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What is the Presidency

Every six months a different member state of the European Union holds the Presidency presiding over the work of the Council of the European Union. At the same time the state holding the Presidency becomes the host of most of the Union's events and plays a key role in all the fields of activity of the European Union. It is responsible for the organization of EU meetings, sets the Union's political direction and ensures its development, integration and security.
From 1 July 2011 Poland will hold the Presidency in the Council of the European Union.

Polish preparations for the Presidency

On 1 July 2011, Poland will hold the Presidency in the Council of the European Union. We have two years left to prepare for the Polish Presidency and to efficiently carry out the tasks entrusted to us. The first steps have been taken: on 15 July 2008 the Council of Ministers adopted a regulation on the Government Plenipotentiary for the Preparation of Governmental Administrative Bodies and the Republic of Poland's Presidency of the EU Council. On 13 January 2009 the Programme of the preparations for the Presidency in the EU Council was adopted as a result of the Government Plenipotentiary and his team's work, and with the involvement of ministries and offices.

The Presidency in the Media

184 days - that is how long it will take to hold the Presidency of  the European Union Council
4416 hours - for negotiating and resolving problems
264 960 minutes - for reinforcement of the EU's global position due to the Polish Presidency

But before 1 July 2011 we have to be well prepared, and here you can find  vital information on this arduous process...

Why Presidency is the chance and the challenge for Poland?

Minister
Minister Dowgielewicz,
Government Plenipotentiary
for the Preparation of Administrative Agencies
and Poland's Presidency
of the Council of the European Union

 

Dear Sirs,

 

On 1 July 2011 Poland will hold the Presidency in Council of European Union.

This is not only challenge which requires strategic planning, intensive political and organizational activities on national and European level, but also big chance for Poland in shaping the UE.

The presidency gives an opportunity to have real influence on decisions taken in UE. We will have a chance to present the priorities of Polish policy within the EU, to stress the significant areas, and show our ideas and initiatives. Presidency is mainly continuation of earlier EU activities, assurance of its coherent functioning, and it guarantees its voice in important matters for world. I'm sure that Poland will make good use of this time. Thorough carrying out the task which is the Presidency in Council of European Union will help to increase confidence in our country as important EU member. A successful Presidency is the best promotion of Poland and occasion to create positive image of Poland in the world.

The Presidency is also a challenge. The essence of Council work is establishing laws and undertaking decisions crucial to 500 millions of citizens. It demands excellent substantive preparation of officials and experts who prepare the ground for politicians' decisions. Making use of Member States experience that were held the Presidency or are during preparations to this task, we will concentrate organization of preparations for the Presidency on 3 areas: political, organizational and promotion of Poland. Main tasks will be defining the priorities matching strategic objectives of Polish policy, development of European decision-making process, management of human resources, and promotion of our country its culture, economy and tourist advantages.

Poland will hold the Presidency in Council of European Union in 2.5 years. I believe that time for preparation will be fully used.

Mikołaj Dowgielewicz