Paweł Kowal – political scientist, historian, politician and publicist. Professor at the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland of the 5th, 6th and 9th term, in 2006–2007 – secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2009–2014 member of the European Parliament. Author of scientific articles, analyzes and books on transformation in Central Europe and the USSR, as well as Eastern policy.