Navigating the New EU Mandate: The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU

Challenges and Achievements of the Hungarian Presidency 

The Hungarian presidency closed the previous trio of presidencies amidst a turbulent backdrop. Political tensions stemming from domestic and international diplomacy, coupled with limited institutional policymaking capacity during the transitional period, presented significant hurdles. Despite these challenges, the presidency achieved progress in key areas such as competitiveness – highlighted by the Budapest Declaration – as well as agriculture and EU enlargement. It also finalised several legislative initiatives from the previous mandate, though numerous proposals remain unresolved between the European Parliament and the Council. 

As Hungary’s term drew to a close, the European Commission began shaping its priorities for the new mandate. Initiatives such as the Competitive Compass, Clean Industrial Plan, and Omnibus Regulation were introduced, laying the groundwork for Poland’s presidency. While tangible outcomes on these proposals may be limited during Poland’s tenure, its role in framing the Council’s political orientation will be instrumental in setting the agenda for the next five years. 

Polish Presidency Priorities: Security at the Forefront 

Poland’s presidency is defined by an overarching focus on security, encapsulated in seven key pillars: 

• External Security: Strengthening NATO cooperation, increasing military spending, and bolstering Europe’s defence industry are high on the agenda. 

• Internal Security: Addressing migration challenges, enhancing border protection, and developing more effective return policies are priorities. Poland aims to foster collaboration on EU responses to the instrumentalisation of migration by external actors like Russia and Belarus. 

• Information Security: Combating disinformation, including climate-related misinformation, and improving resilience against foreign intervention will be central themes. 

• Economic Security: The presidency seeks to deepen the Single Market, reduce administrative burdens, and eliminate barriers to cross-border services. Enhancing trade policy instruments and enforcing rules for goods entering the EU market will also be prioritised. 

• Energy Security: Efforts will focus on phasing out Russian energy supplies, revising the EU’s energy security framework, and minimising reliance on imported technologies and raw materials. 

• Food Security: Supporting farmers while promoting sustainable practices will be key, with an eye on the challenges posed by future EU enlargement. 

• Health Security: Poland will emphasise digital transformation in healthcare, diversifying medicine supply chains, and increasing domestic production. Mental health will also remain a priority through Council conclusions. 

In the Agriculture and Fisheries Council configuration (AGRIFISH), the Polish presidency will focus on ways to improve the agricultural sector's competitiveness. It will also aim to maintain farmers' income and ensure food security. Particular emphasis will be placed on addressing possible obstacles that future EU enlargement may bring. 

The Role of the Polish Presidency 

To deliver on these priorities, Poland plans an ambitious schedule, including over 40 formal and 20 informal Council meetings and 300 events during its six-month tenure. These gatherings will address ongoing legislative proposals and provide a platform for European ministers to adopt Council conclusions on new priorities. 

The recently established coalition government, led by Donald Tusk, will steer these efforts. Seasoned ministers, including prominent figures like former European Parliament AGRI Committee Chair Czesław Siekierski, will lead key policy areas. Their expertise and familiarity with EU policymaking will be instrumental in navigating complex negotiations and ensuring continuity across dossiers. 

Limited New Initiatives, Strategic Foundations 

Given its position at the start of the mandate, Poland’s presidency is not expected to produce major legislative breakthroughs. Instead, its focus will be on institutional agreements and setting ways of working for the next five years. By advancing discussions on open proposals and shaping political orientations, Poland lays the groundwork for the trio’s subsequent presidencies and the EU’s broader strategic direction. 

The Polish presidency represents both continuity and a fresh start for the European Union. With security as its central theme, Poland is poised to address critical challenges while framing the long-term trajectory of the new EU mandate. Through collaboration, strategic foresight, and adept leadership, this presidency can play a pivotal role in bolstering the resilience and competitiveness of the Union in the face of internal and external challenges.