Poland's Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak, alongside Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Interior, Maciej Duszczyk, held a press conference

to highlight Poland's key priorities during its upcoming presidency of the European Union Council. Security in Europe emerged as the central theme of the discussion.

Tackling illegal migration

Siemoniak identified combating illegal migration as the foremost priority, echoing its significance among EU interior ministers. To address this issue, he emphasized the need for innovative policies and solutions. He also noted that the EU has allocated over €50 million to support Poland in strengthening the protection of the EU’s external border.

Fighting organized crime

Another major focus for Poland's presidency will be the fight against organized crime, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and the development of new illicit substances. These efforts aim to enhance cross-border collaboration and disrupt criminal networks operating within the EU.

Population protection and humanitarian aid

Poland will also prioritize initiatives in population protection, rescue operations, and humanitarian aid. These efforts aim to bolster the EU's capacity to respond to crises and provide relief in emergencies.

Upcoming ministerial meeting

To advance these priorities, the minister announced that interior and justice ministers from EU member states would convene in Warsaw at the end of January 2025.

Poland’s presidency of the European Union Council will begin on January 1, 2025, and extend through the following six months. During this time, Poland aims to lead efforts in strengthening the EU's security framework, enhancing cooperation, and addressing key challenges. Photo by Olek Remesz, Wikimedia commons.