Poland began its second Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2025, assuming this post-Hungarian post. On this occasion there will be a gala on Friday at the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera in Warsaw. The event aims to present the objectives of the Polish Presidency, and the beginning speech will be given by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. peculiar guest will be president of the Antonio Costa European Council.
However, before the gala itself, media attention focused on president Andrzej Duda's decision to be absent from this event. alternatively of the president, Poland will be represented by Wojciech Gerwel, presidential advisor for abroad policy.
Official explanations from the Chancellery of the President
A message in this case appeared on social media. Agnieszka Rucińska, Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM), wrote on platform X:
"The authoritative invitation to the beginning gala of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, signed by Prime Minister D. Tusk, was sent to the NRP on 9.12.24. 31.12 KPRM received a answer that the president would be represented by Deputy Head of KPRP P. Ćwik. All in accordance with the procedures’.
On the another hand, Małgorzata Paprocka, head of the Chancellery of the president of the Republic of Poland, stated that after sending the invitation, “there was no contact with the NRP or the MFA in this matter”. In her opinion, it can be concluded that the organisers did not consider the President's presence to be crucial. Paprocka added that during the ceremony at the Teatr Wielki Andrzej Duda, Wojciech Gerwel, an expert in global relations, will be replaced.
Controversy and Policy Reactions
The President's decision not to attend the gala has sparked many political comments. Andrzej Szejna, Deputy Minister of abroad Affairs from Nowa Lewica, said in an interview with Polsat News:
“This is the President’s decision, and I am happy for this gala... His presence would be indicated at specified an event."
The absence of president Andrzej Duda at the gala can be interpreted as a manifestation of tensions on the line of the President's Chancellery – the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. Observers note that the deficiency of synchronisation between the most crucial offices in the country can affect Poland's reception internationally.
Importance of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council
The Polish Presidency of the EU Council will focus on 7 key safety dimensions: military, energy, economic, food, health, information and civil. Warsaw besides plans to impose further anti-Russian sanctions, intensify defence investments and change procedures for the payment of funds from the National Recovery Plan.
The Presidency of the Council of the EU is not only an chance to designate political directions in the European Union, but besides to strengthen Poland's global position. Events specified as the inaugural gala are seen as crucial to building the image of the country holding the Presidency.
Summary
The absence of president Andrzej Duda at the inaugural gala of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU shows how crucial coordination between the most crucial state institutions is. Although this event will take place as planned, it is worth considering how to make better usage of these opportunities to strengthen cooperation at the highest level.
Will the President's absence affect Poland's reception as host of the EU Council Presidency? This is simply a question to which the months to come will answer.
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"All according to procedures". The NPRM responded to the NRP message
