EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

Europaudvalget 2024-25
EUU Alm.del Bilag 572
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MINUTES OF THE LXXII COSAC

ARSAW

, P

OLAND

, 8-10 J

UNE

2025

Note:

The text of keynote interventions which have been shared with the Presidency will be

published on IPEX. A video recording of the full meeting is available via the webpage of the

Parliamentary Dimension of the Polish Presidency.

OPENING SESSION

The Session was chaired by Ms Agnieszka POMASKA, Chair of the European Union Affairs

Committee of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and Mr Tomasz GRODZKI, Chair of the

European Union Affairs Committee of the Senate of the Republic of Poland.

Ms POMASKA opened the conference by welcoming delegations to Warsaw. She extended a

particular welcome to Ms Bernadette GEIEREGGER from the Austrian

Bundesrat,

to Mr

Vincent BLONDEL from the Belgian

Senaat/Sénat,

and to Mr Jan SCHILLER from the Czech

Senát,

who attended COSAC for the first time as chairpersons of their committees. She

informed delegations that full interpretation into all official languages was provided in

accordance with the Rules of Procedure, with the exception of Portuguese as the Presidency

had been formally informed the Portuguese delegation was unable to attend.

WELCOME ADDRESS

Ms POMASKA then gave the floor to Mr Szymon HOŁOWNIA, Marshal of the Polish Sejm,

for a welcome address.

Mr HOŁOWNIA began by noting that this was a good moment to reflect on the achievements

of the Polish Presidency. There have been substantial changes on the international arena during

this period. He argued that now, when we have to discuss which direction the EU should take

in a changing geopolitical landscape, it is important to go back to basics. The founding fathers

of the EU had a simplicity of thought which was excellent, he said, in seeing the EU as a

promise of security, liberty, and a good future. When it comes to security, he underlined that

the EU needs to take greater responsibility and that security, the motto of the Polish presidency,

permeates all policy areas. In this perspective he emphasised that the EU does not compete

with NATO, but rather complements it as a project aimed at providing security for EU citizens.

That is why it should be constantly underlined that defence spending should be treated as an

investment, he argued. The EU is not just a free market, but also a community of values, and

one of the basic values is to guarantee the safety of our families. This is also what EU citizens

call for and expect from their leaders. Mr HOŁOWNIA also called for mechanisms whereby

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

Russia, as the only culprit and aggressor, should be made to pay for the destruction brought

upon Ukraine. When it comes to liberty, he expressed the need for some self-criticism and

noted that nowadays the EU is often associated with constraining principles and bureaucracy

rather than freedom. He argued in favour of less regulation, and warned that if the EU would

be seen as a paternalistic organisation, it would lose popular support. Europe should be

associated with simplification, fulfilling dreams and a project that will lead to a greater future.

Mentioning this last pillar, which was hope for the future, Mr HOŁOWNIA argued for a change

of mindset, with a more offensive attitude paired with quicker decision-making, increased

competitiveness and a more proactive union. He stressed that politicians are fighting for a better

future for the next generations and their own children. In this view, it is our obligation to make

sure that the desire to live in the EU will be replicated in future generations. In order to achieve

this goal, he continued, the EU has to regain its glamour that used to lure the previous

generations. Mr HOŁOWNIA underlined that if we manage to tackle these challenges, we will

survive all obstacles that we are facing today. The European Union has to clearly define its

values, so that people can entirely understand this project. In his concluding remarks, Mr

HOŁOWNIA mentioned also that in the last 10 years Europe survived many difficulties and

crises, and it is natural that the world is shaking. But it is our responsibility to bring it back on

the right track.

Following the speech by Mr HOŁOWNIA, Ms POMASKA also addressed the conference,

remarking that Europe knows the prize for the lack of cooperation and safety, and that the EU

at heart is based on concerns for security and peace, not primarily economic cooperation. She

recalled that the EU was created not only for economic reasons, but above all for the need for

peace and security. She underlined that no one country could face challenges such as economic

instability, migration, disinformation and cyberattacks, on its own. Ms POMASKA then briefly

commented that the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was dedicated to

challenges related to multidimensional security. The priorities of the Presidency were also

reflected in the parliamentary dimension and its many interparliamentary events. She then

underlined that the LXXIII COSAC was its crowning achievement. Ms POMASKA wished

for this conference to be an opportunity for conversations that would bring Parliamentarians

closer, as nowadays understanding and cooperation are needed more than ever.

Lastly, Mr GRODZKI also gave a brief introductory statement. He noted that the Polish

Presidency had the honour of chairing the Council’s work during demanding times, which

brought Europe new challenges, but also new opportunities, and that Poland was proud to play

a role in promoting unity, boosting competitiveness and security, and protecting our shared

values. Mr GRODZKI mentioned that COSAC gave space to exchange experiences and

assessments, but also broadly discuss the directions in which the EU is heading. After giving a

short presentation of the programme of the conference, Mr GRODZKI concluded by saying

that COSAC was a unique platform for cooperation between national parliaments and the EU

institutions and that only together could we build a Europe that is resilient, fair and capable of

action.

