Kaczynski in Berlin

Kaczynski said he was optimistic about the chances of reaching a deal on the EU reform treaty when European Union leaders meet in Lisbon at the end of next week.

"There are still a few details to discuss but I am strongly convinced that the summit will have a positive outcome," he said on Friday, Oct. 12, during a visit to the German chancellery. "If all the information that is reaching me is true, then it will be a success."

He did, however, add that there were still "two or three questions" to be addressed. After the meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said there were "ongoing discussions."

The leaders met for a short lunch discussion in a "friendly atmosphere," the dpa news agency reported, citing anonymous sources.

Debate on voting procedure

Though Poland reluctantly accepted the draft of the EU's reform treaty in June at the end of the German EU presidency, Warsaw continues to insist on the inclusion of a rule that would allow for delay on EU decisions if a large enough minority disagrees.

Poland has argued that the voting system chosen by the bloc, which requires the support of 55 percent of the states and 65 percent of the population, favors larger countries like Germany.

Next week's summit in Lisbon will focus on the latest draft of the EU reform treaty, which would replace the constitution vetoed down by French and Dutch voters two years ago. All 27 EU member states must ratify the draft treaty for it to become valid.

The EU hopes to complete the adoption process by the end of the year so that national governments can ratify the new treaty in time for it to enter into force ahead of European Parliament elections in 2009.

Polish elections loom

Warsaw had initiated Friday's lunch meeting in Berlin, although Germany responded with a degree of skepticism due to Poland's upcoming early parliamentary elections on Oct. 21.

Opposition parties in Poland have accused the current government -- where Lech Kaczynski serves as president and twin brother Jaroslaw as prime minister -- of impeding relations with Europe. Some observers said Friday's visit was an attempt to reshape the Kaczynskis' image just days before their government is put to the ballot following the collapse of the coalition.

Relations between Germany and its eastern neighbor have been under strain since Kaczynski assumed the presidency in late 2005. Both he had his brother have played on anti-German sentiment at home and repeatedly brought up Polish suffering during World War II.