Poland officially took over the rotating presidency of the European Union in 2025, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk leading the EU agenda for the next six months. Tusk emphasized the priority of strengthening “European security”, supporting Ukraine against Russia, enhancing border management, and boosting economic competitiveness.
This marks Poland’s second term as the presidency since joining the EU in 2004. It is also Tusk’s second time leading the European Council as a Prime Minister. Although the EU presidency does not hold real power, it is seen as a key driver for urging the EU to take action.
“If Europe lacks strength, it will not survive,” Tusk stated at an event in Warsaw, “Let us do our utmost to ensure that Europe and Poland do not have to pay the highest price for freedom, power, and sovereignty. Let us make every effort to make Europe strong again.”
European Council President Antonio Costa also stressed the importance of continuing support for Kyiv.
“This year, we must continue to stand with Ukraine,” Costa said, “Whenever necessary, whenever needed, we will stand with Ukraine to achieve comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace.”
“For this, we must continue to treat defense as a strategic priority for the EU,” he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed this and looked forward to advancing Ukraine’s negotiations to join the EU during Poland’s presidency. He reiterated that only through strength can Russia be forced into peace negotiations.
Polish President Andrzej Duda urged Tusk to strengthen transatlantic cooperation during his term, emphasizing that European security cannot be ensured without US involvement. Duda, with close ties to Trump, will end his presidency in the middle of this year.
Assistant Professor Edyta Zgut-Przybylska from the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Polish Academy of Sciences said Tusk hopes to “realign within the EU, building an alliance that supports Ukraine, achieving peace favorable to Kyiv rather than Moscow.”
Tusk, a former President of the European Council, who led the center-right European People’s Party, is well-connected on the EU stage.
Analysts believe that as European capitals face difficult choices on strengthening defense and other issues, Warsaw is unlikely to lead independently.
Analyst Piotr Buras at the European Council on Foreign Relations in Warsaw stated that addressing the challenges facing the EU exceeds the capacity of a six-month rotating presidency.
Buras said, “This is a crucial moment for Europe right now.”
He mentioned that Europe must face challenges beyond the uncertainties of Trump’s presidency and the situation in Ukraine, and be prepared for potential trade wars, as well as a transition in the EU’s leadership.
Analysts suggest that Germany, as the largest economy in Europe, might play a bigger role after the national elections on February 23, with conservatives currently expected to win.
If the new leadership in Germany decides to take a more proactive and assertive stance, it will help Tusk achieve his security goals.