The final days of June marked an important milestone: the conclusion of Poland’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. To commemorate this occasion, the city of Łódź hosted the Great European Picnic, where European Parliament Vice-President Roberta Metsola praised Poland’s role over the past half-year.
“In the past six months, Poland has been a strong and courageous leader. It gave us strength and courage to move forward in these very challenging times,” said Metsola during the event.
“Poland occupies a central position in the European Union, and that will never change. In Łódź, we clearly see the benefits EU membership brings to cities like this. Poles can see for themselves the advantages of being part of the Union, and I have no doubt that Poland will continue moving in this direction.”
Strong Finish for Poland’s Presidency
The European Picnic in Łódź’s Manufaktura was the symbolic finale to Poland’s EU presidency.
“We are pleased that the presidency ends on such a strong note in the Łódź region, with a visit from the President of the European Parliament,” said Dorota Ryl, the Łódź Voivode, speaking to Newseria.
“This presidency was one I experienced personally, and I know how important it is for Poland to assert its presence and priorities—especially security, which is a concern for everyone. We’ve set an example of how much GDP can be allocated to defense, and in these times, security has come to the forefront.”
“Security, Europe!” – From Slogan to Action
“The slogan ‘Security, Europe!’, introduced in the early days of Poland’s presidency by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has become reality,” said Dariusz Joński, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Civic Coalition.
“Europe has realized the need to unlock additional funding. We’re talking about the SAFE program, with €800 billion available for investment across the continent—not just in Poland—to protect our borders by sea, land, and air.”
According to Joński, the geopolitical context has shifted since Poland assumed the presidency. Then-U.S. President Joe Biden was actively supporting Ukraine and reinforcing transatlantic ties in both defense and trade. However, following changes in the U.S. administration and tone toward Europe, EU nations have started focusing more on their own defense capabilities.
“One clear positive development is that Europe is now stronger, more unified, and better integrated. A few years ago, it seemed like every country was heading in a different direction,” Joński added.
“Poland has regained its international standing and rebuilt alliances within the EU and globally—thanks to effective diplomacy led by Prime Minister Tusk and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.”
Denmark to Continue the Security Agenda
As of July 1, Denmark takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council. According to Joński, Denmark’s term will maintain a strong focus on security and military cooperation, continuing the momentum built by Poland.
“On July 1, we begin work on a crucial document—Military Mobility. I am the shadow rapporteur for this within our EPP group,” Joński noted.
“We want all infrastructure investments to be dual-use: available for civilians during peacetime, but also capable of rapid troop deployment in times of conflict. Bridges, viaducts, and roads must be able to withstand military transport. This is smart investment and effective deterrence, especially for defending EU and Baltic states.”
Transport, Competitiveness, and Citizens’ Rights
In addition to defense, Joński highlighted transport policy and industrial competitiveness as other major achievements of Poland’s presidency.
“Six months ago, there were calls to ease penalties on car manufacturers who couldn’t meet new CO2 emissions standards. This was successfully addressed during Poland’s presidency,” he explained.
“We may not produce our own car brand, but around 200,000 people work in the automotive sector in Poland. Also, we passed new passenger rights legislation, and the right to obtain a driver’s license at age 17—an issue of interest to many Europeans, not just Poles.”
He emphasized that Poland’s success was largely due to strategic diplomacy and the ability to build coalitions.
“Thanks to smart diplomacy, Poland has regained its voice in Europe. We’ve rebuilt key alliances within the EU and on the global stage,” Joński concluded.
