EU Leaders Review Polish Presidency’s Triumphs
Poland Concludes Its Term as EU Council President
On 31 December, Poland officially wrapped up its role as the head of the European Union Council, having taken the reins on 1 January 2025. After a year of steering EU deliberations, the Polish presidency has now transitioned back to the next scheduled member.
Key Highlights of the Polish Presidency
- Managed over 100 council meetings focusing on climate policy and digital transformation.
- Introduced summit on Migration Reform, garnering mixed reactions across member states.
- Facilitated coalition agreements on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence.
- Oversaw a strategic partnership with the EU’s military alliance to strengthen border security.
Remarks by EU Leaders
During a press briefing in Brussels, President Ursula von der Leyen addressed Poland’s former President Donald Tusk: “This period has been demanding, yet you have steered it to completion.” Tusk, who will now guide the EU into its next leadership cycle, acknowledged the tense yet productive era of his presidency.
Future Outlook
The European Union is preparing for a seamless handover, ensuring that ongoing initiatives such as the European Green Deal and digital infrastructure projects continue without interruption. The next country on the rotation will take on the council presidency in January 2026, marking a new chapter for the EU.
Poland’s EU Council Presidency Concludes on 30 June
Poland’s stint at the helm of the Council of the European Union will officially draw to a close on 30 June. During a press briefing held in Brussels, former Prime Minister and current EU Commissioner Donald Tusk reflected on the six‑month period, stressing the prominence of defence in the presidency’s agenda. European and Polish political figures also shared their views on the term, underscoring its significance for the region.
Key Themes of the Presidency
- Defence Focus: The portfolio placed particular emphasis on strengthening national security and collective defence initiatives.
- Policy Initiatives: Several projects targeting infrastructure and digital transformation were highlighted.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Strong outreach to member states and partners reinforced shared goals.
Reactions from Political Leaders
- European Officials: Many praised the achievements, calling the term “a catalyst for progress”.
- Polish Politicians: Expressed gratitude for the international support and highlighted the achievements in defence.
- <strongFuture Outlook: Commentators suggested that the presidency set a foundation for upcoming policies in the European context.
Closing Remarks
As the presidency nears its end, the accomplishments in defence and collaboration are seen as stepping‑stones for both Poland’s future role and the broader EU strategy. The concluding statements by Donald Tusk and other leaders underscore a shared commitment to strengthening security and unity across Europe.
Donald Tusk on Europe without war: naïve European faith
Poland’s Six‑Month EU Presidency: A Shift Toward Defence and Hard‑Line Policy
Donald Tusk’s Overview of the Presidency
Former Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted the Polish EU presidency’s focus on European security and the necessity for “bold and unprecedented decisions” in a changing geopolitical landscape. He argued that Poland’s leadership helped reform the EU’s traditional “dream of a war‑free continent” into a more realistic stance on defence.
Key Achievements in Defence and Financing
- €150 billion SAFE Programme – Secured funding to boost the European arms industry and strengthen collective defence capabilities.
- Shield East Initiative – Established financial support for eastern border security to counter potential threats.
Complicated Policy Advances
During the presidency, Tusk approved a controversial measure that temporarily suspended asylum applications. Humanitarian groups have critiqued this law, warning that it could be exploited and that human rights at the Polish‑Belarusian frontier remain strained.
Poland’s Stance on Migration
Prime Minister Tusk defended the legislation as an “unprecedented solution” aimed at curbing irregular migration and safeguarding European stability. He maintains that this approach provides a necessary framework for the EU to tackle the migrant rush.
“War at the borders, but also a crisis in the Middle East.”
Poland’s EU Presidency: A Time of Global Unrest
Key Comments from Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski
During the recent interview with the Polish Press Agency, Radosław Sikorski highlighted the significance of Poland’s role as the EU’s rotating presidency amid a period marked by widespread instability.
Context of the Presidency
- “The Polish presidency took place at a time of exceptional unrest.”
- References to ongoing conflicts along borders and crises within the Middle East.
- Emphasis on the imperative to sustain pressure on Russia regarding Ukrainian matters.
Objectives Achieved
The minister stressed the importance of building European mechanisms that enhance collective resilience and security.
Defense Spending Commitments in Poland
Donald Tusk’s Statements on Defense Investment
- All Alliance member states pledged to raise defense budgets to 5% of GDP.
- Allocation: 3.5% dedicated to core defense functions, 1.5% allocated for defense-related investments.
- According to official figures, Poland aims to spend 4.7% of its GDP on defense by the end of 2025.
“Your presidency was difficult, but you managed it.”
EU Leaders Highlight Polish Presidency’s Legislative Achievements and Staunch Support for Ukraine
During the recent European Council meeting, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, focused their remarks on the progress made by Poland while it held the rotating presidency.
Poland’s Legislative Impact
- Poland successfully enacted 37 pieces of legislation during the six-month term.
- Negotiations culminated in agreements on 18 additional proposals.
- Both leaders commended the thoroughness and influence of the Polish Council’s initiatives.
Strong Stance on Russian Sanctions
Both EU heads praised the continuity of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They underscored the resilience and unity of the bloc throughout the period of Polish leadership.
During his address, Donald Tusk highlighted the forthcoming 18th sanctions package. He emphasized its focus on the Russian “shadow fleet,” describing it as a massive threat with significant environmental implications:
“This is not only an infrastructure threat in the Baltic, but it also poses a gigantic environmental danger,” Tusk remarked.
Call for Accelerated Reform in Ukraine
Antonio Costa stressed that Ukraine, operating under tough conditions, must expedite reforms. He called on the EU to intensify collaborative efforts to support the nation’s transformation.
Personal Recognition and Appreciation
Ursula von der Leyen addressed Donald Tusk directly, acknowledging the challenges of his presidency. She noted, “Your presidency has been difficult, but you have done well.”
