WARSAW, Poland (CHATNEWSTV) — In his speech on Friday at the official opening of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, President António Costa lauded Poland’s contributions to European unity, security, and prosperity, emphasizing the pivotal role of the country in the EU’s future.
Costa, addressing a gathering in Warsaw, thanked former European Council President Donald Tusk for the invitation and expressed his honor in participating in the launch of the Polish presidency. “Our shared vision for Europe has been based on the same values, the same principles, the same strategic purpose: to strengthen the unity of member states, the effectiveness of European institutions, and the prosperity of European citizens,” Costa said.
Acknowledging Poland’s significant role since its accession to the EU two decades ago, Costa referred to the country as “one of the greatest success stories of enlargement” and a cornerstone of European defense and economic dynamism. He underscored that Poland’s leadership would demonstrate how patriotism and European integration are interconnected, particularly at a time when authoritarianism and populism threaten EU values.
“The vitality of Polish democracy and its sense of national identity make the European Union stronger,” Costa said. “Poland is a source of resilience at a time when foreign interference threatens our democratic integrity.”
Costa went on to highlight the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stressing that it must remain the EU’s top priority. “We must continue to stand with Ukraine— as much as necessary, for as long as it takes, to win a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace,” he affirmed.
The President also addressed European defense, announcing an informal European Leaders’ meeting in February dedicated to defense, with NATO Secretary-General and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom attending. He emphasized that defense is just one component of Europe’s broader security architecture, which must integrate efforts to tackle challenges such as migration, energy security, and technological dependency.
“This semester we will start to debate the next Multiannual Financial Framework. More than ever, we need to find creative solutions to improve competitiveness and social and regional convergence for a more vibrant Single Market,” Costa said, calling for a focus on energy independence and investments in defense as crucial economic drivers.
Reflecting on the words of the Polish writer Stanislaw Lem, Costa concluded, “Politics is about and for people. At the end of the day, what counts is how national and European policies improve people’s daily lives.”
Costa closed by expressing confidence in Poland’s leadership under Tusk and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Polish presidency in advancing the EU’s strategic vision.
“I wish you all the best for the Polish presidency,” Costa concluded.
