The programme and priorities of Poland’s presidency in the EU Council, commencing on 1st January 2025, were the main topics of meetings between the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and leaders of political groups from the EP with Poland’s Prime Minister and Marshals of the Sejm and Senate. The most critical issue on the agenda for the upcoming six months will be security – not only military, but also economic, energy, health, and food security.
“This election year has brought us a new reality. However, it has also shown us that the constructive, pro-European centre remains strong both in the European Parliament and in this parliament. The elections also demonstrated that people expect tangible and visible results: lower cost of living and energy prices. Therefore, we must implement the idea of Jerzy Buzek, former European Parliament President, that is an Energy Union based on solidarity. We also need to stimulate EU competitiveness and ensure security and defence”, said Roberta Metsola during a meeting in the Sejm, signaling that it’s time to get to work and to address the urgent needs of our citizens and businesses. Poland is best positioned to lead the EU and to find a common approach during this critical presidency moment.
From January to June 2025, Poland will hold the rotating presidency in the EU Council, directing its activities at all levels and ensuring the continuity of Union action. The programme of the Polish presidency will primarily be influenced by geopolitical challenges facing Europe, such as the war in Ukraine on the EU’s eastern border, illegal migrations, and hybrid attacks. Given the unstable situation in other regions of the world, on the Middle East, Georgia, and South Korea, and a change of power in Washington, emphasise was put on the need for close cooperation of European players for common security.
“The slogan of security resonates here in all cases, because we realize that security in all areas of our lives is most important. But we must also add solidarity to this word, because when thinking about security and the development of Europe, we must also remember Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, we also have to remember Belarus – that is our responsibility. We will not be able to say that Europe is fully united if these countries do not regain the possibility of full participation in the democratic organization in democratic countries”, says Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Senate.
Roberta Metsola emphasized during meetings in Warsaw that the European Parliament is ready for close cooperation with the EU Council under Polish presidency. Furthermore, as our presidency coincides with the start of the new European Commission, Poland will have significant influence on preparing the Commission’s programme.
Roberta Metsola stated, “What happens next in Poland is key for European leadership. A strong Poland means a strong Europe is real.” Małgorzata Kidawa Błońska underscored her hope that the presidency, which Poland takes very seriously, will result not only in discussions but also solutions that will be possible to adopt in Europe. Szymon Hołownia added, ” If the European Union is to develop, it cannot replace nation states, it must support them in bringing out the best in each of them and in their joint work.”
The priorities of the Polish presidency, and Denmark and Cyprus – the countries to assume the function after Poland – will include other aspects of security; economic, energy, food and health.
