Poland’s leadership of the EU Council has helped steer the European agenda firmly toward defense and security, according to Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Undersecretary of State for EU Affairs at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. A growing consensus among EU member states now places defense financing at the top of the priority list, and a key pillar of the forthcoming European Defence White Paper is the “Eastern Shield” – a fortification initiative along Poland’s eastern and northern borders.
“We proposed a multidimensional approach to security, and this idea has been fully embraced across Europe,” Sobkowiak-Czarnecka told Newseria.
On March 19, 2025, the European Commission unveiled the European Defence White Paper – Readiness 2030, outlining the framework for the ReArm Europe initiative, aimed at mobilizing over €800 billion to strengthen the continent’s defense. The Commission has proposed several financing mechanisms, including a €150 billion loan facility to support defense procurement from European industry, as well as allowing defense spending to be exempted from national deficit calculations. These defense-related discussions are also gaining ground in talks on the upcoming EU budget for 2028–2034. A majority of EU nations – not just in Central and Eastern Europe – agree that defense is the top strategic concern.
“Back in 2014, after the annexation of Crimea, when we warned that Putin would not stop, there was little understanding in the EU. Today, things are very different. Poland is being listened to. Our ministers lead key meetings in Warsaw and Brussels. We are the ones proposing the agenda,” Sobkowiak-Czarnecka emphasized.
During its March plenary, the European Parliament passed a resolution to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities by a wide margin (419 votes to 204), with support from five political groups, including the European People’s Party (EPP), to which Poland’s PO–PSL delegation belongs. The resolution stresses the need to strengthen Europe’s defense in the face of complex geopolitical challenges and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Notably, Amendment No. 87 highlights the protection of the EU’s land, air, and maritime borders as crucial. Flagship projects under this plan include the Baltic Defence Line and the Eastern Shield, which entails the construction of physical and natural fortifications along Poland’s eastern and northern borders.
“The Eastern Shield is explicitly named as the only border defense project to be financed from shared EU funds. It’s a major achievement that we secured recognition for the Polish–Belarusian border as an external EU frontier, fostering a sense of shared responsibility among member states,” the official explained.
“At the start of our presidency, not everyone was aware of what was happening on that border. When I spoke with my counterparts shortly after the death of Polish soldier Mateusz Sitek, who was killed in a migrant attack at the border, many were shocked. But things have changed. There’s now greater awareness that Europe must act collectively.”
According to the Bruegel think tank, failing to curb Russian aggression would leave Europe in a dangerously weak position for decades, with peace itself at risk. In this context, sanctions are essential. During the first three months of Poland’s presidency, despite opposition from Hungary, the EU successfully extended all existing sanctions and adopted the 16th sanctions package. Another package is in the works, focusing on further limiting the import of Russian raw materials.
“Forging unity is the true challenge of any presidency, and convincing Hungary was no small feat,” Sobkowiak-Czarnecka noted.
Poland’s EU presidency also focuses on competitiveness, labor market challenges, and social policy. On April 14–15, Warsaw hosted an informal meeting of EU labor and social affairs ministers to discuss issues such as the impact of digitalization on work and workers’ rights. Last week, the spring edition of the European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI) – organized by the Lewiatan Confederation – also addressed key labor market issues.
“There is no security without competitiveness, and competitiveness is built through labor and an environment that supports business,” Sobkowiak-Czarnecka emphasized.
“We cannot merely observe the digital revolution – we must respond and adapt the labor market. One major challenge is reskilling, especially for older generations still digitally excluded.”
Migration integration policy will also play a pivotal role in the labor market, according to the government official. In April, the European Commission proposed accelerating aspects of the EU migration and asylum pact, which is set to come into force in June 2026. This includes a fast-track border procedure for nationals from so-called “safe countries of origin”, such as Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia.
“The Polish government has consistently pointed out that migration can be weaponized by regimes, as we’ve seen on the Belarusian border. But that doesn’t mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater – migration must also be considered in light of labor market needs,” said Sobkowiak-Czarnecka.
She added that many initiatives launched under the Polish presidency will be carried forward by future EU presidencies.
“We are the presidency that opens the five-year cycle for the EU institutions – with a new Commission and a new Parliament. That means we’re writing the first words of many policy directions, which will be continued by others. We are already coordinating with the upcoming Danish and Cypriot presidencies, our trio partners, especially on topics like deregulation,” she concluded.
