Poland Takes EU Council Presidency, Prioritizing Security and Ukraine Support

Poland aims to strengthen European defense and migration policies while leveraging its presidency to increase its influence in the EU.

Poland has assumed the EU Council presidency for six months, following Hungary's controversial term, with a focus on security and defense policies.
The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has announced a program emphasizing external and internal security, including economic, energy, and health resilience.
Poland seeks to bolster EU support for Ukraine, enhance European defense industries, and advocate for tougher sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
The presidency coincides with Poland's domestic presidential election campaign, raising concerns that some EU projects, such as environmental policies, may be deprioritized until after the vote.
Germany and France, traditionally leading EU powers, are currently hindered by internal challenges, potentially allowing Poland to expand its influence within the bloc.