On the 3rd of March the first official 2010 meeting of BAS EU & Political Interest Group was held at the Serenissima Cafe.  An excellent presentation on “The Preparations for the Polish Presidency 2011 - practical issues" was delivered by Magdalena Lumińska. Magdalena, a BAS member, is currently working at the EU Presidency Coordination Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), cooperating closely with Mikołaj Dowgielewicz, the Government Plenipotentiary for the Preparation of Administrative Agencies and Poland's Presidency. The presentation attracted some 20 alumni and guests, including the representatives of the British Embassy.

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The aim of the presentation was to explain the role of the EU Council, the main tasks of the Presidency, as well as the composition of the Presidency Trio to be shared by Poland, Cyprus and Denmark.  A Trio consists of three Member States holding the Presidency for 18 months, with each presiding for a six-month period. The Polish chair shall begin on July 1st, 2011. The Member State holding the Presidency becomes the host of most of the Union's events and plays a key role in all activity fields of the European Union.  It is responsible for the organization of EU meetings at different levels, setting the EU political directions as well as ensuring its development, integration and security.  One of the most important tasks of the preparations is promotion of the country, large-scale information and education campaign addressed to Polish and international society. For more information please visit: www.prezydencjaue.gov.pl – with regular updates, this is a site worth visiting on a regular basis.

An animated discussion followed concerning mainly the current political environment and the impact of the upcoming Presidential elections in Poland. The alumni exchanged their views regarding the euro-sceptical tones of the Polish politicians and how to prevent the general lack of confidence in EU structures.

The topic of next meeting of EU&P group shall focus on the Lisbon Treaty and its impact on the Presidency, as well as the analysis of the Lisbon Strategy, perhaps in the context of the newly announced Strategy 2020. It’s planned to take place in mid-May. The date is yet to be announced.  Also, an interesting workshop, of more of an interactive character, shall be related to the UK parliamentary elections. 

Content and photos were kindly provided by the Organisers.