Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court has dismissed appeals regarding the revocation of Sławomir Cenckiewicz’s security clearances, impacting his access to classified information.
Decision Regarding Cenckiewicz’s Access to Classified Information
The Supreme Administrative Court rejected the cassation complaints filed by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. The case was heard by a three-judge panel consisting of Judge Tamara Dziełakowska, and Judges Paweł Mierzejewski and Olga Żurawska-Matusiak.
Revocation of Security Clearances
In July 2024, the Military Counterintelligence Service revoked Sławomir Cenckiewicz’s security clearances, granting access to classified information at the highest national and international levels, including “top secret” classifications within the European Union, NATO, and the European Space Agency.
Cenckiewicz filed a complaint, which was initially overturned by the Warsaw Administrative Court on June 17th. The Prime Minister’s Chancellery subsequently filed cassation appeals with the Supreme Administrative Court on August 5th.
Cenckiewicz’s Participation in National Security Council Meetings
In July of last year, Karol Nawrocki announced Sławomir Cenckiewicz would head the Presidential National Security Bureau. This sparked debate regarding Cenckiewicz’s access to classified information. On February 11th, Cenckiewicz was admitted to the non-public portion of a National Security Council meeting.
Minister Coordinator of Special Services, Tomasz Siemoniak, stated that the Internal Security Agency would investigate the matter.
President Nawrocki’s Veto and Military Command Dispute
A separate report highlighted a dispute between President Nawrocki and military commanders regarding the SAFE system, leading to a disagreement over authority within the armed forces.
Presidential Office Response
The Presidential Office stated that no participants in the National Security Council meeting, including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and Minister Siemoniak, left the session or raised formal objections before the confidential portion began. Siemoniak reportedly expressed concerns about Cenckiewicz’s authorization only after over four hours of the meeting.
“Gazeta Wyborcza” Reports
In December of last year, “Gazeta Wyborcza” reported that the SKW’s decision to revoke Cenckiewicz’s clearances was linked to his failure to disclose information about certain medications on his security questionnaire.
Cenckiewicz responded, claiming the “GW” article contained “many errors, distortions, and lies,” and utilized sensitive information from confidential SKW investigative and control proceedings. He announced his intention to pursue civil and criminal action against the author and SKW leadership.