Polish EU Council presidency hailed as effective despite obstacles

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Poland’s outgoing presidency of the Council of the EU, calling it “challenging, but successful.” Over the six-month term, 37 legal acts were adopted and member states reached agreement on another 18 – figures von der Leyen described as “impressive.” She also highlighted the record-fast approval of the SAFE defence loan programme, completed in just 71 days.
At a press conference following the European Council summit, Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the decision to extend all existing sanctions against Russia for another six months. He confirmed that work continues on an 18th sanctions package, which is expected to include Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
Tusk also pointed to Poland’s growing influence in NATO, noting that alliance members recently committed to increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP – a goal already set by Warsaw for 2026.