Poland takes over the presidency of the European Council from Hungary
Poland, Denmark and Cyprus
With the start of the new year, Poland has taken over the presidency of the European Council from Hungary. This rotating presidency changes every six months, giving all 27 member states a chance to fulfil this very important role. At the same time, this change also marks the start of a new so-called ‘troika’, a cooperation between the three member states succeeding each other in the presidency. The incoming troika will consist out of Poland, Denmark and Cyprus.
In this article, we look back at the latest maritime developments from the council meetings under the Hungarian presidency and cast a glance ahead to the Polish presidency and the programme of the upcoming troika.
Competitiveness
Prior to the Hungarian Presidency, it was already clear that strengthening the European Union's competitiveness was seen as a key priority by member states.
This shared ambition was underlined in the Budapest Declaration, a statement in which the 27 member states agreed to work on 12 priority areas to promote the Union's competitiveness. Enhancing the business climate by reducing the regulatory burden is a central part of this and a welcome priority for Dutch shipowners.
Member states also discussed a European Maritime Industry Strategy in the context of competitiveness. The maritime cluster is of strategic value to the EU and international competitiveness.
It is to be expected that the Polish presidency will work actively to further shape this strategy. Furthermore, member states recognise the importance of sufficient clean fuels as an important prerequisite for the inclusion of maritime vessels in the Energy Taxation Directive, so that European shipping can remain globally competitive. This dossier is also expected to be on the agenda of the Polish presidency.
Another rule? Bring it on!
For years, the pressure on workers and companies has been rising due to an increasing number of laws and regulations, not only at the national level but also at the European and even global levels. This regulatory burden has a significant impact on the entire business community,
Knowledge and skills
Furthermore, the Polish presidency's maritime agenda is expected to include maritime knowledge and skills as a key focus. And in terms of resilience, the presidency seems particularly keen to focus on strengthening the resilience of sea-going vessels and their infrastructure to disruption caused by e.g. climate change and possible cyber or physical attacks.
After all, sea-going vessels must be able to continue fulfilling their essential role at sea. Finally, the country hopes that under its presidency the revision of the powers of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) will be approved by the Council, which would finalise the last component of the Maritime Safety Package.
Free and safe sailing!
With the start of the Polish presidency, the first country of the trio with Denmark and Cyprus, these three maritime-oriented presidents will shape the Council's agenda. The joint programme of the troika will therefore emphasise, among other things, the need to preserve free and safe navigation in the Red Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea.
Finally, these presidents will lay the groundwork for the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, which should reflect the Union's priorities. We will follow the approach of Poland, Denmark and Cyprus and keep you informed on any further developments in the European Council that impact Dutch shipowners.
