Poland's new prime minister has fired a number of ministers from his cabinet, including the controversial ministers of foreign affairs, defense and environment, before heading off to Brussels for talks with top European Union officials.

Mateusz Morawiecki, who became prime minister in December, is conducting the reshuffle just before he attempts to avert possible EU sanctions on Poland. EU leaders have raised a series of concerns over the Polish government's reform of the justice system and over logging in an old forest.

The composition of the new government suggests that Poland is attempting a more conciliatory approach to the EU.

Especially the removal of Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski and Environment Minister Jan Szyszko, respectively replaced by Jacek Czaputowicz and Henryk Kowalczyk, shows a will to mend fences with partners within the EU.

New finance and development ministers were also appointed Tuesday as the jobs were vacated by Morawiecki when he became the prime minister.

The new ministers were sworn in by President Andrzej Duda in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace.