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Katarzyna Skórzyńska, Chargée d'Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland in the Kingdom of Belgium 16/06/2025 - 12h15 | Lunch conferentie

!!! CONFERENCE LUNCH IN ENGLISH !!!

« Security, Europe ! – The priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2025 »


The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among EU member states every six months. After hosting the Ambassador of Hungary to Belgium and Luxembourg last November during the Hungarian Presidency, we are honoured to now welcome Mrs Katarzyna Skórzyńska, Chargée d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland in the Kingdom of Belgium.

Since 1 January 2025, Poland has held the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, a role it will fulfil until 30 June 2025. It is Poland’s second time at the helm of the EU Council, following its first presidency in 2011. This 2025 term marks the beginning of the thirteenth trio of presidencies – currently shared with Denmark and Cyprus – which will run until 1 July 2026.

Guided by the motto "Security, Europe!", Poland has made European security the central focus of its presidency. As a country sharing a 535 km border with Ukraine, and in the context of ongoing geopolitical instability, Poland’s leadership comes at a particularly critical moment for Europe.

The Polish Presidency aims to strengthen the EU’s resilience in multiple dimensions of security.
It has defined seven key priorities:
• Defence and security
• Protection of people and borders
• Resistance to foreign interference and disinformation
• Ensuring the security and freedom of business
• Energy transition
• Competitive and resilient agriculture
• Health security

This ambitious agenda reflects Poland’s desire to assert its leadership in Europe and contribute meaningfully to the Union’s strategic direction.

As the end of the Polish term approaches, it is time to take stock: has Poland succeeded in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Europe? Has it fulfilled the promise of its bold presidency slogan?

In this context, Mrs Katarzyna Skórzyńska will reflect on six months of leadership and present an overview of Poland’s achievements, priorities and legacy during its presidency.


EXPRESS BIO :
• Education: Master’s degree in Sociology (University of Warsaw), studied Romance and Iberian philology (Portuguese section), postgraduate in International Economic Relations (Warsaw School of Economics)
• Early 1990s: Board member, Civic Educational Association
• 1989-1991: Advisor & Plenipotentiary to Minister of Education; Head of Office for Innovation and Community Schools
• 1992-1996: Polish Ambassador to Brazil
• 1996: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Foreign Economic Relations Department
• 1997-2000: Managerial roles in the private sector
• 2000-2001: Undersecretary of State, Office of the Committee for European Integration
• 2001-2006: Returned to private sector
• 2006-2007: Director, External Economic Policy Department, MFA
• 2007-2012: Polish Ambassador to Portugal
• 2012-2016: Founder & Director, Ignacy Jan Paderewski Polish Institute of Diplomacy
• 2016-2017: Titular Ambassador, Eastern Department, MFA
• 2018-2020: Management role in private sector
• Since December 2024: Head of the Embassy of Poland in Brussels as Chargée d’Affaires
• Recipient of multiple national and international decorations
• Fluent in Polish, English, French and Portuguese


INFOS :
• This conference will be held in English only
• Welcome and aperitif: 12.15 pm; Lunch (3 courses): 12.30 pm sharp
• Fee: 55 €; non-members 60 €