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Defence & Security priorities of the Polish EU Presidency
“Security, Europe!” - this is the motto of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. It means that there is a strong focus on defence and security in response to geopolitical tectonic shifts, especially Russia’s war against Ukraine that escalates into a protracted conflict.
Poland is very active on many fronts during the Presidency, and these include boosting European defence readiness, supporting the European defence industry, deepening EU-NATO and transatlantic cooperation, defence financing and industrial support, border protection and last, but not least, continued and unwavering support for Ukraine.
Strengthening EU defence capabilities
During the Presidency, Poland is an advocate of an ambitious and multi-track approach to boost EU defence capabilities. These measures are both national and pan-European in scope and closely align with the new EU-wide initiatives such as the Readiness 2030 plan and the ReArm Europe package.
Strengthening the European defence industry and infrastructure
The priority is to support for the defence and dual-use infrastructure such as the EUR 2.5 bn Eastern Shield project (a key pillar of the European Defence White Paper - a fortification initiative along Poland’s eastern and northern borders) and the Baltic Defence Line (a planned joint defence line by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania along their borders with Russia and Belarus). Initial decisions on the financing of the Eastern Shield from EU funds have already been obtained and a preliminary agreement has been reached with the EIB for EUR 1 billion in financing. The Presidency aims also to conclude negotiations on the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP) and foster a robust defence industrial base.
Enhanced cooperation between EU and NATO
Poland’s presidency is strongly focused on reinforcing cooperation with NATO and like-minded non-EU countries, particularly the USA, the UK, and South Korea, to ensure complementarity and resilience in defence effort.
Poland aims to ensure that EU defence initiatives, such as PESCO and the European Defence Fund, complement and strengthen NATO's capabilities. Poland recognises that for NATO's guarantees to be credible, European defence initiatives should reinforce the alliance by improving the overall military capacity of European allies.
Defence financing and industrial support
Poland during its presidency is leading a debate on EU defence financing and supporting critical defence infrastructure, leveraging EU instruments to boost military mobility and defence industry competitiveness. Poland has convinced all EU leaders to support the ReArm Europe plan proposed by the European Commission. It provides for up to EUR 800 bn for military equipment, which will considerably increase the possibilities for upgrading and developing European defence capabilities. As requested, and emphasised by the Polish presidency, the European Commission has offered more flexible fiscal rules, thanks to which new defence spending will not be considered in the EU's excessive deficit procedure.
Border protection
One of the key priorities of the Poland’s presidency is addressing challenges related to illegal migration and enhancing the security of the EU’s external borders through cooperation with international partners.
Support for Ukraine
Poland’s presidency is pushing the EU toward a firmer, more united, and comprehensive stance against Russia’s aggression, while actively supporting Ukraine’s defence, recovery, and integration into the EU. Poland during the presidency is a key power broker advocating for security and solidarity in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.
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