Poland’s EU Presidency: A Focus on Energy, Defence, and Economic Security

Strengthening EU Security Amid Global Instability

Poland will take over the rotating EU presidency in January 2025, setting a strong focus on energy security, defence investment, and economic resilience. Ambassador Agnieszka Bartol emphasized that Poland’s leadership comes at a critical time, with the EU facing heightened geopolitical tensions, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, economic uncertainties, and shifting global alliances under U.S. President Donald Trump.

Enhancing Energy Security and Supply Diversification

One of Poland’s primary objectives is to reduce the EU’s reliance on external energy suppliers and ensure long-term energy security. By diversifying energy sources and investing in infrastructure resilience, Poland aims to stabilize energy prices for businesses and consumers. These measures will also support the EU’s ongoing transition to renewable energy while reducing vulnerabilities in supply chains.

EU Defence Investments: A €500 Billion Strategy

Poland’s presidency will also push for a €500 billion investment in defence over the next decade to counter global military threats. While the EU’s defence spending reached a record €279 billion in 2023, this remains insufficient compared to military powers like the U.S. and China. Poland is advocating for alternative financing mechanisms, including Eurobonds for defence, despite resistance from fiscally conservative nations like Germany and the Netherlands.

Innovative Financing for European Defence

Poland’s leadership will drive discussions on innovative defence funding, previously considered a politically sensitive issue. The presidency will focus on developing sustainable financial models to support major initiatives such as the European air defence shield. With the current EU budget allocating just €10 billion for defence through 2027, Poland is calling for urgent action to accelerate security investments ahead of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in 2028.

Urgency in EU Budget Reform for Strategic Autonomy

Ambassador Bartol stressed that Europe cannot afford to wait until 2028 for new funding structures, given the increasing security threats from Russia and other geopolitical adversaries. Poland’s presidency will advocate for faster budgetary adjustments to ensure the EU can maintain global competitiveness and enhance its collective security.