The Presidency is a time of sowing the seeds
The topic of the Polish Presidency is reaching its peak in Brussels and at congresses in Poland. This is understandable and evokes joy, especially among those who lived through the first historic presidency with excitement.
Today, however, we are at a completely different moment in history, which requires us - within this collective presidency and primarily its business dimension - not to have a romantic spurt but to step into a higher gear in the spirit of positivist grassroots work in Brussels.
In an article for Rzeczpospolita, BSP CEO, Bartek Czyczerski shares that the Polish Presidency in 2025 is a time for strategic 'sowing'—building narratives and relationships that will bring long-term benefits. Poland, the biggest beneficiary of EU enlargement in 2004, boasts impressive economic performance, but Polish business still punches below its weight in shaping the EU's regulatory environment. We cannot afford this in the new political and economic reality, and the presidency offers an opportunity to change this situation.
The key challenge is finding a way to better use Poland's economic potential in the European debate on competitiveness and industrial, climate and energy transformation. Just as Poland is becoming a 'needy state' - a reliable partner that pursues its national interests but also considers the needs of other players it can count on when needed - Polish business must follow suit. Sustained involvement in the co-creation of the political narrative in Brussels and cooperation with European industry and institutions will strengthen Poland's position in the EU for years, not just for the coming months.
Poland has begun its Presidency of the Council of the European Union
On 1 January 2025, Poland officially took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During the six months, Poland will preside over the EU Council at all levels, as well as ensure continuity in the work of the EU. The main task of the presidency - according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk - will be ‘to convince all 27 EU countries that Europe has the chance to continue to be the safest, most stable place on Earth’.
More information on the Presidency and individual activities is available at: https://polish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/
Priorities of the Polish Presidency
On 10 December at the Prime Minister's Chancellery in Warsaw, representatives of the Polish government presented the priorities of the Polish Presidency and its logo and motto. Poland holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2025.
As the government described during the presentation of priorities, 'Poland assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union at a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Europe is confronted with the consequences of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and the need to strengthen its defence potential. We are witnessing rising geopolitical tensions, the erosion of the rules-based international order and hybrid attacks targeting European democracy.'
1. During its presidency, Poland will focus on the following seven security pillars:
2. Defence capability
3. Protection of people and borders,
4. Resistance to foreign interference and disinformation,
5. Ensuring security and freedom of economic activity,
6. Energy transformation,
7. Competitive and resilient agriculture
8. Health security
A detailed programme of the Polish Presidency is available at: https://polish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/media/zkcno325/programme-of-the-polish-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-european-union.pdf