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

PROCEDURAL ISSUES AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Following the introductions, Ms POMASKA went on to the procedural issues and

miscellaneous matters. Firstly, the programme of the LXXIII COSAC was presented and

approved. She then gave a short report on the discussions held during the meeting of the

Presidential Troika the preceding day. The Troika had received a briefing on the 43rd Bi-annual

Report of COSAC made by the Permanent Member of the COSAC Secretariat. The Troika had

also been briefed by the Presidency on the co-funding of the COSAC Permanent Member. The

Polish Presidency had invited Parliaments/Chambers to renew their commitment to the co-

financing agreement for the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027. She announced

that 39 out of the 39 National Parliaments/Chambers had signed and sent their letters of intent

indicating that they are willing to participate in the co-financing for the above stated period,

and therefore the co-financing of the Permanent Member and the office of the COSAC

Secretariat would continue.

The Troika had also discussed and agreed to a new draft of the LXXIII COSAC Contribution.

The document had been communicated to delegations after the meeting, and there was a

possibility to submit new proposals for amendments until 12.00 the same day (9 June). She

then went on to inform delegations about the letters received by the Presidency. These, which

had been made available on IPEX, include requests to participate in the meeting from the

Andorran

Consell General,

Armenian

Azgayin Zhoghov,

Monégasque

National Council,

Icelandic

Alþingi,

and the United Kingdom

House of Commons.

After consultation with the

Troika, these had been replied to favourably. A letter had also been sent from the Chair of the

European Affairs Committee of the Portuguese

Assembleia da República,

explaining the

reasons the Portuguese committee wasn’t able to participate. Similarly, there was a letter from

the Chair of the Grand Committee of the Finnish

Eduskunta,

explaining that she was not able

to attend. The Presidency had also received a letter from the Chair of the Bulgarian Committee

on European Affairs and oversight of European Funds, concerning the application of EU

membership of North Macedonia. Ms POMASKA informed that the letters had also been

uploaded to IPEX.

This point was followed by a presentation of the 43rd Bi-annual Report of COSAC made by

the Permanent Member of the COSAC Secretariat, Mr Jakob SJÖVALL. In his presentation,

Mr SJÖVALL informed about some of the main findings in the report, recalling that the Report

consisted of three chapters: 1. Agenda of the European Commission and the European

Parliament in the new institutional cycle. EU strategic agenda, 2. Multiannual Financial

Framework; and 3.Towards strengthening the EU’s effort to improve cyber-resilience and

tackle disinformation.

SESSION I - Implementation of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of

the European Union

The Session was chaired by Ms POMASKA and Mr GRODZKI.

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

In her introductory remarks to this session, Ms POMASKA highlighted that Poland assumed

the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during a time of geopolitical uncertainty

particularly due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The Polish Presidency emphasizes

strengthening the EU's defence capabilities and addressing growing hybrid threats. A key focus

was the unity of the EU and fostering cooperation with partners that share European values.

The Polish Presidency supported initiatives that enhance European security in all dimensions -

external, internal, economic, energy, food, and health. The Polish Sejm and the Senate played

an active role in fostering dialogue among parliamentarians on those vital issues, and the Polish

Presidency hoped that these efforts would strengthen the EU’s security, unity, competitiveness,

and societies.

The session began with a keynote speech by Mr Adam SZŁAPKA, Minister for European

Union Affairs of Poland. Mr SZŁAPKA noted that the EU is facing completely new challenges.

It has been more than three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine started, Europe

is facing numerous hybrid attacks, increased migration on the Eastern border, the global

competition is tougher than ever, and Europe is no longer a leader in the economic field. Poland

has acted boldly throughout its Presidency to tackle these issues, and to mainstream security

into the policy areas of the EU, also for the coming years. Mr SZŁAPKA mentioned that the

Polish Presidency worked under the motto: Security, Europe!, and referred to the main

achievements in this regard within seven areas: external security and defence; internal security;

information security; cybersecurity; economic security; energy security; and health security.

When it comes to external security and defence, Mr SZŁAPKA mentioned the introduction of

the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 and the ReArm Europe Plan with its

SAFE instrument. He underlined that the Polish Presidency was proud to make the defence of

the external border its priority. He also mentioned the adoption of two packages of sanctions

on Russia, as well as the continued importance of the enlargement of the EU - a way to extend

the safety and stability of Europe. On internal security, Mr SZŁAPKA underlined that the

Polish Presidency worked to strengthen control over migration flows and initiated works on

the decision on returns and the safe third country concept. Regarding information security, the

Presidency focused on the democratic resilience and the fight against disinformation, and

strengthened the level of cybersecurity in the EU. On economic security, Mr SZŁAPKA

highlighted the strengthening of competitiveness. In this respect, he mentioned deregulation as

the core for boosting competitiveness - the Polish Presidency made its priority to simplify

bureaucracy. As an example, he mentioned the Stop-the-Clock Directive, which was adopted

in less than two months, as well as the SAFE instrument, which was probably one of the fastest

completed EU projects in history. In relation to energy security, Mr SZŁAPKA mentioned a

necessity to completely withdraw from the dependence on the Russian source of energy, and

the success of the incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to the European energy system

in February, which completely unplugged them from the Russian energy grid. When it comes

to food security, the Polish Presidency focused on the future of common agricultural policy

and its budget, as well as on the mechanisms that encourage farmers to protect the environment.

