FIPRA Network: Understanding the Priorities of the New EU Council Presidency Trio

At the beginning of 2025, the EU Council Presidency will switch to a new trio: Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus, who will face multiple challenges, ranging from relations with the US under Trump’s presidency to implementing Draghi’s report on strategic competitiveness. In this context, the FIPRA Network organised an insightful webinar, ‘Understanding the Priorities of the New EU Council Presidency Trio’ on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. We discussed the political contexts of each of the three countries, their likely policy priorities, and the opportunity windows and strategies for businesses to influence the agenda-setting process of the countries. We welcomed leading public affairs experts, including:

POLAND - MALGORZATA SMIERZYCKA

Poland will take over the EU Council Presidency in early 2025, announcing “Security Europe” as its central theme. This theme highlights its commitment to tackling immediate and long-term challenges amid a volatile and uncertain global environment. The agenda includes seven security dimensions: external security, energy independence, economic resilience among European nations, health, information, and internal security. Considering the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising tensions along its eastern borders, Poland aims to enhance the EU’s defence capabilities, reform migration policies, and promote energy initiatives and security.

Poland aims to lead the development of a strong European defence industry, emphasising the need for increased investment in air defence and the expansion of the Eastern Shield. This entails collaborating on fortification strategies along the Belarusian border. The presidency will also advocate for a comprehensive energy transition, prioritising the reduction of reliance on external energy sources and fostering technological innovations in renewable energy. Furthermore, Poland seeks to avert “accidental incidents” in the Baltic Sea regarding energy security.

Health and information security remain top priorities, with Poland focusing on raising mental health awareness, especially among children, and bolstering cybersecurity efforts. Poland intends to collaborate with the European Commission to be the first nation to publish a report assessing the effects of social media on the mental health of children and youth. Furthermore, the Polish government aims to tackle misinformation and the challenges artificial intelligence poses while enhancing resilience against hybrid threats. Internal security initiatives, including flood management and responses to climate-related disasters, will also be significant during the presidency agenda.

Poland views its presidency as an opportunity to re-establish itself as a cooperative leader within the EU. Officials emphasise solidarity among member states and aspiring members such as Ukraine, noting that the EU must act cohesively to remain competitive against global powers like the US, China, and India. Poland aims to advance European unity by addressing barriers to business and promoting cross-border collaboration.

DENMARK - PETER GOLL

Denmark will take over the EU Council Presidency in mid-2025, bringing a distinctive political landscape and an ambitious agenda. Governed by an unprecedented grand coalition, Denmark’s leadership includes the Social Democrats, the Moderates—a new centrist party led by a former Prime Minister—and the Liberal Party. This coalition represents a rare political dynamic in Denmark, a country more accustomed to minority governments. With elections scheduled for shortly after the presidency, the government’s focus on delivering impactful leadership reflects its commitment to Europe’s long-term stability and growth.

A central priority of Denmark’s presidency will be strengthening European competitiveness, particularly in the context of global challenges posed by the United States and China. The Danish government aims to address critical issues outlined in the Draghi Report, highlighting the need to bolster Europe’s innovation capacity and industrial resilience. This effort will include advancing discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and implementing foundational measures to enhance competitiveness across key sectors. Denmark’s leadership offers businesses opportunities to engage in policies designed to support innovation, scale up initiatives, and strengthen Europe’s economic infrastructure.

Security policies and migration are also expected to be cornerstones of the Danish agenda, reflecting the prime minister's personal commitment. The presidency will prioritise bolstering the EU’s security architecture, specifically supporting Ukraine and Moldova. This will encompass enhancing military and overall security measures, including securing strategic resource stability and protecting production facilities. Regarding migration, Denmark will seek to balance its long-standing strict immigration control policy with broader European objectives.

The green transition will feature prominently in Denmark’s presidency, reflecting the critical role of sustainability in Europe’s future. Denmark intends to address Europe’s energy challenges by advancing the adoption of renewable energy and promoting green innovation. As Europe prepares for COP30 in Brazil, Denmark will play a key role in ensuring that the EU’s carbon targets are finalised and aligned with broader climate goals. Denmark's presidency provides a crucial platform for collaboration and innovation for businesses in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure.

CYPRUS - ACHILLEAS DEMETRIADES

Cyprus, the smallest of the trio, will lead the presidency in 2026. While the details of its programme are still under development, Cyprus’s strategic geographic position in the eastern Mediterranean will likely shape its role as a critical bridge between the EU and its neighbouring regions. This is particularly significant in addressing migration, regional stability, and external EU relations. The current president will guide the Cypriot presidency. He brings extensive diplomatic experience, including his role as a key figure during Cyprus’s 2012 EU presidency. The team overseeing the presidency, including an Under Secretary for European Affairs, is expected to finalise its priorities by early 2025, allowing stakeholders time to influence the agenda.

The presidency will focus on migration and regional stability, leveraging its strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean. The country has served as a critical evacuation hub during crises in the Middle East, most recently during conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. In this context, Cyprus plans to address migration as an internal EU challenge and tackle its root causes through enhanced diplomatic cooperation with neighbouring countries, including Egypt and Jordan. This proactive approach underscores Cyprus’s role as a bridge between Europe and its southern and eastern neighbours, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure, logistics, and humanitarian efforts.

Climate change and innovation are also expected to feature prominently on the Cypriot presidency’s agenda. Cyprus aims to advance the EU’s green transition by fostering innovation and supporting sustainability initiatives. These efforts align with the Draghi Report's recommendations, emphasising Europe's need to strengthen its competitiveness through technology and climate resilience. Businesses involved in renewable energy, green technology, and sustainable infrastructure will find opportunities to align with these priorities as Cyprus advances policies that balance environmental goals with economic growth.

The health sector will be another area of focus, particularly through Cyprus’s participation in a coalition of EU member states aimed at enhancing collective bargaining power in the procurement of innovative medicinal products. This initiative prioritises oncology and signals an opportunity for collaboration within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. By advancing such initiatives, Cyprus demonstrates its commitment to addressing pressing health challenges through coordinated EU action.

IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESSES

For businesses operating in or engaging with the EU, the trio presidencies bring both challenges and opportunities:

Please feel free to contact any of our panellists for more information!