Poland has assumed the six-month presidency of the European Union Council. Under the motto “Security and Unity!” the country aims to drive collaboration and stability within the EU.
Enhancing Security as a Core Objective
The Polish presidency seeks to improve Europe’s security in all dimensions: from external and internal security to economic and energy stability, as well as health and food security. “Our shared security is indispensable,” stated Adam Szłapka, Minister for EU Affairs. Poland plans to host more than 300 official meetings, 22 informal ministerial councils, and around 200 cultural events to achieve tangible progress.
The presidency begins amidst significant challenges. The ongoing war in Ukraine and rising tensions at the Polish-Belarusian border weigh heavily on the region. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation at the border as “hybrid warfare” and called for stronger European cooperation to address these threats.
Poland’s Clear Shift After Hungary’s Leadership
Poland’s takeover follows Hungary’s controversial presidency, marked by blockades of EU sanctions against Russia and Viktor Orbán’s contentious “peace mission.” Poland intends to distance itself from this course and take a leading role within the EU.
The transition from the national-conservative PiS government to Donald Tusk’s pro-European Civic Coalition marks a significant reorientation of Poland’s EU policy. “What we inherited demands bold decisions,” Tusk emphasized. The presidency also serves as a crucial platform ahead of Poland’s upcoming presidential elections, which are seen as a critical test for Tusk’s party.
Poland aims to rebuild trust with its EU partners and strengthen European unity. Under the PiS government, Poland often clashed with the EU over contentious judicial reforms and human rights issues. Tusk assured: “We take responsibility for Poland’s future and that of the European Union.”