January 1 - June 30, 2025
Poland takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time. Thirteen years after the first Polish presidency, and twenty years after joining the EU, Poland presents an ambitious presidency programme, the main goal of which is to implement the priorities set around the topic of security. Its motto is "Security, Europe!"
The seven priorities of the Polish Presidency
The Polish Presidency will support activities strengthening European security in all its dimensions: external, internal, information, economic, energy, food, and health.
- The Defense and security
- Protection of people and Borders
- Resistance to foreign interference and disinformation
- Insuring security and freedom of business
- Energy transition
- Competitive and resilient agriculture
- Health security
Program
The Polish presidency will continue its efforts to strengthen and protect the European Union's values, both internally and externally.
- In view of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and other security threats, the work of the Foreign Affairs Council will focus on maximising support for Ukraine at political, military and economic levels, maintaining current policies towards Russia and Belarus and strengthening the security and resilience of the EU and its partners.
- The main thrust of the work of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will be to respond to the challenges of the EU's current economic and financial situation. The most important areas on which the Polish presidency will focus are streamlining the Single Market to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy, and working on the financial aspects of strengthening the EU's defence capabilities and supporting Ukraine, as well as the balanced and efficient revenue side of the EU budget.
- The main thrust of the work of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will be to respond to the challenges of the EU's current economic and financial situation. The most important areas on which the Polish presidency will focus are streamlining the Single Market to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy, and working on the financial aspects of strengthening the EU's defence capabilities and supporting Ukraine, as well as the balanced and efficient revenue side of the EU budget.
- The work of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will focus on measures to ensure fair, non-discriminatory and safe working conditions in the age of digital transformation. We will work to ensure equality, cohesion and inclusion. In particular, we will work towards gender equality in a modern digital society.
- The work of the Competitiveness Council will focus on measures to ensure long-term competitiveness, which is at the same time a pillar of the EU's economic security.
- We will support the development of a comprehensive and horizontal approach to cybersecurity, working on updating and strengthening the EU's cyber crisis coordination framework.
- The work of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will focus on measures needed to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and increase its resilience to crises. We recognise that they are essential both to stabilize farmers' incomes and to guarantee food security. We will address the challenges that future EU enlargement will bring to the sector.
- The work of the Environment Council will focus on actions to build the resilience of the environment and societies to climate change. We will underline the tangible benefits that healthy and stable ecosystems bring to societies. Emphasis will be put on legislation concerning access to resources critical for human functioning.
- The work of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council will focus on activities for the benefit of young people, including supporting young artists in starting their professional careers. We will address the issue of the European identity. Attention will be paid to measures aimed at strengthening the role of sport in the education process.
To view the detailed program, click here
Left: President of the European Council, António Costa; right: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
► For more information on the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, click here
(Pictures from the Polish Presidency Council of the European Union's official website)
