Europe's Competitiveness

One of the European Council's discussion topics was the competitiveness of the European Union in three key areas: deregulation, energy, and the Savings and Investment Union. In February 2025, the European Commission presented the first two Omnibus packages, which included regulatory simplifications.

“Deregulation has started in earnest. [...] We all agreed that reducing regulations, legal acts, and bureaucratic burdens must be massive and immediately noticeable—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press conference after the Council meeting.

The European Union committed to reducing burdens and costs resulting from overregulation. Decisions on reducing costs for small and medium-sized enterprises by 30% are expected in June 2025. This is intended to boost the competitiveness of the European economy.

“It’s an ambitious goal. This will require enormous work to identify regulations, rules, and procedures that are redundant, complicated, or costly—particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises,” the Prime Minister emphasized in Brussels.

The Polish government has already initiated deregulation efforts. In March, the Council of Ministers adopted the first simplification package. A deregulation task force is also in operation, with the social side represented by Rafał Brzoska. The Prime Minister announced the next meeting of the task force for Monday, March 24.

“We have already gathered hundreds of suggestions and proposals from various stakeholders, including ministers. We’re ready to present the first package soon,” the Prime Minister announced.

Donald Tusk stressed that the Polish team’s work must also include simplifications concerning EU law.

Rearming Europe

Europe must take responsibility for its own security and invest in defence. The Prime Minister noted that Poland has long been aware of this need. That’s why it is allocating record-high spending on defence—4.7% of GDP this year alone.

“The new U.S. policy emphasizes Europe’s increased responsibility for itself. If NATO is to remain a pact that guarantees security for Poland and Europe, it’s clear to everyone that Europe must shoulder much more responsibility and defence duties. Decisions have been made that mean we will no longer be alone at the forefront when it comes to defence spending,” said the Prime Minister.

Donald Tusk has consistently advocated that the Eastern Shield be recognized as a commitment not only of Poland but of the entire EU in meetings with European leaders. Thanks to government efforts, the investment was included in the White Paper on the Future of European Defence, published by the European Commission.

“I’m pleased to report that the Eastern Shield has been permanently included as one of the EU’s defence priorities, which will have significant consequences,” said Tusk.

On Saturday, a visit to the eastern border will take place with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Minister of the Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak.

Combating Illegal Migration

The Prime Minister held migration-related meetings with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, and Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán. Poland faces increased migratory pressure on its eastern border. Illegal border crossings are a tool in the hybrid warfare conducted by Russia and Belarus.

“I shared information about our actions on the eastern border and the tough decisions we’re making. Thanks to this firm policy, we are effectively stopping illegal migration. This is fully understood by all our partners,” said the Prime Minister.

One of the tools to combat illegal migration is a law allowing temporary suspension of the right to apply for asylum for those illegally crossing the border. The law has been passed by Parliament and now awaits the President’s signature.

“Mr. President, every day of delay exposes our Border Guard, soldiers, and police officers on the border to danger. It prolongs the acute inflammation that continues on the border. I hope for a swift decision,” Donald Tusk reiterated.

The Prime Minister noted that once the law is signed, the government will adopt a regulation to hinder smuggling networks and discourage illegal border attempts. He also announced an information campaign in the countries of origin of migrants most often making such attempts. Its aim will be to deter illegal migration and highlight its consequences.

Migration in the European Union

The Prime Minister informed German authorities and spoke with the Austrian Chancellor to communicate that Poland will not implement treaty provisions requiring it to accept migrants from other countries due to the migratory pressure it already faces.

“Poland already bears enough burdens from the war. No one should dare to add more. But I’m convinced we will manage calmly,” said the Prime Minister.

He also responded to opposition remarks about completely closing the western border. He reminded that it is used daily by many people—for work or tourism.

“Just look at the statistics. In the last year of PiS rule—2023—more migrants were sent from Germany to Poland than during our government,” Donald Tusk emphasized.

During the European Council meeting, leaders also discussed the multiannual financial framework and events in the Middle East.