January 31, 2025

Polish Presidency of the EU Council: Advancing European Union’s priorities in R&I, and Education 

From January to June 2025, Poland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the motto “Security, Europe!”. This theme underscores Poland’s dedication to addressing evolving geopolitical challenges. 

The focus of the Polish Presidency on research and innovation (R&I) will be on preparations for the future Framework Programme (FP10), guided by principles of openness, inclusiveness, and synergies, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing scientific endeavours. 

Key priorities and files include: 

  • Leverage the talents of researchers to establish a strong foundation for European innovation. 
  • Promote inclusivity by driving innovation. 
  • Enhance coordination across Member States to solidify research and innovation as a cornerstone of European development. 
  • Prepare conclusions on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe, with finalisation scheduled during the Danish EU Presidency in the second half of 2025. 
  • Adopt Council recommendations on the ERA Policy Agenda for 2025-2027
  • Finalise Council conclusions on the role of artificial intelligence in advancing science

In the area of education, the Polish Presidency will continue efforts to promote cooperation among EU countries to build more resilient and inclusive education and training systems. Ensuring access for everyone to high-quality and inclusive education, training, and lifelong learning remains a core objective. 

In research and innovation, the Polish Presidency emphasises open science and the application of artificial intelligence (AI). This focus is particularly crucial given the rapid advancements in AI in the United States and China, while Europe must rely on collaboration to close these gaps.”

Adam Kola, YERUN Vice President and Vice Rector for Research at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Key priorities and files include: 

  • Conduct an evaluation of the implementation of the 1st Cycle of the European Education Area to identify priorities for the 2nd Cycle (2025-2030). 
  • Develop Council conclusions on practical approaches to ensuring inclusive early childhood and school education, with a focus on addressing the diverse needs of learners. 
  • Shape the future of education programmes beyond 2027 by building on mid-term evaluations of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, aiming to adapt to the evolving needs of EU citizens and enhance participation opportunities for individuals from third countries. 
  • Advance the higher education package, particularly the joint European diploma, with an increased attention to improve quality in vocational training programmes. The Presidency will also explore mobility initiatives and the future direction of the European Universities Initiative. 

The YERUN Policy Platform had the opportunity to discuss the priorities of the Polish Presidency during its December meeting, where we were joined by Magdalena Kula, Research Attaché at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU in Brussels. Her contribution sparked a fruitful discussion, in YERUN’s perspectives and recommendations. 

The conversation highlighted the importance of addressing the innovation gap among Member States through enhanced collaboration and targeted funding strategies. Discussions also underscored the need to engage financial ministers in leveraging opportunities, such as connecting startups with the R&I portfolio, while ensuring inclusiveness and stakeholder engagement in governance processes. Concerns about the exclusion of Member States from discussions on the expansion of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Research Council (ERC), as well as plans for a new AI council, were raised as critical areas requiring attention. Participants emphasised the significance of sustaining momentum in integrating R&I into broader EU and Member State agendas, addressing structural frameworks, and meeting the 3% budget target for R&I. 

The YERUN Brussels Office recognises the pivotal moment of Poland’s leadership for the EU and encourages the Polish Presidency to continue fostering collaboration, addressing structural gaps, and prioritising research, innovation and education. YERUN will continue supporting the Presidency in achieving these objectives and looks forward to collaborating closely to advance shared priorities. 

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025 presents significant opportunities for advancing priorities in science, higher education, and youth engagement. For YERUN and Nicolaus Copernicus University, this presidency offers a platform to align our goals with key EU initiatives and foster meaningful collaboration across Europe. A major focus of the Polish Presidency will be promoting inclusive education and addressing the social dimension of research. This includes critical topics such as mental health support for students and the role of women in science. These areas resonate with YERUN’s mission to promote equity and diversity in research. The anticipated progress towards the European joint degree provides an exciting pathway for YERUN institutions to pioneer collaborative academic programmes and enhance cross-border research cooperation.” 

Adam Kola, YERUN Vice President and Vice Rector for Research at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

For more details on the full programme and events of the Polish Presidency, visit the official website: Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU

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