Security – The Priority of Poland’s EU Council Presidency

Amidst highly dynamic geopolitical changes and escalating external and internal threats, ensuring Europe’s security remains a fundamental task of our community. That is why the motto of Poland’s presidency in the Council of the EU is "Security, Europe!".

"People in Europe, people in Poland want to know that the European Union exists to make them feel safe [...] Security has become a value desired by all – regardless of their place of residence in Europe,"

-stressed Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk, where he met with the College of European Commissioners.

One of the key challenges is countering hybrid actions from Russia and Belarus. One way to achieve this is by securing European funding for defense projects such as the East Shield.

"Since Poland’s eastern border is also the European Union’s eastern border, I thank you for this unequivocal declaration that we will treat the obligations of protecting this border as shared ones – not just Polish, but European,"

-said the Polish Prime Minister, addressing Ursula von der Leyen.

The President of the European Commission assured that Poland would not be left alone in dealing with the instrumentalization of migration as part of the hybrid warfare conducted by the regimes in Belarus and Russia.

“It is we, Europeans, who decide who comes to Europe and under what conditions. Lukashenko and Putin do not make these decisions with the help of smugglers,”

-emphasized Ursula von der Leyen.

In December, the European Union decided to allocate additional funds to Poland for border security. During Poland’s presidency of the Council of the EU, another request for support will be submitted.

European countries must also show solidarity in protecting the Baltic Sea – especially in light of recent incidents involving breaches of underwater infrastructure security.

Time for Europe's Competitiveness

Another goal we want to achieve as a community is enhancing the competitiveness of our economy. The EU should support the development of European entrepreneurs by simplifying existing regulations.

"Away with routine, unnecessary, excessive regulations, and everything that limits our energy, our entrepreneurship, and that could place people – but also Europe as a whole – at a disadvantage compared to the world around us,"

-emphasized the Prime Minister.

The European Union will soon adopt its first measures to facilitate business operations. Reducing bureaucracy is a priority. Therefore, later this month, the European Commission will present a simplification package.

Building Europe’s economic competitiveness also requires urgent action to lower energy prices. The development of renewable energy sources and nuclear energy is key to ensuring energy independence.

“No decision should be made in Europe that would lead to higher energy prices. We must all focus on making decisions that directly result in lower energy costs,”

-declared Donald Tusk.

Only decisive actions in this area will allow Europe to compete on equal terms with economies such as those of the United States or China.

In the Interest of EU Citizens

The European Union is, above all, about the citizens of its 27 member states – their well-being must always be the primary focus of EU legislation.

"The idea of the European Union is no longer an abstraction. Our decisions affect the lives and interests of millions of people – and that is why, if something evokes political emotions, hopes, and concerns, people must know that the European Union exists to make them feel safe,"

-said the Prime Minister.

While looking after Europeans, policymakers must also care for their environment – but a rational approach is necessary when implementing solutions such as the Green Deal.

“Our goals remain unchanged – our planet needs protection. However, we are all aware that our environmental and climate protection efforts must not impose additional burdens that could be risky for businesses or European families,”

-noted the Prime Minister.

Ensuring an adequate quality of life for Europeans also requires good solutions in areas such as working conditions, education, and healthcare.

Poland’s Firm Position on the Migration Pact

The meeting with the College of European Commissioners was an opportunity to reiterate Poland’s position on the Migration Pact. Poland has welcomed millions of refugees from Ukraine, placing the country in a unique situation.

"I am glad that my arguments have been understood – Poland will not implement the Migration Pact in a way that would lead to any additional quotas of migrants in our country [...] We have already shouldered more than anyone could have imagined just a few years ago,"

-summarized Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

At the same time, the Polish government remains ready to cooperate with Europe in the fight against illegal migration.

A Debate on Europe in the Place Where Democracy Was Reborn

It was no coincidence that the meeting between Prime Minister Donald Tusk, members of his cabinet, and the College of European Commissioners took place at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk.

"We all understand how important solidarity between nations is in today’s European dimension,"

-said the Polish Prime Minister.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also referred to the legacy of the Solidarity movement in her speech.

"It was, in fact, the shipyard workers who peacefully led us toward democracy. They stood up to Moscow so that their children could live in a free country. And that rooted Poland in democratic values – freedom, the rule of law, human rights. This is the cornerstone of the European Union,"

-noted Ursula von der Leyen.

Since January 1, Poland holds the six-month presidency of the EU Council. It’s a time of intensive work on solutions that will strengthen Europe in many areas. During their meeting in Gdańsk, members of the Council of Ministers and the College of European Commissioners discussed the challenges facing the EU within four thematic clusters.