Poland takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union

On January 1, 2025, Poland officially took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Over the next six months, our country will become the centre of EU policy and will be the organiser of several hundred official meetings, as well as informal councils with the participation of EU ministers.

In practice, this means that for the coming months Poland will act as an intermediary in  negotiations, directing the talks leading to the conclusion of agreements between EU member states.

The official inauguration of the Presidency will take place on 3 January in the National Theatre in Warsaw.

Poland’s priorities for the presidency

The Polish Presidency is held under the slogan “Security, Europe!” and will focus on its seven dimensions: external, internal, informational, economic, energy, food and health.

Meetings and events in Poland

Under the Presidency, Poland will become the place of the most important debates and negotiations. In the coming months, 22 informal councils of EU ministers will be held. The first meeting on education is scheduled for 21-22 January. The next one, concerning justice and home affairs, will take place on 30-31 January. It is expected that over 40,000 guests will visit our country during the first half of 2025, and more than 3,000 Polish officials are involved in the organization of the presidency.

Poland opens a new EU institutional cycle

The Polish Presidency coincides with the beginning of the new five-year EU institutional cycle. The new composition of the European Commission was approved at the end of November, and the first summit with the new President of the European Council, António Costa, took place in December. Poland will therefore play the role of the opening presidency, trying to set the direction of the EU’s activities for the coming years.

Poland in the Trio Presidency System

Poland cooperates with Denmark and Cyprus as part of the so-called trio of presidencys. After the end of the Polish presidency in July 2025, Denmark will take over the presidency, followed by Cyprus in the first half of 2026. The trio system allows for better planning and coordination of activities between the countries holding the presidency.

Taking over the presidency of the EU Council is an opportunity to strengthen Poland’s position not only in the EU, but also on the global arena. It is also an opportunity to present our country as a leader in solving the main challenges facing Europe. Polish’s priorities – security and competitiveness – are in line with the needs of the entire community, which may result in lasting benefits for our country.

Source: Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA)