POLAND’S CANDIDATURE FOR THE 2025 ICAO COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Poland is honoured to present its candidature for election to Part III of the ICAO Council (2025–2028) on behalf of the Central European Rotation Group (CERG) – the largest rotation group within the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). CERG brings together Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, united in a spirit of regional solidarity and coordinated representation. Since its establishment in 1993 and subsequent enlargement, CERG has consistently ensured that the collective interests of ten ECAC Member States are effectively represented in ICAO’s decision-making processes.
The year 2024 marked a series of historic milestones: the 80th anniversary of ICAO, of which Poland is a proud founding member; the 95th anniversary of LOT Polish Airlines; and the 95th anniversary of the Warsaw Convention, the oldest international aviation treaty still in force, signed in Warsaw in 1929. These anniversaries not only celebrate our achievements but also reaffirm our commitment to addressing the opportunities and challenges that demand coordinated global action in the years ahead.
Drawing on our legal, operational, and institutional heritage, Poland will continue to champion ICAO’s Strategic Objective of maintaining a responsive international legal framework that meets both traditional and emerging challenges - from unmanned aircraft systems and cybersecurity risks to the safe integration of new technologies.
Poland also shares the European Union’s strong commitment to supporting ICAO and its Member States through capacity-building, regulatory enhancement, and effective implementation of international standards. Through the EU–ICAO cooperation framework, we actively help strengthen aviation authorities, close regulatory gaps, promote global harmonisation, and advance ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative. We also recognise the urgency of investing in the future workforce - attracting new talent, fostering diversity, and preparing the next generation of aviation professionals to address evolving challenges - ensuring that every flight is safe, secure, and sustainable.
Poland and CERG stand ready to contribute actively to the work of the ICAO Council, advancing civil aviation as a catalyst for social and economic development while upholding the pillars of safety, security, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. Having previously served on the ICAO Council from 2013–2016, Poland brings valuable experience and renewed ambition. Together with all ICAO Member States, we are committed to ensuring that international aviation continues to connect the world - safely, sustainably, and inclusively.
Mateusz Bączkowski, Poland’s candidate for election to the ICAO Council, brings extensive experience in both public administration and the aviation sector. He currently serves as Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation (CAA Poland), with responsibilities covering air transport policy, legal and regulatory matters, passenger rights, and economic oversight. He is an active member of the ICAO Air Transport Regulation Panel and regularly represents Poland at international forums and organisations.
Previously, Mr. Bączkowski held the position of General Counsel at LOT Polish Airlines and the Polish Aviation Group, where he managed compliance, mergers, and regulatory affairs. He has also contributed as a member of the IATA Legal Advisory Council and the Star Alliance Legal Committee. He holds a Master of Laws from the University of Warsaw, has completed the Business Leader Development Programme at the University of Oxford, and is an alumnus of the ICAO–SAA DGCA Programme on Aviation Safety.