Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jakub Wiśniewski delivers a speech in the European Parliament presenting the priorities of the Polish Presidency to the DEVE Committee
18.02.2025
“Building resilience is one of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakub Wiśniewski presented Poland’s goals in the area of international development and humanitarian cooperation during his speech to the European Parliament’s Committee on Development (DEVE).
In his speech, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jakub Wiśniewski set out the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the field of development and humanitarian cooperation, stressing that building the resilience of partner countries is the priority theme that is in line with the motto of the Polish Presidency – “Security, Europe!” He explained that building resilience is the EU’s method of supporting developing countries in their preparedness for crises such as conflicts or natural disasters. It is particularly important in the face of the growing number of humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and socio-economic challenges. This means focusing on preventive measures, and not merely reacting to crises.
The minister underlined the importance of continued support for Ukraine, including humanitarian aid.
In addition, Minister Wiśniewski pointed out that a key priority of the Polish Presidency is to develop the partnership between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, established under the Samoa Agreement. He stressed that Poland was the fourth EU member to ratify the agreement. He also assured of the Polish Presidency’s commitment to implement the Global Gateway strategy and ensure a strong EU voice in preparing the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. Undersecretary of State Wiśniewski reaffirmed that the Polish Presidency will work to retain the EU’s attention on forgotten and prolonged humanitarian crises.
As part of presenting the Polish Presidency’s priorities, a discussion was also held with MEPs-members of the DEVE Committee.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Development (DEVE) is tasked with actively co-shaping the EU development and humanitarian policy. Its specific areas of interest include the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), development financing, the effectiveness of development assistance, social development and cooperation with civil society organisations, the Global Gateway strategy, the EU-Africa partnership, and migration issues in the context of development. The DEVE competences also include linking humanitarian aid, development and peace, responding to crises requiring humanitarian aid, and respecting international humanitarian law.
Photo: European Parliament
