ZAGREB — As the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) prepares for its landmark 11th summit in Croatia this week, Poland is pushing for deeper U.S. Engagement in the regional economic bloc, signaling a strategic pivot amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Central Europe.
The initiative, which brings together 13 European Union member states between the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Seas, has gained momentum in recent years as a counterbalance to economic disparities within the EU. Now, with Washington’s attention increasingly divided, Warsaw is positioning 3SI as a critical platform for transatlantic cooperation—one that could shape energy security, infrastructure development, and supply chain resilience across the region.
Poland Takes the Lead in U.S. Outreach
Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejnfeld, known in diplomatic circles as “Trójmorska piątka” (the “Three Seas Five”) for his role in coordinating the initiative’s key projects, confirmed plans to hold high-level discussions with American officials. Even as details remain scarce, the talks are expected to focus on securing U.S. Investment and political backing for 3SI’s priority infrastructure projects—particularly in energy and digital connectivity.
“The Three Seas Initiative is not just about regional cooperation. it’s about creating a more balanced Europe,” Szejnfeld told reporters in Warsaw last week. “For that, we need strong partners—and the United States has always been one of them.”
The push for deeper U.S. Involvement comes at a pivotal moment. The 3SI, launched in 2015 by the presidents of Poland and Croatia, has evolved from a symbolic forum into a tangible economic force, with over 140 cross-border projects in its pipeline. Yet, as global supply chains face renewed disruptions and energy markets remain volatile, the initiative’s ability to deliver on its promises will depend on external support—particularly from Washington.
A Decade of Progress—and New Challenges
The upcoming summit in Zagreb, scheduled for April 29-30, will mark the first major gathering of 3SI leaders since the initiative celebrated its 10th anniversary in Warsaw last year. That milestone event, attended by heads of state from all 13 member countries, showcased the bloc’s growing clout, with leaders highlighting progress in energy diversification, transport corridors, and digital infrastructure.
But the road ahead is fraught with challenges. A recent analysis by the New Europe Institute, a Warsaw-based believe tank, noted that while 3SI has made strides in fostering regional cohesion, its long-term success hinges on two critical factors: sustained funding and geopolitical stability. The report pointed to the war in Ukraine as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerabilities, particularly in energy security and supply chain resilience.
“The Three Seas Initiative has proven its value as a platform for cooperation, but it must now demonstrate its ability to adapt,” the analysis stated. “The next decade will test whether 3SI can move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible benefits for its citizens.”
Business Forum Spotlights Economic Potential
Alongside the political summit, the Three Seas Business Forum will convene in Zagreb, drawing hundreds of executives, investors, and policymakers. The event, which has become a cornerstone of the initiative, aims to bridge the gap between public ambition and private-sector execution—a persistent hurdle for 3SI’s infrastructure projects.
“The business community is ready to engage, but we need clear signals from governments,” said a representative of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The Forum is an opportunity to align priorities and unlock the capital needed to turn plans into reality.”
Among the most anticipated discussions will be the future of the Three Seas Investment Fund, a vehicle designed to attract private and institutional investors to the initiative’s projects. Launched in 2019 with an initial capitalization of €500 million, the fund has struggled to gain traction amid market uncertainties. Analysts say its success—or failure—could determine the initiative’s trajectory in the coming years.
Transport Sovereignty as a Strategic Priority
One of the summit’s key themes will be “transport sovereignty,” a concept gaining traction as Central European nations seek to reduce their reliance on external supply chains. A recent op-ed in *Nakolei*, a Polish logistics publication, argued that the region’s geographic position—sandwiched between Western Europe and Eurasia—gives it a unique advantage in building resilient trade routes.
“Our location is both a blessing and a curse,” the article noted. “While it exposes us to geopolitical risks, it also offers an opportunity to become a logistical hub for the continent. The Three Seas Initiative can facilitate us seize that opportunity—but only if we act decisively.”
Poland, in particular, has been vocal about the need to accelerate infrastructure projects, including the Via Carpathia highway, which would connect the Baltic states to Greece, and the Rail Baltica rail corridor, linking Finland to Poland via the Baltic states. Both projects have been plagued by delays, but officials say the war in Ukraine has underscored their strategic importance.
Looking Ahead: A Test for Regional Unity
As leaders gather in Zagreb, the stakes could not be higher. The Three Seas Initiative has positioned itself as a unifying force in a region often divided by historical grievances and competing national interests. Yet, with Hungary’s recent push for closer ties with China and Austria’s cautious approach to energy diversification, maintaining cohesion will require delicate diplomacy.
For Poland, the summit is also a chance to reassert its leadership within the bloc. President Andrzej Duda, who will attend the event alongside First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, has framed 3SI as a cornerstone of Warsaw’s foreign policy. His office confirmed that the presidential couple’s visit to Croatia will include bilateral meetings with counterparts from the region, as well as discussions on deepening cooperation with the U.S. And other Western partners.
“The Three Seas Initiative is more than a regional project; it’s a vision for a stronger, more sovereign Europe,” Duda said in a statement ahead of the summit. “Our success will depend on our ability to work together—and to bring our allies along with us.”
As the world watches, the Zagreb summit may well determine whether 3SI can transition from a promising idea to a lasting force in European geopolitics.
