As Poland concludes its tenure at the helm of the Council of the European Union, Denmark is preparing to assume the presidency for the upcoming term starting in July 2025. Poland’s leadership has been marked by strong support for Ukraine, advancement of the EU’s enlargement policy, and the strengthening of energy and defense cooperation across the Union. Amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, Poland has actively worked to keep Ukraine at the forefront of the EU’s agenda, leading progress in accession talks and maintaining assistance in response to Russian aggression.

Preliminary indications suggest that Denmark’s presidency will also prioritize continued EU support for Ukraine, particularly regarding security and future integration efforts. Climate policy and green energy are expected to remain central to Denmark’s agenda, aligning with its long-standing commitment to environmental leadership within the EU. Denmark is likely to continue advocating for sustainable energy development and ambitious climate action, reinforcing its role as a European leader in environmental and technological innovation.

How has Poland navigated its presidency, and what have been its most significant achievements and challenges? How can Denmark ensure continuity while advancing its own strategic priorities? How can the transition between presidencies strengthen the European project and address the pressing challenges facing the Union today? What opportunities and obstacles might Denmark face as it seeks to implement its vision during a period of ongoing geopolitical and environmental uncertainty?

Speakers:

H. E. Søren Kelstrup, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Czech Republic

Karel Havlíček, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic

Ondřej Matoušek, Deputy Director-General of the Section for European Affairs, Government Office of the Czech Republic

The moderator of the session is Irena Krcháková, Analyst, Institute for Politics and Society.

The closed debate will be held on July 15th, 2025, in Prague from 8:30 to 10:00 am. The working language of the business breakfast is English. The event is by invitation only.