Security, Europe! is the motto, which according to Adam Szłapka, Poland's Minister for European Affairs, sums up Europe's current challenges well. Poland holds the rotating presidency of the Council for the second time, this time with Denmark and Cyprus. At a time of geopolitical tensions and conflicts, Poland is opting for security – not least because of its proximity to Russia. In the military field, but also in terms of energy and foreign interference.
European security
This is not a new theme. Like Commission President von der Leyen and the European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, Poland wants to focus on increasing the defence capacity of the EU countries. To guarantee the safety of EU citizens and institutions: according to Poland, the war in Ukraine shows how important defence is. That is why defence spending must be increased and the EU must cooperate better with NATO. That means: investing more in the defence industry, including by the Netherlands. The incoming US president Trump also wants – for his own reasons – that NATO countries spend 5% of GDP on defence.
Insurance sector explores investment opportunities for European defence industry
Under the leadership of the Dutch Association of Insurers, a number of insurers held talks with various ministries, NGOs and scientists last year. The basic paper 'Insurers and investments in the European defence industry' summarises the results of these roundtable discussions. One of these is the call for cooperation with the government to further explore the possibilities for (defence) bonds or a defence investment fund with the government this year.
Democratic resilience and cyber security
A second priority of Poland is to strengthen European democratic resilience. By countering polarisation and radicalisation and stopping disinformation and foreign manipulation. And by better preparing the EU for crises through interference from third countries in information networks.
Focus on agriculture and food security
Food security is a fundamental pillar for a stable Europe. Poland, heavily dependent on agriculture, wants to ensure that farmers have a stronger position in the food chain and that their incomes remain stable, despite external economic, environmental and pressure created by future EU enlargement.