Minister Tomasz Siemoniak spoke about the importance of civil protection in the EU. “This is one of the priorities of our presidency in the area of home affairs. Last year, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö drafted a report concerning the need to foster resilience, which was commissioned by the European Commission. These findings were in line with our approach to the priorities of the Presidency,” he said.

He also pointed out that Poland has a Civil Protection and Civil Defence Act, which introduced revolutionary solutions in this area. “We have completed the process of adopting a law - a new, revolutionary act on civil protection. It came into force on 1 January,” he pointed out.

The Minister of the Interior and Administration also mentioned the new European Union security strategy. “We are counting on this document to be a very strong signal for the European Union to ensure that various policies, strategies and other actions are based on security, which should be seen as the key aspect,” he observed.

Minister Tomasz Siemoniak also spoke about the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. “It is never too late to express our thanks to the Frontex officers and staff who ensure the security of the citizens of the EU,” he said, addressing Frontex officers.

Commissioner Magnus Brunner: There is no freedom without security

“Security is a fundamental right for all Europeans and is also required if we want to thrive and be competitive. Without security, there is no democracy. Without security, there is no freedom,” said Commissioner Magnus Brunner.

The EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration also spoke about the need for a new security strategy. “This will be a European security strategy for the European Union. It is important to understand that the security of one member state is tantamount to the security of all other member states,” he pointed out.

“We will be addressing a very broad spectrum of security threats, going beyond the traditional responsibilities of ministers of the interior when it comes to organised crime and drug trafficking. I will work very closely with all ministers of all member states to develop this strategy and then make it a reality,” he announced.

Managing migration and fostering resilience 

Participants of the informal JHA Council meeting talked about new and innovative solutions concerning migration management. Implementing them will help regain control of migration processes in the EU. Other issues debated during the meeting included the instrumental use of migration flows as a tool of hybrid warfare waged against the European Union. Other important matters raised during the debate concerned return policy, cooperation with third countries and the protection of external borders.

The informal Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting also concerned the issue of bolstering Europe's civilian and military preparedness. The ministers talked about issues pertaining to fostering resilience to crises as well as the integration of civil protection and civil defence systems. These talks included the need to increase spending for these solutions. 

The debate will continue throughout the Polish presidency.