Our primary mission will be to unite all 27 EU member states around the shared goal of ensuring that Europe remains the safest and most stable region in the world, with security taking precedence as our top priority for the next six months, Ambassador of Poland to Cyprus Marek Szczepanowski tells Cyprus News Agency in a written statement on the assumption of the EU rotating presidency for the second time.
He notes that the Polish Presidency coincides with the beginning of the institutional cycle which provides an opportunity to set goals, suggest solutions and start processes for the next five years but also starts at a very complex moment and in the face of unprecedented challenges and geopolitical pressure on the European Union, in particular Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the dramatic situation in the Middle East, hybrid threats, including disinformation and migration pressure. All these challenges threaten European democracy and security.
The Ambassador says that his country will continue to work towards ensuring a proper speed and quality of the enlargement of the EU, deepening the EU–NATO cooperation and transatlantic relations (EU-USA) and reinvigorating the Eastern Partnership.
“The Polish Presidency will continue to promote adherence to international law and respect for human rights, aiming to strengthen the EU’s influence within the multilateral system”, the Ambassador said in his written statement to CNA.
He added that the goal will be to uphold the rule of law, strengthen the resilience of democracy and promote commitment to EU values and points out that respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms on which the EU is based is inseparable from a sense of security.
The Ambassador also points out that the Presidency is part of a carefully planned Trio programme, shared with esteemed partners Denmark and Cyprus, and is organised around the themes of a strong and Secure Europe, a prosperous and competitive Europe and a free and democratic Europe.
“The collaboration between Poland and Cyprus, in particular, offers a unique perspective, as both countries bring valuable experiences shaped by their distinct geographic positions and historical contexts”, he said.
The Polish Ambassador notes that Poland and Cyprus, despite being geographically distant, face many similar challenges arising from their proximity to conflict regions.
Poland, he says, borders Ukraine, where a war is ongoing, with far-reaching consequences for the security of all Europe and Cyprus is situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, where tensions linked to instability have been developing.
He notes that both countries deeply understand the importance of solidarity in addressing challenges related to security, migration and border stability and these shared experiences bring our countries closer together, emphasising the need for a united Europe capable of effectively responding to external threats and supporting its neighbours in times of need.
“I am confident that Polish Presidency will not only advance the priorities of today but also lay a solid foundation for the Presidencies to come, especially the Presidency of Cyprus which will conclude the Trio cycle”, Ambassador of Poland to Cyprus says.
