Poland takes over the rotating presidency of the European Council as a power player in the European Union. Agnieszka Bartol is the country’s new ambassador to the bloc. As the head of Poland’s permanent representation to the EU, she has her plate full at a pivotal moment. In an interview with The Parliament, Bartol reveals her priorities and expectations. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What are your key priorities for the Polish presidency?
Our main priority is security. In these turbulent times, with Putin’s war next door, amid global tensions and internal challenges – security is the foundation and the uniting factor. Poland will focus on security in its different dimensions, including external and internal security of the EU. It will also include information security, economic security, energy security, as well as food security and health security.
It is high time Europe takes more responsibility for its own security and destiny.
What will Poland need to achieve during this presidency for you to consider it a success?
Our success will be moving forward as many files as possible. This is the main role of the presidency – to make sure that all topics which should be discussed will be discussed in the Council, and all legal acts which should be adopted will be adopted or, at least, move closer to adoption.
As the new European Parliament, the new Commission and the new President of the European Council have just started their mandates, we will be an ‘opening’ presidency, helping shape the EU response to key challenges for the years to come. We are ready to work hard in those challenging times to find EU unity in responses to our common security threats.
How much will Poland’s presidency push for strengthening external borders, including physical barriers and increased controls?
We do not need to push. We are convinced that the effective protection of all external borders of the EU is key. We must build real security of the EU territory and the Schengen area. Undemocratic regimes in Belarus and Russia are abusing our values and using them against us to undermine the security of the whole EU.
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Agnieszka Bartol, ambassador of the Polish Permanent Representation to the EU
What is the presidency’s position on protecting Schengen’s right to free movement?
The Schengen area is one of the most important European achievements. Freedom of movement is a key, treaty-based pillar of the EU. We must protect it. And we must remember that the current problem is not at internal borders, but at the external ones. The only solution to guarantee the freedom of movement inside the EU is to protect our external borders.
The EU is divided on a number of security and foreign policy issues. What role might the presidency play in helping forge a more united front and take more decisive policy action?
The presidency will work with the high representative to make sure that the EU-27 send a united political signal towards the biggest challenges and challengers.
The EU has already proved that it’s united – in the case of Brexit and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Poland is a very credible player in foreign policy and defence. We are spending the most on defence in the EU, measuring in percentage of GDP. We are in a good position to argue for increased pressure on Russia, steadfast support for Ukraine, and strengthening the EU defence readiness. These are our priorities.
The current iteration of nationalist and far-right forces in the EU, including in your country, are redefining what it means to be ‘pro-EU.’ What does it mean to you?
The EU is a community not only of interests but also of values. If we act together, we are stronger, and we can face any challenges ahead. Being pro-EU means that we can see a bigger picture and that we are able to identify and work towards common interest; that we can support each other when needed, regardless of the political colours of governments.
Ultimately, being pro-EU means being supportive of democracy and being in favour of individual rights.
Is the concept of the rotating presidency still an effective form of EU governance?
Yes, it is. I can already see the impact on Poland and the Polish people. It is a strong reminder of a shared responsibility for the EU. It creates ownership by the member states without which the EU wouldn’t exist. It also allows the EU to embrace diversities and become stronger. And it contributes to mutual understanding of the EU and Poland. So, if used well, the rotating presidency can have a lot of benefits for everyone.