Poland has pledged to make security a top priority during its six-month presidency of the European Union – focusing on ramping up defence, supporting Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against Russia.
RFI
Issued on: 01/01/2025
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, right, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reflect the stark divide in EU politics as Poland takes over the bloc's rotating presidency from Hungary. AP - Virginia Mayo
Warsaw, which took over the presidency from Hungary on 1 January, says it wants to "strengthen its position as one of the most important" EU states by addressing key issues like the economy, energy and food security.
Poland's tenure as president of the European Council is expected to bring a more conciliatory approach than its predecessor to a role that – although lacking in real power – is seen as a key driver of actions taken by the bloc.
The six-month role shifts leadership from Hungary – one of Moscow's closest EU allies – to one of its strongest critics.
Long bound together by strong cultural and diplomatic ties, Poland and Hungary have seen their European fortunes diverge dramatically in recent years.
Hungary’s controversial term
Under Hungary's ultra-nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orban, Budapest regularly found itself at loggerheads with Brussels.
Orban used the role to advance his own agenda, including a "peace mission" involving direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kyiv, and Beijing.
Although the EU likens the role of the presidency to "hosting a dinner" among the bloc's members, the job is not without punch.
The country in charge gets to chair meetings of the European Council, which comprises the governments of the 27 EU states, steer the agenda and steward negotiations.
Hungary managed most EU internal matters in conventional fashion, but it stalled the bloc's action on foreign policy – especially loans and military assistance for Ukraine.
While each EU country fights tooth-and-nail for its own interests, when they assume the EU presidency they are meant to take on a more neutral role.
Poland’s priorities
During Poland's tenure, Prime Minister Donald Tusk is likely to oversee a return to the more traditional tasks of consensus building and compromise brokering.
The former EU chief has ended the fraught relationship between Brussels and Poland's previous nationalist government – boosting the country's already growing clout.
Since it joined the EU in 2004, Poland's economy has almost tripled, according to the Danish Institute for International Studies.
During Poland's tenure, Prime Minister Donald Tusk is likely to oversee a return to the more traditional tasks of consensus building and compromise brokering.
The former EU chief has ended the fraught relationship between Brussels and Poland's previous nationalist government – boosting the country's already growing clout.
Since it joined the EU in 2004, Poland's economy has almost tripled, according to the Danish Institute for International Studies.
A staunch ally of Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Poland has pledged to focus on defence and security during its term.
Warsaw currently spends over 4 percent of its GDP on defence – the highest in NATO – and plans to use its presidency to boost Europe’s defence industry, enhance sanctions on Russia and strengthen support for Ukraine.
Apart from security, no major decisions are expected over the next six months and a new European Commission – which plays a central role in preparing EU legislation – has only just been appointed.
The EU's security and foreign policy decisions require unanimity among all 27 states – and Hungary and Slovakia are unlikely to back stronger sanctions or increased military aid.
Despite its ambitions, Poland’s presidency may face domestic hurdles, with a presidential election scheduled for May.
There are concerns that internal politics could interfere with Poland's neutrality on the EU stage.
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