Since 1 January 2025, Poland has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, confronting unique challenges in a global context shaped by energy and geopolitical crises. Over the next six months, the country will steer EU policymaking, especially in the fields of energy and climate, with an agenda that combines security, sustainability, and solidarity.
«The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a great responsibility,» emphasises Maciej Jakubik, an expert specialising in EU regulations and policies at Forum Energii, in a conversation with Energía Estratégica España. «It is an opportunity for the country to direct the community’s development and address critical areas such as energy and climate.»
The global context requires a strategic approach. The war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and increasing trade tensions have placed energy security at the centre of European debates. In this regard, Poland will leverage its experience in energy diversification to lead an update of the EU Energy Security architecture, focusing on more resilient electricity infrastructure and a balanced energy transition. Polish authorities intend to propose a broader approach to the definition of energy security, encompassing access to energy at low prices, equitable access to new technologies, climate and environmental protection and strengthening the physical security and cyber resilience of strategic infrastructure.
«The development of renewable energy is not only essential for the transition but also for energy independence,» Jakubik states. «Producing wind, solar, or hydropower domestically reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.»
Poland’s Energy Priorities
Poland’s Presidency will centre on three energy pillars:
- Energy security: Ensuring stable, diversified, and resilient energy supplies for all member states.
- Industrial competitiveness: Promoting affordable energy prices, is crucial for industrial decarbonisation and the development of clean technologies within the EU.
- Support for Ukraine: Poland will play a pivotal role in rebuilding Ukraine’s energy sector, pushing for reforms to align its regulations with EU standards.
«Supporting Ukraine is not just a moral obligation but also a strategic investment in regional stability,» Jakubik underscores, highlighting the need for both short-term technical and financial support and long-term reforms.
Poland’s Renewable Energy Growth
In recent years, Poland has achieved significant growth in renewable energy, particularly in photovoltaics, which increased from near-zero capacity in 2017 to over 20 GW by 2025. «This development will not stop,» Jakubik assures. By 2030, Poland is expected to reach 29GW of solar and 18 GW of onshore wind capacity, establishing itself as a regional leader. Moreover, the country will advance its first offshore wind farms, adding 6 GW by 2030.
Poland will also advocate for a technology-neutral approach, championing nuclear energy as a stable and emissions-free source. «According to Polish government, nuclear energy must be part of Europe’s energy mix,» Jakubik stresses.
A Historic Moment for Europe
Poland’s Presidency comes at a pivotal time, with discussions on European competitiveness, EU enlargement, regulatory reviews, and budget negotiations for 2028-2034 on the horizon. Jakubik concludes: «This is an unique opportunity for Poland to lead with vision and strengthen Europe’s energy transition. New, bold ideas are needed to build momentum for European integration and enhance economic and industrial development»
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