In 2025, we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the Constitution of May 3, 1791—an enduring symbol of Poland’s commitment to liberty and reform. Adopted by the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, it was the first modern constitution in Europe and the second in the world after the United States. Designed to strengthen the weakened state and protect its sovereignty, the document introduced groundbreaking reforms such as the separation of powers, majority rule, civil rights for townspeople, and greater protections for peasants. It aimed to establish a constitutional monarchy and curb the abuses of the nobility and foreign interference. Though short-lived due to the subsequent partitions of Poland, the Constitution of May 3rd remains a powerful testament to the nation’s enduring pursuit of democracy, freedom, and national dignity.
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