The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union is officially coming to a close on June 30, marking six months of efforts under the leadership of Donald Tusk. During a press conference in Brussels, Tusk’s reflections focused primarily on defence, asserting that Poland successfully advocated for significant changes in the EU’s approach given the pressing geopolitical landscape. He argued that the EU, initially founded on the principles of peace and the avoidance of conflict, had to confront a “naïve faith” in the permanence of peace in Europe. Tusk’s comments underscored the urgency for bold decisions amidst the ongoing conflicts affecting Europe.
Among the notable achievements under Poland’s presidency was securing 150 billion euros for defence through the SAFE programme aimed at boosting the arms industry within EU member states. Additionally, the presidency witnessed Poland’s implementation of a contentious law enabling the temporary suspension of asylum applications, which drew backlash from humanitarian groups. Critics argued that this law risks facilitating human rights violations, particularly at the Polish-Belarusian border; however, Tusk defended it as an essential strategy for tackling illegal migration.
Geopolitical tensions featured prominently during the Polish Presidency, as noted by Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Radosław Sikorski. He emphasized that this period coincided with extraordinary global unrest, including ongoing war dynamics at the borders of Europe and crises in the Middle East. Sikorski praised the presidency’s success in maintaining pressure on Russia regarding the situation in Ukraine while also establishing new European tools focused on enhancing resilience and security across the continent.
Defence spending became a recurring theme in Tusk’s commentary, emphasizing commitments made by NATO members to increase expenditure to 5% of GDP. Of this, 3.5% was designated for core defence and 1.5% for investment in defence-related initiatives. Polish officials indicated that by the end of 2025, the country is expected to allocate approximately 4.7% of its GDP for defence purposes. The emphasis on bolstered military funding highlights a shift in strategy in response to the prevailing security challenges.
Reactions from other EU leaders, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, acknowledged the legislative milestones achieved during Poland’s presidency. They highlighted Tusk’s steadfast commitment to sanctions against Russia, which were vital throughout the presidency amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. A focus on the impending 18th sanctions package, particularly targeting the Russian shadow fleet, was additionally addressed by Tusk, who categorized this as an environmental risk, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict.
In closing remarks, von der Leyen recognized the challenges faced during the presidency but commended Tusk’s achievements, referencing the passage of 37 key legislative initiatives and ongoing negotiations for an additional 18. This acclaim reflects an acknowledgment of Poland’s role in shaping EU responses to contemporary security threats and reinforcing cooperative action in a tumultuous geopolitical context. Overall, Poland’s presidency has been characterized by a diligent focus on defence and regional stability, marking a significant pivot in the EU’s strategic posture.
