As Poland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025, its evolving role in European integration has sparked critical discussions about the nation’s leadership potential and strategic priorities. On Monday, 27 January 2025, the Robert Schuman Centre, in collaboration with 'Review of Democracy' at the Central European University, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, the Foundation Schuman (Paris) and the Zentrum fur Liberale Moderne (Berlin), hosted a debate addressing the leadership vacuum within the Union. The event featured Ignacy Niemczycki, Polish State Secretary for European Affairs; Erik Jones, Director of the Robert Schuman Centre; Pascale Joannin, Director General of the Robert Schuman Foundation in Paris; and Monika Sus from the Hertie School, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the EUI.
The discussion centred on the policy brief ‘A new leader for Europe? Shifting paradigms in Poland’s EU policy’, authored by Michał Matlak and Piotr Buras. The newly published brief examines Poland’s evolution from a NATO-centric security framework to a stronger focus on integrated EU defence initiatives, its role in EU enlargement, and its transition toward decarbonising its economy. These themes were discussed in the context of Poland’s evolving geopolitical strategy, which includes stronger ties with Nordic-Baltic countries and a pivot away from the Visegrad Group.
Piotr Buras, Head of ECFR’s Warsaw office and a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, opened the discussion by emphasising Poland’s strong geopolitical role, economic success, and increasing military spending as factors positioning the country to fill gaps left by France and Germany. However, he also pointed to domestic political challenges, noting that “the most important priority at the moment in Polish politics is to defend democracy.”
Ignacy Niemczycki, Polish State Secretary for European Affairs, addressed both the opportunities and challenges ahead. He highlighted Poland’s economic resilience and credibility in policymaking, saying, “Poland will soon spend more than 4% GDP on military spending. So we are credible in what we are saying, but I think at the same time we are pragmatic.” He also stressed Poland’s commitment to EU enlargement and fostering unity among the 27 member states.
Panellists reflected on Poland’s potential to emerge as a leader within the EU, offering a vision capable of motivating collective action among member states. Discussions further underscored Poland’s unique position to influence key EU agendas, including defence, green and digital transformation, and enlargement.
Erik Jones emphasised the importance of leadership in the EU, noting that Poland has the potential to rise to a key power in the European context. “We need Poland to project a vision of Europe that can elevate the continent. The vision must be palatable and attractive. Poland is capable of rising to that challenge—and should.”
Watch the recording of the debate.
Read the policy brief ‘A New leader for Europe? Shifting paradigms in Poland’s EU policy.’