Poland ends EU Presidency, Tusk highlights defence achievements

Poland’s six-month presidency of the EU Council ends Sunday, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighting defence spending and migration policies as key outcomes.

Poland will formally conclude its presidency of the European Union Council on June 30, after leading EU discussions since January 1, 2025.

At a press conference in Brussels on Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the challenges of the term, telling Prime Minister Donald Tusk, "Your presidency has been difficult, but you have made it."

Tusk focused his closing remarks on defence, saying Poland helped shift the EU’s mindset on security amid the current geopolitical climate.

"The EU was built on the belief that war would never return to Europe," Tusk said. "Breaking this naïve faith was not easy."

Tusk cited key achievements including securing 150 billion euros under the SAFE programme to boost Europe’s arms industry, and financial support for the 'Shield East' initiative along the EU’s eastern borders.

However, the presidency was not without controversy. Tusk’s government passed a law allowing temporary suspension of asylum applications, a move criticized by human rights groups as risking abuse and worsening conditions at the Polish-Belarusian border.

Tusk defended the law as an "unprecedented solution" to help Europe manage illegal migration.

European and Polish politicians reflected on the presidency’s difficult balance between security priorities and humanitarian concerns.

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