In the lead-up to Sunday's parliamentary election, much of the analysis abroad focused on the perceived negative impact a Law and Justice (PiS) victory could have on Poland's relations with the rest of Europe, with many foreign newspapers viewing it as a straight battle between “pro-European,” Donald Tusk and “conservative, nationalistic, and anti-European” Jarosław Kaczyński.

The election would “determine whether the country continues on its conciliatory course with Russia and Germany, or whether it returns to a more combative stance with its historic foes,” an article from the Associated Press suggested.

As a result, Civic Platform's (PO) victory is likely be warmly received by many of the major power brokers in Brussels, with Mr Tusk certain to attempt to continue his party's current policy of maintaining good relations with Poland's western neighbors.

“It is good for the EU that PO was able to win, it is a sign of continuity and stability, which is definitely positive news for the region,” Jan Techau, the director of EU think tank Carnegie Europe, told WBJ. “This is a sign that the party system in Poland has started to solidify,” he added.

Mr Techau also believes PiS's failed bid to return to power is a clear message that a party cannot win an election with anti-European and anti-German rhetoric.

“Black and white, radical, xenophobic, old-man talk of this kind doesn't win elections,” Mr Techau said.

Of all the EU's leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will undoubtedly greet the result most warmly, especially considering Mr Kaczyński's negative remarks about her prior to the election.

“Tusk and Merkel have a very good working relationship, and there is no doubt she will be positive about the outcome,” Mr Techau said.

He also predicted that Mr Tusk would pay an official visit to Germany in the near future in an attempt to help solidify the relationship between the two countries, and to confirm the view held by many in Brussels that Mr Tusk is a strong leader and Poland is an important nation for the future of the EU.