EU NEIGHBOURS east. On 1 January, Poland took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Hungary. Poland assumes the presidency for the second time since the country joined the EU in 2004.
“This presidency will be groundbreaking in many ways,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in a statement. “It begins during a challenging time marked by conflicts, and our task will be to convince all 27 EU member states that Europe can continue to be the safest, most stable place on Earth. Security will be our top priority during the upcoming six months.”
He also said Poland would implement “a shared, carefully planned security policy, providing Ukraine with the necessary support” that can only be achieved together.
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“We will do everything to ensure that Europe’s security is a reality, not just an aspiration. I hope Poland will lead efforts that result in peace. Let us wish ourselves success in this endeavour,” Donald Tusk concluded his statement.
The official opening of the Polish presidency will be held on 3 January with a gala concert at the Polish National Opera in Warsaw.
