Poland insists on full Draghi report with no compromises allowed

Poland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, which began on January 1, 2025, is focusing on comprehensive support for the Draghi report regarding EU competitiveness. Agnieszka Bartol, Poland’s Permanent Representative to the EU, insists there will be no negotiation on the document, warning that elements cannot be chosen individually. A key priority of the presidency is to address investment impediments, particularly energy costs, and ensure regulatory simplification. Poland's government under Donald Tusk aims to maintain unity among member states regarding the Draghi report, sticking to a standalone approach rather than accommodating selective preferences. The Polish presidency places a strong emphasis on security and aims to bolster the single market and competitiveness. Despite admitting the challenges inherent in an all-or-nothing tactic, which could risk derailing discussions entirely, Poland's leaders are committed to this strategy for the sake of coherence. No institutional reforms are slated during this period, allowing the Polish government to concentrate on the operational implications of the Draghi report instead. With the backdrop of upcoming discussions regarding the EU's multi-year budget plans, the focus on the Draghi report signifies an acute awareness of the current economic landscape and its implications for member states. Perceptions of energy security and the obstacles to investment are viewed as central issues that need to be tackled uniformly. The report's recommendations, representing collective interest, seek to provide a framework for effective decision-making within the council. In summary, Poland is determined to preserve the integrity of the Draghi report during its leadership of the EU Council. By rejecting selective engagement with the proposals, the Polish government aims to foster a structured and consistent dialogue among member states. The steadfast position reflects both Poland's ambitious agenda and the complexities that come with navigating multi-state negotiations within the EU framework, especially in a context marked by energy concerns and economic competitiveness.