Warsaw (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Poland assumes the EU Council presidency, prioritizing EU security, sanctions on Russia, and advancing enlargement strategy during its term.
Poland has officially begun its presidency of the EU Council from January 1 to June 30, 2025. According to the official website of Poland’s presidency in the EU Council, the main assignment for Poland during this period is bolstering European security in light of geopolitical conflicts.
As reported by a release following Poland’s preferences during its EU Council presidency notes that the country accepts leadership in a period of tension and concern.
“Europe is grappling with the consequences of Russia’s third year of armed aggression against Ukraine and the need to strengthen its defence capacity. We are witnessing increasing geopolitical tensions, the erosion of the rules-based international order and hybrid attacks targeting European democracy and security,”
The Polish statement noted.
What are Poland’s priorities during its EU council presidency?
Poland stressed that Europe is going through a time of problems and decisions and that the EU must defend itself and its citizens and take care of its close neighbourhood. It emphasises that responsibility to coming generations requires the unity of the EU and the readiness to cooperate with partners who share its values, including membership prospects. It also highlights the obligation to defend the values on which the Community is established, such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
Warsaw says that the Polish Presidency will back activities supporting European security in all its extents: external, internal, information, economic, energy, food, and health. Earlier in December 2024, Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, confirmed that Poland’s presidency of the European Council in the first half of the forthcoming year would help reach a consensus on additional sanctions against Russia. Sikorski also said that Poland’s preferences during its presidency would concentrate on ensuring an adequate pace of the EU’s enlargement strategy.
