On a brisk January morning in Strasbourg, Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, stood before the European Parliament to deliver what many have already labeled a defining speech of his career. With his characteristic blend of gravitas and urgency, Tusk addressed Europe’s place in an increasingly volatile world. Referring to the profound shifts in transatlantic relations under Donald Trump’s presidency, Donald Tusk paraphrased another US President, John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what America can do for Europe and its security—ask what we can do for it”. His words reverberated across the chamber, signaling the dawn of a (let’s hope) pivotal six months in European politics: Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
If you look at the reaction of most MEPs in Strasbourg to the Polish Prime Minister's speech, you might come to the conclusion that this is the kind of leadership the EU has been waiting for a long time. They responded with applause and standing ovations to the speech, the main message of which was: Europe is great and has a bright future ahead of it.
The Polish presidency comes at a time when Europe faces a confluence of challenges: geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and the need for greater unity in the face of external threats. Thus, over the next six months, Poland aims to steer the EU toward a future that prioritizes security, resilience, and renewed solidarity among member states.
Aiming for long term stability: a focus on solidarity, defense and security, and the transition to sustainable energy
Poland’s presidency is guided by a comprehensive program that seeks to address the pressing needs of the Union while laying the groundwork for long-term stability. According to the official agenda, the presidency will focus on four key pillars: security and defense, economic resilience, energy transition, and migration policy. The overarching theme of the program is “Solidarity in Action”, reflecting Poland’s commitment to fostering unity among EU members while addressing the specific needs of each nation.
Poland has structured its program to adapt to both short-term crises and long-term strategic goals. Economic policies aim to strengthen the single market, focusing on post-pandemic recovery and ensuring sustainable growth. The presidency’s plans also prioritize addressing energy security, with a keen focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels while safeguarding supply chains during turbulent geopolitical conditions. Poland’s emphasis on solidarity seeks to unify diverse member states behind shared priorities, creating a cohesive vision for Europe’s future.
Central to Poland’s presidency is its focus on defense and security. In a world where Europe’s traditional alliances have come under strain, Warsaw is advocating for a more self-reliant European defense strategy.
“Security must be a priority for Europe”, Tusk stated during a recent press conference in Brussels. “The challenges we face—from hybrid warfare to cyber threats—require a unified and robust response”.
To that end, Poland is championing several initiatives. One of these is encouraging all member states to allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defense, aligning with NATO’s recommendations. Another involves strengthening the European Defence Fund to support joint research and development projects, which will enhance cooperation across member states. Lastly, Poland is emphasizing the importance of bolstering the capabilities of Frontex, the EU’s border agency, to address migration pressures and ensure the integrity of Europe’s external borders.
„The European Union must become synonymous with strength. Ethics, morality, rights, but also strength. In politics, someone who is powerless is pathetic, contemptible”, Tusk warned.
Poland’s own recent actions underscore its commitment to these goals. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its military, including the acquisition of advanced defense systems and the establishment of new cybersecurity units. These efforts serve as a model for other EU nations and demonstrate Poland’s determination to lead by example.
The transition to a sustainable energy future is another cornerstone of Poland’s presidency. In light of the ongoing energy crisis, exacerbated by Russia’s weaponization of energy supplies, Poland is calling for a coordinated EU strategy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and diversify energy sources.
Key initiatives include accelerating investments in renewable energy projects, enhancing cross-border energy infrastructure, and promoting energy efficiency across industries. Poland has also emphasized the importance of a just transition, ensuring that vulnerable communities and regions are not left behind as Europe shifts toward a greener economy. By championing these efforts, the Polish presidency aims to position the EU as a global leader in climate action while safeguarding its energy security.
Top challenges: navigating geopolitical tensions, “taming” Trump, supporting Ukraine, and tackling migration
The Polish presidency coincides with a period of heightened global tensions. Relations with Russia remain fraught, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the challenges posed by Belarus. Meanwhile, Europe’s relationship with the United States—its traditional ally—has been tested by the unpredictable leadership of Donald Trump.
The crisis in Ukraine continues to loom large over Europe’s security landscape. Poland has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, providing substantial humanitarian aid and advocating for EU sanctions against Russia. During its presidency, Warsaw aims to further consolidate European support for Ukraine, ensuring that the EU remains united in its stance against Russian aggression.
“Donald Trump will huff and he’ll puff, but if Europe’s leaders rise to its defense, their house will stand”, wrote a prominent commentator in The Guardian. This sentiment captures the essence of Poland’s approach: a call for European unity and self-reliance in the face of external pressures.
Poland’s role as a “Trump whisperer” has also drawn attention. As one of the few European leaders with a deep understanding of Trump’s worldview, Tusk has been instrumental in navigating transatlantic relations.
„After Hungary’s unremarkable presidency, Poland’s leadership appears destined for success. Expectations are higher than during its EU debut in 2011. By prioritizing a broadly understood concept of security, Poland is addressing existential fears that have resurfaced on the continent as war returns. This focus on security is the most valuable offering that politicians can present to Europeans in the face of Putin’s imperial aggression”, said Janusz Lewandowski, a politician and economist, former Budget and Financial Programming Commissioner of the European Commission.
Poland will seek support for Ukraine’s fight, advocate for tougher anti-Russian sanctions (Poland has already started preparing the 16th sanctions package, which is to be announced on the third anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine), and push for communal financing of defense initiatives like the East Shield. These goals will be accompanied by the pragmatic implementation of policies already approved, such as the migration and asylum package and the Fit for 55 package, which introduces costly business and social directives to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. „However, saving the planet should not come at the expense of Europe’s competitiveness or erode trust in the European Union”, said Lewandowski.
One of the most pressing challenges facing the Polish presidency is migration and the situation on border with Belarus. In recent years, this border has become a flashpoint for migration and geopolitical tensions, as Belarusian authorities have been accused of orchestrating a migrant crisis to destabilize the EU.
Poland’s response has been firm, with increased border patrols and the construction of physical barriers. However, these measures have also sparked debates about the balance between security and humanitarian considerations. The Polish presidency has placed migration at the top of its agenda, advocating for a unified EU response to the issue. Proposed measures include a revised migration pact that ensures fair burden-sharing among member states, along with enhanced funding for border management and asylum processing systems. Poland’s leadership will be critical in navigating the contentious debates surrounding migration policy, particularly as member states grapple with differing perspectives on how to address the crisis. In Donald Tusk’s opinion, anyone who fails to cope with the migration pressure will be removed from power by radical, anti-European forces.
Another challenge lies in maintaining unity among member states, while France and Germany are plunged into political chaos and administrative crisis. Europe’s diversity is both its strength and its Achilles’ heel, and the Polish presidency will need to balance competing interests and priorities to achieve meaningful progress.
Donald Tusk’s Vision of Europe Is Idealistic. It’s Not Clear How He Plans to Achieve it
As Poland takes the helm of the EU Council, it does so with a clear vision and a sense of urgency, but Tusk's belief in a strong, wonderful Europe is – to put it mildly – very idealistic. During his speech in Strasbourg, Tusk outlined the most important actions and goals, but did not indicate clear ways to achieve them.
In the months ahead, Poland’s leadership will be tested as it seeks to address Europe’s most pressing challenges while laying the foundation for a more resilient and united Union. Whether it succeeds will not only shape the future of the EU but also define Europe’s place in an increasingly uncertain world.
The next six months will not only determine the success of Poland’s leadership but will also set the tone for the EU’s trajectory in the nearest future.
