Polish presidency of the Council of the EU

On 1 January 2025, Poland takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months.

The European Economic and Social Committee develops a set of activities in cooperation with the presidency, mainly preparing exploratory opinions at the request of the presidency and organising events on topics of common interest in cooperation with the presidency. In this webpage, you'll find all the information of these EESC activities.

A Word from the President

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU comes at a transformative time for Europe. It marks the beginning of a new institutional cycle, with a renewed European Commission now stepping into its mandate. These moments of transition are critical, presenting opportunities to lay the groundwork for a stronger, more secure, and more competitive Europe.

The stakes could not be higher, and the responsibility upon all of us is to contribute to a successful Presidency that addresses the pressing concerns of European citizens. At the EESC, we are acutely aware of this responsibility, and we stand ready to collaborate with partners and stakeholders from Warsaw to Brussels.

The Polish Presidency’s focus on security in all its dimensions reflects the urgency of current challenges, from external and internal stability to economic, energy, and food security. These priorities resonate strongly with the EESC’s commitment to fostering cohesion, safeguarding democratic values, and ensuring sustainable prosperity. We welcome the Presidency’s request for key exploratory opinions, which will allow organized civil society to shape policies on issues such as resilience, innovation, and competitiveness. We look forward to presenting these contributions during informal Council meetings and other pivotal events.

At this challenging and pivotal time for Europe, we are dedicated to strengthening the rule of law, supporting the green and digital transitions, and fostering deeper connections with candidate countries and neighbours. With the involvement of civil society, we aim to build a Europe that is more inclusive, innovative, and united.

At the EESC, we are proud to stand as a reliable and engaged partner for the Polish Presidency and are committed to playing an active role in shaping the political priorities that will define this new European cycle.

Oliver Röpke,
EESC President