““Our union was born as a peace project after the end of the Second World War. We must once again strengthen our security in order to guarantee peace in Europe””, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
The event was opened by the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, and the Chairman of the European Council, Antonio Kosta. They gave short speeches to government officials, deputies and diplomats.
Košta recalled the slogan of the Polish presidency – “Security, Europe” – and added that security and defense should be the EU’s strategic priorities.
“Our union was born as a peace project after the end of the Second World War. We must once again strengthen our security in order to guarantee peace in Europe. Therefore, Ukraine should remain our main priority. This year, we must continue to stand by Ukraine, as much as it takes, and for as long as it takes, in order to obtain a comprehensive, just and long-lasting peace,” said the head of the European Council.
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Košta also called for an informal meeting of European leaders in early February. It should be devoted to the topic of defense.
Opening the ceremony, the Prime Minister of Poland said that Europe has great expectations from the Polish presidency and that Warsaw is ready for such a challenge. He also added that Europe is lucky that Poland will lead the EU Council at such a difficult moment in history.
“The source of Europe’s greatness is freedom, a sense of sovereignty, our culture – it’s all worth the effort. Some today say that it is worth even the greatest sacrifice. We will do everything so that Europe and Poland do not have to pay the highest price for freedom, for power, for sovereignty. We will do everything to make Europe strong again,” Tusk stressed.
The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU will last from January 1 to June 30, 2025. This is the second time the country has chaired the Council of the European Union – the first time was in 2011.