Item_16)_Debate on the Priorities of the Polish Presidency

Item 16 Background note Debate on the Priorities of the Polish Presidency Submitted by the Secretary-General 164th Plenary Session 19 and 20 February 2025 Date of the document Brussels, 10/1/2025 Item 16 Debate on the Priorities of the Polish Presidency 1. Priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union As of 1 January, and during the first half of 2025, Poland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Polish Presidency is the first of the upcoming presidency trio, which includes Denmark (2nd semester of 2025) and Cyprus (1st semester 2026). This is the second time Poland has held the presidency of the Council, the first time being in the 2nd semester of 2011. The programme of the Trio-Presidencies is organised around the following themes: 1. A Strong and Secure Europe, which refers to external actions, security and defence, migration and border protection, enlargement and internal reforms. 2. A Prosperous and Competitive Europe, which deals with various components that make up competitiveness, the twin transition, innovation, environment and social affairs. 3. A Free and Democratic Europe, which contains references to EU values such as the rule of law and human rights. In line with the current Trio-Presidencies’ overall programme, the Polish Presidency will support activities strengthening European security in all its dimensions: external, internal,...