On the 1st of July 2011 Poland took over the Presidency in the European Council. During the 6-month period  will host vast majority of EU meetings and will  be playing the  vital role in all  EU activities.  Poland is responsible for organizing EU meetings, and gives political directions.

Increasing usefulness of EU Combat Groups, developing capabilities of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), strengthening the EU capabilities in the sphere of planning and conducting the EU military and civilian operations, implementing "pooling and sharing" initiative, which is to tighten the multinational cooperation within developing defence capabilities and deepening the EU cooperation with its eastern neighbours in the field of security and defence - are the priorities of Poland's EU presidency in the area of security and defence.

Strengthening the EU - NATO cooperation is another priority element, however undertaking particular activities in this field depends on progress in other areas, which have direct impact on this matter (Turkey-Cyprus relations).

Within the present institutional structure we will initiate and actively support working out the EU decisions, which will contribute to further accelerating the development of Common Security and Defence Policy not only during Poland's presidency, but also in long term perspective.

According to the Lisbon Treaty, the character of Poland's presidency in the sphere of Common Security and Defence Policy is significantly different from the role we will be playing during that period in other areas. The complete work will be coordinated by Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as by the structures subordinate to her - European External Action Service. Of course the presiding state has more possibilities to draw attention to its expectations towards Common Security and Defence Policy. However, their execution depends on readiness of the High Representative to undertake individual activities in that matter, and first of all - agreement of other EU member states.

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Website of the Polish EU Presidency

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