Poland takes over EU presidency, focusing on security, defence
Poland on Wednesday took charge of the Council of the European Union for a six-month term, with priorities including security and defence amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Image:Publicity handout/Press kit
As Poland takes its turn at the helm of the 27-nation bloc on January 1, officials say the country’s rotating presidency in the first half of 2025 will prioritise collective security and defence as well as continued support for Kyiv against Moscow.
Various Polish officials have called for efforts to boost the production capacity of the European defence industry.
Finance Minister Andrzej Domański told reporters last month that „it is extremely important that we build a strong European defence industry based on the latest technology.”
Another key priority will be reinvigorating the EU economy by simplifying regulations and introducing deregulation measures to restore competitiveness, Domański said.
He highlighted the importance of improving access to capital for businesses across the EU, which he described as a critical challenge for many European companies.
The Polish finance minister also announced a push for reforms to the EU’s customs code to ensure fair competition for European businesses.
„The EU needs to tighten its borders so that European companies can compete on equal and fair terms,” he said, as cited by Polish state news agency PAP.
Poland’s presidency is also expected to focus on maintaining stable support for Kyiv and advancing new EU sanctions against Russia in response to its war against Ukraine.
The Polish finance minister was quoted as saying in early December that Poland would push for joint EU defence funding during its EU presidency.
„I believe that security is a common good, therefore we need a common solution,” Domański said at the time, as quoted by the Reuters news agency.
The European Commission has estimated that enhancing the EU’s defence capabilities could cost around EUR 500 billion over the next decade, according to Reuters.
Poland’s European Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka said in December that the country’s presidency of the EU Council in the first six months of 2025 would focus on various aspects of security in the broad sense.
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Source: IAR, PAP
