An informal gathering of the leaders of the European Union countries was held in Zagreb, attended by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Policy discussions were part of the preparation of the EU strategical Agenda. Poland considers that European integration should take account of the sovereignty of national states and be based on the principles of developed compromises. The head of the Polish government stressed that, in a situation where the interests of a associate State are concerned, the institutions of that State should be of fundamental importance for setting priorities.
EU strategical Agenda 2024
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during an informal gathering in Zagreb.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during an informal gathering in Zagreb.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during an informal gathering in Zagreb.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during an informal gathering in Zagreb.The EU strategical programme for the period 2024 to 2029 is developed by the leaders of the associate States, who together discuss and agree on the directions and objectives of the Community's policy action for the coming years. In an increasingly complex and unstable world, the Union faces fresh economical and geopolitical challenges.
"The European Union is at a crossroads. The discussion of these challenges of the European Union, which are ahead of us, not only takes on momentum, but besides present has a number of basic dilemmas: whether to decision towards communitation – an expanding number of different regulations, matters concerning production, economy, migration, home affairs, abroad affairs, security, or alternatively to focus on those challenges that are most crucial and aid each another – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
Leaders of selected European Union countries besides discussed strengthening NATO in the context of Ukraine, but besides on energy and climate challenges. The head of the Polish government raised the issue of excluding defence spending outside the regulations, which could trigger procedures related to an excessive deficit. Poland spends about 4% of GDP on defence, and our deficit is 4.5% – so the vast majority of this deficit depends precisely on defence spending on which we do not intend to save.
Poland's position on EU road reform
The main changes proposed in the framework of the Treaty improvement include the elimination of the rule of unanimity, namely the anticipation of veto, the vote in the Council of the European Union and the massive transfer of competences from associate States to EU level. The changes are intended to importantly grow shared competences, which would cover 8 fresh areas: abroad and safety policy, border protection, forestry, public health, civilian defence, manufacture and education.
– I am convinced that here, from this discussion, we come out reinforced by this thought that it is the associate States – on a subsidiarity basis – that should make most of the decisions – stressed the head of the Polish government. He added: – Where the interests of a associate State are at stake, the institutions of that State – the government, the Sejm (in our country, in Poland) – should be of primary importance, fundamental importance for setting priorities.
Previous informal summit in Granada
Previously EU leaders held a strategical discussion on Informal European Council in Grenada 6 October 2023 Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki discussed illegal migration at a gathering of European leaders in Spain. Polish borders are safe and controlled, but any European countries are looking for ways to manage immigration. We do not agree with EU proposals for forced relocation of illegal immigrants.
The informal gathering of European leaders in Grenada ended with a declaration. Thanks to the Polish veto, no provisions were adopted that would express the will to receive immigrants.
