The Krakow Initiative (Proliferation Security Initiative) was announced by US President George W. Bush at Wawel Castle in Krakow on May 31, 2003.

The PSI is designed to prevent trafficking in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and components for their production. To this end, broad-based international cooperation is needed not only at the political level, but also between services responsible for the security of the individual PSI participating states (such as special and customs services, border guard, etc.). The prevention of WMD trafficking involves detection and surveillance of organisations, institutions and states seeking to illegally obtain such weapons, as well as special operations to stop transfers of WMD or components for their manufacture.

Originally, the PSI included 11 states (Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, the US and Poland). On September 4, 2003, in Paris, these countries detailed the principles governing such operations in a document titled "Statement of Interdiction Principles" . The document defines the circumstances in which such operations may be carried out (at sea, on land, or in the air) including, most importantly, the requirement that any action taken must be consistent with international law.

Gradually, the group of 11 founding states has expanded to the present 86 states supporting the PSI worldwide.

Poland has been involved in PSI activities ever since the launching of the Initiative. We regard the PSI to be an effective mechanism for preventing WMD proliferation. That is one of the gravest threats to international security. Some states and terrorist organisations make attempts to come into possession of WMDs to use them later in terrorist attacks, or to strengthen their political position. Irresponsible behaviour of this kind calls for unconventional countermeasures, taken with full respect for the law. Furthermore, the PSI makes it possible to promote the fundamental principles concerning WMD non-proliferation , at the same time enhancing the preparedness and training levels of state security services.

Polish involvement in the PSI also reflects the importance that Poland has long attached to the implementation of the standards resulting from international arms control and disarmament agreements. We believe that in a dynamically evolving international environment initiatives such as the PSI provide essential and effective reinforcement for cooperation within the existing framework of global disarmament agreements. The PSI is also an important element of international efforts to combat the terrorist threat.

The object of the website is to present Polish involvement in the PSI and to provide current information on our input as an active PSI participant.

The website administrator is the Security Policy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland