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FM outlines Poland's EU presidency priorities

13.12.2024 14:30
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has outlined Poland's goals for its upcoming presidency of the EU Council, which will begin on January 1.
Polands Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski speaks at a press conference in Warsaw on Friday as he outlines the countrys priorities for its upcoming presidency of the EU Council.
Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski speaks at a press conference in Warsaw on Friday as he outlines the country's priorities for its upcoming presidency of the EU Council.PAP/Leszek Szymański

Poland aims to fully utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine and prevent any return to cooperation with Russia and Belarus, Sikorski said on Friday.

Another key goal is to support the EU's expansion eastward and southward, including helping Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, as well as backing Georgia's pro-European aspirations, he told reporters.

Poland also plans to strengthen the Eastern Partnership and build a Europe resilient to external threats, especially from the east, including through the development of defense infrastructure.

A major initiative is the creation of a "European Council for Resilience against Disinformation," to be funded by the EU and its member states, Poland's PAP news agency reported.

Sikorski announced plans to hold 42 informal meetings, including those in the Gymnich format, involving foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Strengthening Poland's role in EU, advancing EU-Turkey relations

During its presidency, Poland aims to solidify its position in the EU, especially as a member of the "Big Five" (B5) group of leading member states.

The Polish foreign minister also emphasized the goal of deepening the EU's cooperation with Turkey by taking concrete steps toward closer relations between the two sides.

Poland seeks to further establish its role in the EU as an active and influential member state, especially in key decisions on foreign policy and security.

This will be supported by planned meetings in Poland, including those of the Political and Security Committee and the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management, the PAP news agency reported.

(mp/gs)

Source: PAP/IAR