Poland is making headlines as it embraces its role as the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), starting on January 1, 2025. This is the second time Poland takes on this pivotal task, having previously led the Council in the first half of 2011. The nation is set to collaborate closely with Denmark and Cyprus, who will follow Poland's presidency, ensuring cohesive efforts across the next 18 months. This period is particularly significant as it aligns with the EU's ambitious agenda to stimulate regional development and economic cooperation across its member states.
The Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy (MFiPR) organized the seminar titled "The Future of Cohesion and Territorial Approaches in the Evolving European Union: Searching for a New Paradigm!" held recently in Gdańsk. This closed-door event brought together key representatives from European institutions, the OECD, EU member states, regional authorities, and influential academic experts from across Europe. The main theme highlighted the importance of cohesion for enhancing competitiveness within the EU. According to the MFiPR, experts asserted during the discussions the need for sustainable policies capable of addressing global challenges without leaving any region behind.
"Without cohesion, there can be no competitiveness," echoed the sentiments shared by various experts during the two-day debate, focusing on the obstacles faced by the European Union and its strategic objectives. Attendees shared insights on effective methods to reduce disparities across various regions, emphasizing the necessity of greater involvement from local and regional authorities in shaping and implementing EU policies.
The Council of the European Union, also known as the Council of Ministers, plays a fundamental role as one of the three institutional pillars of the EU, alongside the European Parliament and the European Commission. It consists of ministers from the governments of the 27 member states and is pivotal for the decision-making process, particularly concerning legislative cooperation with the European Parliament. The Council also determines policy directions and coordinates actions across areas such as security, public health, and environmental protection.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, addressed the emphasis on innovation and economic growth during her remarks. The new Commission, which has been operational since December 2024, includes Poland's Piotr Serafin, serving as the Commissioner for Budget and Public Administration. Von der Leyen has articulated her commitment to creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurship, aimed at reducing administrative burdens, simplifying reporting processes, and expediting business operations throughout the EU.
She detailed plans to consolidate EU legislation to eliminate overlapping regulations and inconsistencies, facilitating smoother business activities within the single market. This is particularly aimed at aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are integral to local communities and the broader economy.
Von der Leyen's goals also extend to enhancing digital technology adoption, as the Commission aims to deploy and enforce digital regulations enacted during the previous term. Advanced technological solutions will be prioritized, fostering competitiveness and economic prosperity. Investment plans will focus on semiconductors, supercomputers, Internet of Things, quantum computing, space technologies, and genomics, ensuring scalable access to valuable data.
Building upon the European Green Deal, the new Commission aims to establish itself as a leader in global climate negotiations, positioning the EU at the forefront of climate initiatives. New strategies will seek to strengthen the resilience of energy supply chains and stabilize costs for both businesses and households.
Von der Leyen has confirmed the introduction of new legislative measures aimed at facilitating procurement processes related to clean technology development, particularly within energy-intensive industries. With these investments, the Commission hopes to promote energy efficiency and infrastructure development, focusing on sustainable practices.
Economic stability and security also form key components of the new agenda, embracing dual-use technologies to balance civil and military applications. The Commission plans to combat technology leaks and strengthen its military-industrial base, keeping Wales' defense partnerships with NATO firmly aligned.
During the Polish presidency, the MFiPR emphasizes fostering economic growth through strategic funding frameworks. Suggestions have emerged for embedding compliance with the rule of law as a criterion for access to EU funds. This is seen as necessary for achieving the Union's collective goals.
The seminars held during the Polish presidency reflect these aspirations, nurturing dialogue, and discussion around cooperation and shared values among EU member nations. The recurring theme across these discussions is mutual commitment to collective development and the pressing need for equitable policy action throughout the European territories.
Importantly, the European Union's internal and external policies are poised for reevaluation. Growing tensions and geopolitical shifts have underscored the need for adaptive strategies, particularly toward potential EU expansion through closer ties with countries aspiring to membership, like those from the Western Balkans and Ukraine.
Anticipated changes indicate the EU's intention to nurture its partnerships across multiple global zones, including infrastructure investments targeted at sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to bolster economic cooperation and diversify supply chains, particularly for minerals and resources foreign to the EU.
Von der Leyen's proposals reinforce the EU's ambition to remain proactive, utilizing all available instruments to uphold trade agreements and protect its strategic interests. The new defense policy will require integrated efforts from EU nations, aiming to strengthen collaborative defense initiatives and maintain operational resilience.
Through this presidency, Poland hopes to contribute significantly to the EU's agenda, ensuring regional inputs shape collective outcomes worldwide. The expectations are high, and with Poland’s historic roots tied to Europe’s narrative, the country stands ready to advocate for active engagement, sustainable policy-making, and enhanced cooperation across all sectors for the benefit of its citizens and beyond.