Over the next six months, Poland will focus its efforts on strengthening and enhancing Europe's security

Poland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Hungary on 1 January 2025. What did Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have to say?

This Presidency will be a turning point in many ways. It begins in a challenging period marked by conflict and our task will be to convince all 27 EU Member States that Europe can continue to be the safest and most stable place on earth. Security will be our top priority over the next six months.

We will pursue a common, carefully planned security policy and provide the necessary support to Ukraine. This can only be achieved together. Our fundamental objectives are linked to the security of our citizens, our peoples and the European Union as a whole. It is a security that starts with every European at home and extends to the EU's external borders. We must work to strengthen the Union's borders and fight against the instrumentalisation of migration. Solidarity is essential. We understand that shared security does not only mean strengthening Europe's defence capabilities, but also ensuring competitiveness, energy independence and food security.

Together, we are building a common foundation for economic security - Europe's competitiveness in the global race for innovation and technological development. Our aim is to remain competitive and we will work to reduce barriers for industry and entrepreneurs. The European Union is not just a 27-nation policy, but above all a single market and a trading network. These relationships form our communities, as do our core European values: democracy, the rule of law, progress and cooperation.

We will do everything we can to make Europe's security a reality and not just a wish. I hope that Poland will lead the efforts that will result in peace. Let us hope that we succeed in this endeavour.

Jimek introduced a new song

The opening ceremony of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will take place on 3 January 2025 at 20:00. The event will be broadcast live on TVP 1.

The Polish National Opera has already Held rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The musicians of the orchestra and choir of the Polish National Opera were conducted by Radzimir Dębski, known as Jimek, who composed a piece especially for the occasion.

During the opening gala concert on 3 January, Jimek will revisit some of his earlier compositions and in his new composition he will reflect on Polish identity and pay tribute to his great predecessors. Radzimir Dębski's music is inspired by Szymanowski, Penderecki, Górecki, Kilar and Grażyna Bacewicz, whom he describes as the greatest female composer in history.

Jimek's goal is to reach a wide audience with the language of popular music. His work serves as a bridge to the rediscovery of the music of Szymanowski, Bacewicz and others, consciously or unconsciously referring to their legacy and translating it to the current generation, including those who have not yet encountered it due to age or cultural background.

The ceremony will open with speeches by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President António Costa. The event will be hosted by Grażyna Torbicka.

poland25.eu/ gnews - RoZ