Time of Polish responsibility for Europe 

The opening gala of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, held at the Grand Theatre - National Opera, was a moment of symbolic commitment of Poland to lead the European Union in its efforts to ensure the security of the entire continent. 

The ceremony began with the Polish national anthem and an address by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who recalled that this year coincides with the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first Polish king, Bolesław I the Brave. These 1,000 years comprise the history of our country, its development and learning from our own mistakes. 

“The Polish Presidency aims to take advantage of our national wisdom and experience,” 

the Prime Minister stated. 

Speaking about Poland's plans for the presidency, Donald Tusk referred to the Latin maxim Nec temere, nec timide.

“'Courage and prudence’ was the motto of the great Solidarity movement, which is one of the foundations of modern Europe. The word ‘solidarity’ might stand for more today than at any time in the history of post-war Europe. Poland will be the guardian of this solidarity,”

the Prime Minister noted.

The President of the European Council then took the floor. 

“Poland is one of the greatest successes in the history of Community enlargement and the best geostrategic investment made by Europe, which made it possible to guarantee freedom and democracy that replaced long-standing totalitarian regimes,” 

Antonio Costa noted. 

Today's ceremony featured a concert by musicians from the Orchestra and Choir of the Grand Theatre - National Opera led by conductor Radzimir Dębski. The well-known composer has composed a new piece for the occasion, showcasing the history of Polish identity. 

Seven pillars of security 

The motto of Polish presidency - ‘Security, Europe!’ - sums up Poland's ambitions for the next six months. 

“The sources of Europe's greatness - freedom, a sense of sovereignty, our culture - are all worth the effort. Even today, many claim that they are worthy of the greatest sacrifice. Let us do everything so that Europe and Poland do not have to pay the ultimate price for freedom, strength, and sovereignty,” 

Prime Minister Donald Tusk called. 

Poland takes over the presidency at a challenging time, as the entire European community is facing the challenges of the modern world, including the need to bolster security in the region, combat the instrumentalisation of migration, tackle the effects of climate change and ensure competitiveness of the EU in the global market.  

“Without its power, Europe cannot survive. f it manages to find the sources of its power again, it will once again become the continent we have been proud of for centuries,” 

the Prime Minister stated. 

In an attempt to respond to current challenges, Poland defined seven pillars of security – bolstering defence capabilities, protecting the populace and borders, boosting resilience against foreign interference and disinformation, ensuring security and freedom of economic activity, energy transition, competitive and resilient agriculture, and health security. 

“Europe can consider itself lucky that Poland is going to be at the helm as we enter these tumultuous times, as Poles understand it perfectly that we need to find strength, hope and self-confidence within ourselves, while searching for the meaning of freedom and making sense of everything that Europe is about,’ 

the Prime Minister pointed out. 

Poland's attachment to the EU is symbolised by the logo of the Polish Presidency, designed by Jerzy Janiszewski, creator of the Solidarity logo. The Polish flag, which flows between the letters E and U, also reflects Poland's commitment to European affairs and its ambition to set new course for the entire community. 

Europe looks to Poland with hope 

Over the past year, Poland has increasingly been seen by foreign partners as a country that can take a leadership role on our continent. Poland's multi-faceted development and its commitment to democratic values, which constitute the foundation of the EU, give European countries hope that the Polish Presidency will strengthen the entire community. 

“Poland is taking over the helm of the European Union at the best possible moment. . . . Poland is a source of resilience and strength at a time when authoritarianism and populism pose an increasing threat to our values. Polish women and men are an inspiration to stand up to these phenomena at a time when foreign influences are threatening the integrity of our democracy,” 

Antonio Costa noted. 

The President of the European Council also pointed out that our country remains at the forefront of Europe in terms of defence capabilities. 

Poland will do everything to make Europe's security a reality; however, for this to happen, the nations that make up the Union need to work together and stand united, since all threats can be dealt with by Europe, where all the people will stand as brothers, as Friedrich Schiller wrote in his Ode to Joy. 

“When I visit European capitals, I keep hearing the same question - are we going to live up to these great expectations? . . . Standing here in Warsaw, I want to ask all of Europe and every single European - are you all ready to embark once again on the European path of greatness, strength and sovereignty? Because Poland is ready,” 

Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared. 

The second Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will run from 1 January to 30 June 2025. 

The Council of the European Union is the key decision-making body of the EU, which comprises ministers of 27 Member States. During the presidency, Poland will be responsible for coordinating the Council’s work and representing the EU in its relations with other institutions and states.