Poland sets security as top priority for EU presidency amid external threats

Poland officially assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, marking a significant milestone — 20 years after its accession to the EU.

This is Poland's second time holding the position, and authorities have laid out an ambitious agenda aimed at reinforcing European security amidst rising geopolitical tensions, Caliber.Az reports citing the official website of the Council of Europe.

Poland's priorities for its six-month presidency are centred around strengthening security in multiple dimensions, including external, internal, economic, energy, food, health, and information security. The country's government has emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues in light of the destabilizing factors affecting Europe, notably the Russian aggression in Ukraine and increasing hybrid threats aimed at undermining European democracy and security.

As stated in the official presidency program, Poland’s main goal is to defend the core values of the EU, such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, which are currently under threat. "For Europe, this is a time of tests and decisions," Poland’s presidency noted, asserting that the EU must act decisively to safeguard its citizens and secure its immediate neighbours.

Warsaw also emphasized that EU unity is essential to face these challenges and that collaboration with countries sharing EU values — especially those aspiring to join the Union — is critical for stability and growth.

"To make Europe safer, we need the unity of the European Union and its willingness to work together with partners who share our values, including those who seek EU membership," the program states. Poland has strongly committed to supporting the EU enlargement process, viewing it as a geopolitical imperative that can spread stability and foster economic growth across the continent.

Another key aspect of Poland's presidency will be the continued support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing war with Russia. Poland plans to focus not only on the defence of Ukraine but also on its long-term reconstruction. With its proximity to the conflict, Poland has been one of the EU’s staunchest advocates for Ukraine, and this will remain a top priority during its presidency.

In line with its security objectives, Poland has also proposed an ambitious approach to strengthening EU defence capabilities. The Polish presidency calls for increased military spending, improvements to the defence industry, and addressing existing gaps in defence preparedness. "Defense preparedness needs to be improved through increased military spending, strengthening the defence industry, and addressing gaps in defence capabilities," the program explains. Poland intends to push for an in-depth discussion on defence funding within the EU to ensure that resources are allocated in line with the rising threats faced by the bloc.

Moreover, Poland has emphasized the importance of coordinating its defence efforts with NATO, as the EU and NATO face shared challenges in securing Europe’s borders and deterring external aggression. "Concerted and ambitious actions complementing NATO’s efforts" will be a central theme of Poland's defence strategy.

While Poland's presidency marks a continuation of its active leadership role within the EU, it also signifies a critical juncture for the EU as a whole, facing internal challenges such as migration pressures, economic stability, and the ongoing impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Poland's position underscores the significance of defending the EU’s core values at a time when these are increasingly under attack by external and internal forces.

The Polish presidency will officially replace the Hungarian presidency, with Poland holding the position for six months. Afterwards, Denmark will assume the presidency in July 2025.

By Tamilla Hasanova