A geopolitical vision by strategist Jacek Bartosiak of Strategy & Future proposes the creation of a „Free City of Stanisławów”—a modern, self-governing urban centre located between Warsaw and Łódź, beside the planned Central Communication Port (CPK). It would operate as a semi-autonomous economic and innovation hub, attracting foreign capital and global talent, and functioning independently from the Polish state. Inspired by free-city models like Gdynia, the plan positions Stanisławów as a strategic testing ground for economic liberalism, logistics, and international partnerships.

“We’re about to have a new president. Who knows – perhaps for the next ten years. It’s the perfect moment to launch a major public debate on the need to build a new, great city – one that embodies our vision of Poland ten years from now. A Poland free from today’s problems, modern and exemplary, attracting investment and talent, including our millions-strong diaspora,” the description of the idea explains.

Bartosiak envisions Stanisławów as a modern, semi-autonomous city built alongside the upcoming Central Communication Port (CPK). He sees it serving as a pivotal logistics and innovation centre—a hub for foreign capital, high-tech R&D, and global talent.

“Since the days of Gdynia and the Central Industrial Region, we haven’t undertaken anything of this scale. The time has come to design and construct a new city – one that operates under different, better principles. A city filled with metaphorical “glass houses” fit for the 21st and 22nd centuries, capable of inspiring the rest of Poland and fulfilling the ambitions of its citizens,” the authors add.

Drawing inspiration from historical models like Gdynia, the proposal sees Stanisławów as a testing ground for economic liberalism, international partnerships, and advanced governance structures operating in parallel to the Polish state.

“It could also be the perfect place for the return of the Polish diaspora – even for those who don’t remember Poland or feel only loosely connected to it, but who want to live in a country that is modern, innovative, and deregulated, where neither the state nor feudal networks stand in the way of living, developing, or making money. It will be up to us to decide who comes and settles in this new ‘promised land’ – only this time, it won’t be Łódź, but Stanisławów,” the description concludes.

The idea was widely commented on by Polish internet users. Bartiosiak also discussed it with one of Poland’s top journalists, Bogdan Rymanowski. 

During the interview, he suggested the project would be a great opportunity for Polish innovation in architecture and many other sectors.

Bartosiak frames this as a forward-looking blueprint for Poland over the next 10–20 years—a small-scale pilot of state-of-the-future thinking, designed to enhance national resilience and raise Poland’s standing in Europe and globally.

Source: Strategy&Future, Patrionite, X

Photo: @TheB1M

Tomasz Modrzejewski