On 1 January, Poland will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, aiming to steer the EU through a period marked by uncertainty and global turbulence, guided by the motto “Security, Europe!”
Its presidency strategy will be based on seven pillars that promote security, including health security. Initiatives will aim to address prevention and health promotion, as well as the development of new technologies and pharmaceutical security.
“We live in times when everyone – not just Poles, but all Europeans – values security exceptionally highly across many dimensions. When we speak of security, we refer to seven pillars of this concept,” said Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna during a press conference about Polish presidency priorities.
Firstly, security
Poland will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union during a period of uncertainty and unease. Europe is grappling with the repercussions of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and the pressing need to enhance its defence capabilities.
According to the Ministry of Health, Europe faces growing geopolitical tensions, the erosion of a rules-based international order, and hybrid attacks targeting European democracy.
“The Polish presidency will support initiatives aimed at strengthening European security in all its dimensions,” emphasised Adam Szłapka, Minister for European Union Affairs.
One of the seven pillars of security defined by Poland is health security.
Under this pillar, four key health priorities have been identified for the presidency’s focus. Prevention and health promotion, mental health support for children and young people, the digital transformation of healthcare, incorporating patient safety and the development of new technologies and pharmaceutical security.
Michał Byliniak, General Director of INFARMA, told Euractiv: “As an industry, we will support all four priorities.”
Pharmaceutical Package
One of the key health-related priorities during Poland’s EU presidency is to accelerate progress on the pharmaceutical package.
Poland aims to bring the Council of the European Union closer to adopting a unified stance on this crucial legislation.
“This will be a challenging task, but our goal is to have the Council’s position ready by the end of our presidency or, at the very least, advanced enough for the Council to enter trilogues with the European Parliament and the European Commission,” said Leszczyna.
The European Commission’s proposals have highlighted a rift mostly between wealthier and less affluent member states.
Leszczyna acknowledged these divergent interests, rooted in varying economic capacities and relationships with the pharmaceutical sector.
“Some countries prioritise competitiveness and maintaining the privileged position of companies developing innovative medicines. Others – and they are the majority – focus on increasing access to affordable drugs for their citizens,” she explained.
As the EU presidency chair, Poland vows to lead with compromise and reconciliation at the forefront. “We aim to foster consensus, bridging the gap between opposing sides with determination and diplomacy,” Leszczyna remarked.
At the same time, she underlined that Poland, while presiding over the Council, will act as a neutral broker.
“Our role is to represent the collective interests of all member states, ensuring competitiveness while keeping patients at the heart of all decisions,” she said. According to the minister, medicines are developed to heal people, and patients – regardless of their country’s wealth – must be the primary beneficiaries.
Byliniak told Euractiv that the decisions made during Poland’s presidency will shape the pharmaceutical industry for decades. “This is a chance to provide a strong impetus for research and development or risk stalling innovation for years to come,” he said.
Byliniak also highlighted the importance of positioning Europe as a global hub for research, development, and production of cutting-edge diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines. “As an industry, we are eager to restore Europe’s role as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation,” he concluded.
Six months of leadership
Over the next six months, Poland will host an estimated 40,000 participants, including heads of government and ministers from EU member states.
The agenda features 22 informal councils and more than 300 official events. A dedicated presidency team of 3,000 people will oversee these efforts, supported by over 100 liaison officers managing foreign delegations.
Poland’s presidency prioritises transparency and collaboration, operating with a budget of approximately €90 million. While key events will take place in Warsaw, the presidency will span the entire country, with meetings planned in around 20 cities.
Beyond chairing the Council’s work, Poland is committed to clear communication of meeting outcomes and maintaining trust among its European partners. This presidency promises to blend effective leadership with nationwide engagement, showcasing Poland’s role at the heart of Europe.
[Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire]
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Publish date : 2024-12-30 15:07:00
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The post Health, innovation, and diplomacy guide Poland’s path as EU Council lead first appeared on Love Europe.
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Author : love-europe
Publish date : 2024-12-31 03:30:36
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