site.btaPolish Ambassador: Poland Took Over EU Council Presidency Amid Insecurity and Concern

Polish Ambassador Maciej Szymanski Thursday said his country took over the rotating Presidency of the EU Council at a time of insecurity and concern. He presented the priorities of Poland's EU Council Presidency to members of the parliamentary committees on foreign policy and on European affairs and oversight of European funds.

Europe is dealing with the consequences of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and the need to strengthen its own defence capacity. "We are witnessing increasing geopolitical tensions, undermining of international order rules, and hybrid attacks against European democracy and security," said Szymanski.

The diplomat highlighted the defence and security priority at the opening of the presentation. It is necessary to enhance defence readiness based on increased military spending, but not at the cost of other expenditures, he said. Another priority is the strengthening of cooperation with NATO and like-minded non-EU countries - the US, the UK and the Republic of Korea, as well as protecting people and borders.

For his part, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said Bulgaria recognizes the strategic nature of the priorities set by Poland's EU Council Presidency, and will offer support and collaboration in those areas.

"In this complicated situation and changing global security architecture, we are pleased that Poland continues to uphold the EU's commitments regarding support for Ukraine. For us, it is extremely important and of paramount importance to focus on the security and resilience of the entire Black Sea region," Georgiev said. On the other hand, there is the importance of maintaining focus on Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Balkans, with regard to EU enlargement processes.

Poland took over the Presidency of the EU Council on January 1, placing security at the forefront of its agenda. This is the second time that Poland has held the EU Council Presidency since it joined the EU in 2004.

Poland intends to work for coordinated actions in defence with NATO, taking into account the need to increase military spending, boost military production, and discuss the funding needed for these goals. Warsaw also intends to make efforts to reduce illegal migration and improve the policy on the return of migrants who do not have the right to stay in the EU.

Regarding the spread of disinformation, the Polish EU Council Presidency will seek to limit polarization and radicalization in society by developing capacities to identify and eliminate disinformation, along with long-term measures for citizen education and strengthening civil society. Regarding energy security, Poland notes that due to the war, EU imports of gas and oil from Russia have been reduced by about two-thirds, but should be fully stopped. Poland also plans steps to reduce energy prices in the EU and improve the physical security and cybersecurity of Europe's energy infrastructure.