Presidential Bill Aims to Define Poland’s EU Presidency Working Framework for 2025
A statement by Presidential Minister Małgorzata Paprocka on TVN24 on Wednesday explained that the bill set to be introduced would clarify how the president and the prime minister will align on the priorities of Poland’s EU presidency work in 2025, with involvement from both the government and the parliament. The move is seen as a step toward ensuring coordinated leadership ahead of Poland’s role in the European Union’s work council in the first half of 2025.
Presidential announcement of the bill
President Andrzej Duda announced in a recent address that he would present a bill the next day. The proposed legislation would establish a framework for cooperation among the president, the government, the Sejm, and the Senate during Poland’s EU presidency activities. He urged the bill to be passed promptly, underscoring a wish to demonstrate that political leaders from across the spectrum can work together on issues of national significance.
In a Wednesday briefing, Małgorzata Paprocka, the minister representing the President, was asked what additional powers the president might obtain through the draft law for engaging with Brussels. She answered that the measure would implement Article 133 of the Constitution, which states that the President cooperates with the Council of Ministers and the Secretary of State on foreign policy matters.
Preparations for the Polish Presidency of the EU in 2025
Paprocka remarked that the Constitution predates Poland’s entry into the EU and does not include a dedicated chapter on this topic. She stressed that the project announced by the president holds crucial importance for the 2025 EU presidency and that thorough preparation is essential.
The minister highlighted several challenges facing the presidency, including strengthening EU–US cooperation, ensuring energy security, and supporting EU enlargement as priorities for the coming years.
Regarding the bill’s specifics, Paprocka pointed to provisions that would address how presidency priorities are agreed between the president and the prime minister. She also noted terms related to shaping the personal makeup of Poland’s EU representatives, akin to the appointment process for ambassadors—covering roles like EU Commissioners, the Polish representative to the EU Court of Auditors, and other positions listed in current law.
The new power of the president
When asked whether the president seeks the authority to veto candidates for EU commissioner, Paprocka said such a right would be part of the president’s advisory powers in her view. She explained that this area requires government action and is not simply a constitutional matter. Historically, Poland has appointed an EU Commissioner without presidential participation for nearly two decades, a practice she contended should be reconsidered. She argued that a president’s input could be valuable in nominations for ambassadorial-style roles within the EU, including commissioners.
According to the minister, the president believes these changes should be enacted now. With two years remaining in the current term, she suggested the framework could endure into future administrations as well.
Related context
There are ongoing discussions about the president and prime minister aligning on priorities for the EU presidency, along with considerations of how to reinforce transatlantic ties and how to position Poland within the broader EU framework during the 2025 presidency. The government emphasizes a robust, collaborative approach to governance during this period.
Note: The content reflects public statements and official positions discussed in parliamentary and governmental channels as part of Poland’s preparation for its EU presidency in 2025.