20 January 2025 Today, Department of Foreign Affairs and European Movement Ireland’s hosted a briefing on Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, at Iveagh House. Poland commenced its on January 1, 2025, with the motto “Security, Europe!”
The Minister for European Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Artur Michalski, Minister Plenipotentiary, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland in Ireland engaged in a discussion on the priorities for Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which was moderated by CEO European Movement Ireland Noelle O Connell. Members and stakeholders of EM Ireland and Ambassadors from member states across the EU and other countries were present.
Speaking in advance of the briefing, CEO European Movement Ireland, Noelle O Connell said; “The ambitious programme set out for the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, underscores the need for strengthening Europe’s autonomy in matters of security and defence. At a time of waning geopolitical support for Ukraine, Europe must become more self-reliant, following Russia’s brutal invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, almost three years ago.
For Europe, this is a pivotal time of great trials and difficult decisions, that will set a precedent into the future. Across the EU we are witnessing an increasingly polarised political environment, the erosion of the traditional rules-based order and aggressive hybrid attacks targeting our democracies. As Poland commences its Presidency for the second time, European Movement Ireland is confident our Polish counterpart’s programme will deliver on identifying solutions to many of these challenges.”
There are seven security dimensions or policy priorities for Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU which includes Defence and Security, Protection of People and Borders, Resistance to Foreign Interference and Disinformation, Ensuring Security and Freedom of Business, Energy Transition, Competitive and Resilient Agriculture and Health Security.
Poland joined the European Union over 20 years ago, as part of the largest ever EU enlargement process during the last Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2004. This is the second Presidency held by Poland, when it last chaired the Council in 2011.
The Polish Presidency is part of a “presidency trio” with Denmark and Cyprus. The trio sets goals and prepares a common programme outlining the priority issues to be addressed over an 18-month period. Poland’s Presidency will last six months and conclude on 30 June 2025, with it then proceeding to Denmark for the remainder of 2025. Following Cyprus, Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2026, marking its eight-time chairing the Council.
Learn more: Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union