Poland is preparing to take over the EU presidency in 2025: what new opportunities does this present for Ukraine?

Starting January 2025, Poland will assume the presidency of the European Union Council. Ukraine has high hopes for this period, as Warsaw has been a steadfast ally since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine anticipates Poland will play a crucial role in bolstering international support, accelerating its integration into the EU, and ensuring proper commemoration of their shared history.

https://informator.ua/uk/polshcha-gotuyetsya-do-golovuvannya-v-yes-u-2025-roci-v-chomu-noviy-shans-dlya-ukrajini2024-12-28 09:57:12

Starting from January 2025, Poland will take over the presidency of the European Union Council. Ukraine has high hopes for this period, as Warsaw has been a reliable ally since the very first hours of Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine anticipates Poland's crucial role in strengthening international support, accelerating integration into the EU, and ensuring proper commemoration of their shared history.

In addition to Euro-integration, Ukraine is counting on support in military matters and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. Sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet are particularly relevant, as well as the shift from freezing to confiscating Russian assets, stated Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tikhiy at a briefing.

"Poland is our close friend and ally. We expect that during this time a number of decisive and important decisions can be made, considering the leadership Poland has demonstrated in supporting Ukraine from the very first hours of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine," – he noted.

Tikhiy emphasized that cooperation with Poland on historical issues, particularly the exhumation of the victims of the Volhynia tragedy, is progressing in a constructive manner. Ukraine has permitted search operations, and the Polish side has guaranteed appropriate attention to Ukrainian memorial sites.

Tikhiy added that Ukraine does not wish to politicize this issue and hopes that the Polish side will refrain from doing so as well, as this matter is for experts and historians. Overall, Ukraine is counting on Poland's support not only in resolving complex historical issues but also in achieving Euro-Atlantic integration.

What is being said in Poland about Ukraine's EU membership

The head of Poland's Ministry of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, stated that Ukraine's integration into the European Union is not critically important for the country's survival. Thus, he argued, Warsaw has the right to impose its demands in this context. It is particularly necessary, he said, to resolve the issue of exhuming the victims of the Volhynia tragedy, which holds significant importance for the Polish side.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk also stated that Ukraine will not be able to become a member of the European Union until it resolves historical issues with Poland. Meanwhile, in December 2023, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that Ukraine has completed 90% of the reforms required for candidate status for EU membership.