Poland, set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2025, presented its priorities on 10 December. Following Hungary, the Eastern European country faces the challenging task of steering discussions among member states on the first files of the new EU institutional cycle, completed by the installation of the new European Commission on 1 December 2024. The presentation of these priorities was complemented the following day with the publication of a general joint programme for the next 18 months, as Poland’s takeover will notably mark the launch of a new trio of Presidencies, together with Denmark and Cyprus.

In their joint strategic document, the three member states underlined their intention to focus on security, competitiveness, and industry – notably by fostering a business-friendly environment with less regulatory burden – as well as advancing negotiations on the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s seven-year budget, set to begin in 2028. They also emphasised the importance of achieving the green and digital transition to remain on track for net zero by 2050. More specifically, resource efficiency, climate adaptation, energy sovereignty, as well as further integration of the EU energy market, electrification, and the manufacturing of clean technologies were highlighted. However, research and innovation (R&I) was notably featured only marginally in the document, in contrast to the central role it was given in several landmark 2024 publications, ranging from the Letta report on the future of the Single Market, to Ursula von der Leyen's Political Guidelines and the Draghi report on the future of European competitiveness.

As far as the specific programme of the Polish Presidency is concerned, security has been identified as the most pressing priority, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. While military and defence measures, alongside border protection, take precedence, Poland also emphasises the energy transition as an additional key objective. Within this framework, reducing reliance on Russian coal and gas while ensuring the availability of affordable energy remains a central focus of the Presidency. This position was recently reiterated by the new Energy and Housing Commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, who pointed out that several EU member states continue to import Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear fuel.

More precisely, within the framework of the Energy Council, Poland will aim to prepare Council conclusions on updating and strengthening the European energy security strategy. As part of this, it intends to highlight the importance of the resilience of both physical and cyber infrastructure. Aiming to enhance industrial competitiveness, it also intends to support the development and deployment of clean energy technologies, including through financial means, as well as contributing to securing critical raw material supplies. The document also mentions advancing the awaited Clean Industrial Deal, without providing further details on the upcoming legislation.

On climate, the Polish Presidency vows to combat disinformation and address climate risks as well as the effects of climate change. However, the priorities indicate that energy and climate policy will be approached in a more flexible manner and through a trust-based approach, with fewer penalties and obligations, focusing instead on rewards and incentives. When it comes to R&I, freedom of research, as part of a global effort to safeguard the rule of law in the EU, appears central. In addition, Poland also intends to foster openness and synergies, notably between different funding sources, to stimulate pan-European collaborative networks, with the goal of strengthening EU competitiveness, security, economic resilience, and reducing strategic dependencies.