were very supportive of independent Poland without being controlled by both the Germans and the Russians. Especially during World War II, several members of Home Army used Sweden, a neutral country, to facilitated and funded for the Polish resistance. Several Swedish citizens had also helped and supported Polish resistance and gave them shelters, also protect Poles from being hunted by the Nazis.[4]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References

  1. ↑ Relations between Poland and Sweden over the centuries
  2. ↑ "Sigismund III Vasa". Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  3. ↑ "The Swedish Deluge".
  4. ↑ "The Swedes who told the world about the Holocaust". Daily Mail UK. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
  5. ↑ Embassy of Poland in Stockholm
  6. ↑ Embassy of Sweden in Warsaw
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