Security to be focus of Polish EU Presidency

13 December 2024

Under the motto ‘Security, Europe!’, Poland is making the strengthening of European security a central element of its term of office until the end of June, focusing on seven dimensions of security: (i) defence and security, (ii) protection of people and borders, (iii) resistance to foreign interference and disinformation, (iv) ensuring the security and freedom of the economy, (v) energy transition, (vi) competitive and resilient agriculture, and (vii) security in healthcare.

Agenda in the fields of education and research

During the Polish Presidency, high-level discussions will be held to evaluate the first cycle of the European Education Area (EEA), including with regard to the priorities for the upcoming 2025-2030 cycle. As part of the EU’s efforts to increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EU education system, the Presidency will continue work on the European Higher Education Package, in particular with a view to reaching a compromise on the European Higher Education Diploma. There will also be room for high-level discussions on the design of the next Erasmus+ programme (2028-2034), including with regard to opportunities for participation by third-country nationals.

Events in the Areas of Education and Research

In the first half of 2025, the following events on (higher) education and research will take place:

• 21–22 January, Warsaw: Informal meeting of Ministers of Education, including discussions on inclusion in higher education, the mental health of students and university staff, research careers in STEM, promotion of women in STEM, academic freedom, and fundamental values in higher education.
• 13–14 February: Meeting of the Directors-General for Higher Education (DG HE).
• 19–20 February, Łódź: “ERA Structural Policy – Unleashing the full R&I potential of Europe’s universities. Kick-off Meeting under the Polish Presidency.”
• 24–25 February, Warsaw: Meeting of the Bologna Follow-up Group (Link); keynote on AI in higher education.
• 2–5 March, Lublin: EU Youth Conference.
• 17–18 March, Warsaw: Presidency flagship conference on inclusive education.
• 21 March, Kraków: AI in Science.
• 16–17 April, Warsaw: Annual networking meeting of the “European Network of Graduate Tracking”; exchange of experiences among EU Member States on monitoring the career paths of higher education graduates.
• 12–13 May, Brussels: Education Council (Link)
• 20 May, Warsaw: Second meeting of the Council for a Digital Europe, organized to deepen work on implementing the goals of the Digital Europe Act, cross-border interoperability, and the exchange of best practices.
• 20 May, Brussels: Council (Competitiveness; Research and Space). (Link)
• 28–30 May, Łódź: Informal meeting of the Education Committee.
• 4–6 June, Warsaw: Conference “Europe and Mobilities: Challenges and Opportunities for Socio-Economic Transformations.” The conference aims to disseminate knowledge about socio-economic change in Europe—with a focus on Central Europe and Poland—and to facilitate exchange among scientists, politicians, decision-makers, NGOs, international organizations, and the wider public.
• 3–6 June, Poznań: European Science Fair. The meeting focuses on strengthening the role of universities in the green and digital transformation and as a driving force for the EU’s global role.
• 10–11 June, Warsaw: Meeting of the Standing Group on Indicators and Benchmarks (SGIB).
• 12–13 June, Warsaw: Forum of European University Alliances. The meeting focuses on strengthening the role of European university alliances in the green and digital transformation and as a driving force for the EU’s global role. The event is aimed at representatives of European alliances—both those including Polish universities and others with potential Polish participation.