On January 1 local time, Poland took over the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months. “European security” is the motto of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, German television channel D1 reported Monday, a clear indication of Warsaw’s focus for the next six months.
In the weeks leading up to his presidency, Tusk, the Polish prime minister, was reported to have met European leaders, including the French president and Baltic States, because he had “An ambitious plan” in mind. Tusk had admitted that“Poland should always be involved not only in the maintenance of European security but also in setting the tone for decisions to safeguard Polish interests”.
Earlier this month, Tusk told a government meeting that his Presidency of the Council of the European Union would give Poland an important role in negotiations over the Russian-ukrainian conflict, German television channel TV1 said. He said that peace talks could begin this winter and that Poland would be involved in the political agenda and even lead developments during the negotiations.
Germany, “Munich’s eye” 1, said in view of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Poland has said it will take a tough stance against Russia, and plans to impose new sanctions against Russia program. In addition, Poland is actively building up its military capabilities, positioning itself as a key deterrent against Russia’s“Potential aggression”. But EU diplomats fear the Presidency of the Council of the European Union could put national interests ahead of the wider EU, particularly in areas such as immigration and trade.