Donald Tusk: Poland’s EU Presidency Poised for Landmark Decisions on Ukraine and European Security

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has highlighted that his country’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, beginning January 1, 2025, coincides with a critical period and could witness significant developments regarding the war and peace in Ukraine.

Speaking to Polish media, Tusk emphasized the unique nature of Poland’s six-month presidency. “Our priorities are far from routine. We anticipate potentially historic events concerning the war and peace on our eastern border,” he stated.

Tusk noted that Poland’s leadership will focus on recalibrating certain European priorities, describing this as a key responsibility of their tenure. “Some priorities have been maturing for adjustment, and now is the time for a thorough reassessment,” he added.

The Polish prime minister also underscored the need for Europe to awaken to new challenges. “We must loudly convey to Europe that the time has come for a full awakening. The European Union must transform into an entity capable not only of survival but also of proactive political engagement,” he said.

A central theme of Poland’s presidency will be security across multiple domains, including military, energy, food supply, and public health. Tusk remarked that the Polish government aims to influence the EU’s direction significantly, adding, “We will be determined to ensure that Europe adopts perspectives aligned with Poland’s priorities.”

Poland’s presidency will unveil a detailed agenda, logo, and dedicated website in mid-December. Following this term, Denmark will assume the presidency. The current Hungarian presidency will conclude by the end of 2024.

Earlier, Ukraine and Poland agreed to collaborate on search and exhumation efforts related to the Volyn tragedy.

The decision, formalized during a meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his Polish counterpart Radosław Sikorski, aims to establish practical mechanisms under a joint working group. Ukrainian officials emphasized the importance of honoring ancestors, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the agreement a step toward reconciliation during a pivotal moment in the nations' shared history.