EU’s quest for security: Taking stock of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU

24 June 2025

Policy Dialogue

Speakers: Maria Martisiute, Policy Analyst, EU in the World Programme, EPC; Michał Szczerba, MEP, Member of AFET and SEDE Committees, European People’s Party, Poland; Aleksandra Kozioł, Analyst, International Security Programme, PISM; Christine Nissen, Chief Analyst, EU Defence & Security, Think Tank Europa, Denmark; Juraj Majcin, Policy Analyst, EPC; Damian Wnukowski, Head of the Asia-Pacific Programme, PISM; Rasmus Foss, Chief Analyst, EU Digital, Health and Tech Policies, Think Tank Europa, Denmark; Varg Folkman, Policy Analyst, EPC; Melchior Szczepanik, Head of Brussels Office, PISM

Moderators: Tomasz Zając, Analyst, EU Programme, PISM; Almut Möller, Director for European and Global Affairs and Head of the Europe in the World Programme, EPC

The first half of 2025 has become yet another stage in the era of “permacrisis”, bringing additional challenges to the already long list of threats and risks that the European Union must deal with. Concerns about its military and economic security deepened as US President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia, and imposed tariffs on friends and foes alike. The Union has reacted by spelling out plans to reinforce its military capabilities to defend itself and stimulate its economy. The aim of this Policy Dialogue was to assess the role played by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. It featured two panel discussions, one dedicated to defence and security, the other to economic security. Will the EU translate the ambition to take greater responsibility for its security into practice? Will the measures contained in the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal provide the desired impetus to the economy? How can the EU avoid a trade war with the US?