Achievements of the Polish Presidency

As Poland’s term at the helm of the EU Council comes to an end, it’s time to sum up the successes of the past six months. Prime Minister Donald Tusk received congratulations in Brussels for the unprecedented and breakthrough results of Poland's leadership.

“We always want more. And it’s usually the case that the assessment of our presidency among other EU member states and institutions is far more positive than we expect at home. (...) And the praise wasn’t for me personally – it was for the hundreds, even thousands of people who worked for years on this presidency,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Government spokesperson and Minister for EU Affairs Adam Szłapka also joined in the thanks and congratulations to the officials representing Poland in EU structures.

“My heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Agnieszka Bartol, the entire permanent representation, the team working in Warsaw at the Chancellery (the entire EU affairs division), across ministries, the presidency corps, Minister Niemczycki, Minister Sobkowiak, and the whole Council of Ministers,” said Minister Szłapka.

Poland’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Agnieszka Bartol, also acknowledged the intense effort:

“We did it. Really, we did – even though it all turned out very different than expected. Much more intense, and much more successful,” said Ambassador Bartol.

Poland’s presidency, which began on January 1, formally ends on June 30. This was Poland’s second time chairing the EU Council.

“Security, Europe!”

The Polish presidency, conducted under the slogan “Security, Europe!”, responded to difficult geopolitical circumstances.

“When we began discussing priorities many months ago, we all sensed the world was in a tough spot. The word that came to mind was ‘security’,” explained Minister Szłapka.

Europe, during Poland’s presidency, assumed greater responsibility for its own security and defense potential – a breakthrough after years of sidelining these issues in Brussels.

“The EU was founded as a dream of a continent without war. It was born out of a belief that war would never return. You know how hard it was to break that paradigm, that naïve faith?” asked PM Tusk rhetorically.

Poland rose to the challenge – convincing Europe that bold, unprecedented decisions are needed to ensure the continent’s security.

“It was a massive task, and our presidency became the breakthrough. A breakthrough you can illustrate with billions of euros in decisions,” noted the Prime Minister.

Thanks to Poland’s efforts, €150 billion under the SAFE program will support defense industry development in EU countries, with Poland among the largest beneficiaries.

“This has never happened before in the EU: from political decision to legislative text on the table to program adoption – in just 71 days. Usually, this takes multiple presidencies,” added the government spokesperson.

Other successes included the launch of the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), development of the ReArm Europe plan, and securing EU support for the Eastern Shield initiative.

Europe Recognized the Problem of Illegal Migration

During the past six months, EU countries also shifted their stance on illegal migration. Poland’s experience – facing hybrid warfare via Russia and Belarus’s weaponization of migration – played a key role.

“The EU was created as an open and deeply solidaristic project. But our presidency showed it’s time for the EU to also start thinking in terms of defense capabilities, territorial control, and border control,” said Tusk.

Poland was the first to propose an unprecedented solution – the temporary suspension of asylum rights exploited by hostile regimes. Europe must follow Poland’s lead and maintain a firm stance – the future of the EU is at stake.

Competitiveness is a Necessity

The Polish presidency also brought major achievements in deregulation and boosting competitiveness. This sets the tone for future presidencies.

“European integration is based on standards and rules that generally have positive effects – raising standards and supporting the rule of law. But we had to say ‘stop’ to overregulation,” emphasized PM Tusk.

Excessive regulation and bureaucracy harm European competitiveness and burden entrepreneurs. A key achievement was the adoption of the Omnibus directives, simplifying laws and procedures.

“Five major legislative packages – all completed in one presidency. But this is just the beginning. The breakthrough is that we changed how the EU thinks about priorities,” summed up Minister Szłapka.

Poland’s domestic experience with deregulation, such as through the Sprawdzamy initiative, gave it a significant edge in these efforts.

100% Focus on Polish Affairs

On July 1, Denmark will take over the presidency and continue the transformations initiated by Poland. Poland’s significant task is now complete.

“You may be surprised, but I feel a great sense of relief. (...) Now we can focus 100% on what’s happening in Poland,” said PM Tusk.

At home, debates continue over irregularities in the presidential election. The Supreme Court's review of election protests – especially by its controversial Chamber of Extraordinary Review and Public Affairs – is causing concern.

“Our awareness of the goal hasn’t changed. We need to restore Polish democracy, our state, our institutions. Some of this requires legal changes. It’s hard to run a democracy so damaged over eight years,” said the PM.

Despite these challenges, the Prime Minister and government remain committed to rebuilding the state.

“It’s not easy. Some may be disappointed. (...) The Supreme Court confirmed irregularities but said they didn’t affect the outcome. I have no reason to question that. But I want every hour until the final decision used to check every doubt,” Tusk added.

All citizens must be sure their votes were respected and the president was elected properly. Yet even the strongest emotions must not disrupt the functioning of the state. Maintaining stability in these difficult conditions is now a top priority. The Supreme Court received around 56,000 election protests.