On health security and access to medicines, Mr SZŁAPKA mentioned difficult negotiations on

the pharmaceutical package and the success of the adoption of the compromise proposal by the

Polish Presidency. In his concluding remarks, Mr SZŁAPKA underlined that the EU has

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

brought unprecedented wealth and well-being to its citizens, but that this is not a given - future

presidencies must continue the work to strengthen security and competitiveness.

During the following debate, 31 speakers took the floor.

Most interventions underlined the security challenges facing Europe, underlining the core

principles that the Polish Presidency had chosen for its priorities. There was unanimous

agreement that the geopolitical landscape has changed drastically over the last years, and

repeated calls for unified and joint cooperation to keep Europe strong and safe. Several pointed

to the threat of Russia and the importance of having a strong European response to the war

against Ukraine, including through unwavering support to Ukraine, the adoption of sanctions

against Russia, as well as the use of frozen Russian assets to defend and rebuild Ukraine. There

were many interventions focusing on the importance of strengthened defence capabilities and

defence industry, and financial investments in this sector. Others underlined that security

should be understood in a broader sense and raised issues concerning hybrid threats,

information security and resilient democracy. A large number of speakers also pointed out that

security is not only about Russia and the eastern border, but also concerns the Mediterranean

and all external borders of Europe. The need for a credible, holistic and efficient security policy

in a broad sense was underlined. In connection with this, some also marked the importance of

shared values and upholding the rule of law. Furthermore, many speakers spoke about the

importance of increased competitiveness and independence from large corporate companies

from third countries, recalling that economic and social security is as important as military

security. Speakers also focused on the necessity of the continuation of the enlargement process,

which is the key to guarantee safety in Europe, but also to prevent third countries from turning

towards Russia. During the debate, some also pointed to the importance of a continued strong

climate policy in order to tackle climate changes which cause natural disasters throughout

Europe.

The following speakers took the floor during this debate:

Brigitte KLINTSKOV JERKEL (Danish

Folketing),

Zoltán TESSELY (Hungarian

Országgyűlés),

Sven SIMON (European Parliament), Vincent BLONDEL (Belgian

Senaat/Sénat),

Harris GEORGIADES (Cyprus

Vouli ton Antiprosopon),

Rasa BUDBERGYTĖ

(Lithuanian

Seimas),

Anton HOFREITER (German

Bundestag),

Giovanni SATTA (Italian

Senato della Repubblica),

Ján FERENČÁK (Slovak Národná

rada),

Jean-François RAPIN

(French

Sénat),

Gusty GRAAS (Luxembourg

Chambre des Députés),

Francisco José CONDE

LÓPEZ (Spanish

Congreso de los Diputados),

Bastiaan VAN APELDOORN (Dutch

Eerste

Kamer),

Edward ZAMMIT LEWIS (Maltese

Kamra tad-Deputati),

Peeter TALI (Estonian

Riigikogu),

Erik OTTOSON (Swedish

Riksdag),

Pieyre-Alexandre ANGLADE (French

Assemblée nationale),

Daniel FREUND (European Parliament), Ivan GERCHEV (Bulgarian

Narodno sabranie),

Robert O DONOGHUE (Irish

Dáil Eireann),

Milagros MARCOS

ORTEGA (Spanish

Congreso de los Diputados),

Sari TAUNUS (Finnish

Eduskunta),

Eirini

DOUROU (Greek

Vouli ton Ellinon),

Matilda ERNKRANS (Swedish

Riksdag),

Ivanna

KLYMPUSH-TSINTSADZE (Ukrainian

Verkhovna Rada),

Ina COȘERU (Moldovan

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

Parlamentul Republicii),

Milan RADIN (Serbian

Narodna skupština),

Ismail Emrah

KARAYEL (Turkish

Büyük Millet Meclisi),

Jovan SUBOTIĆ (Montenegrin

Skupština Crne

Gore),

Selman Ozboyaci (Turkish

Büyük Millet Meclisi),

Pawel BARTOSZEK (Icelandic

Alþingi).

SESSION II - The European Commission and the European Parliament work

programmes in the new institutional cycle. Strategic Agenda of the European Union

The session was chaired by Mr GRODZKI.

A pre-recorded video message was delivered by Mr Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Commissioner for

Trade and Economic Security and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. Following

this, a keynote intervention was held by Mr Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS, Vice-President of

the European Parliament.

Mr ŠEFČOVIČ stated that in the next five years the priorities of the European Commission

would be to ensure that the EU delivers prosperity, boosts competitiveness, protects people and

defends democracy. He noted that the Commission’s work programme sets out the flagship

initiatives for starting to deliver on this, with simplification and effectiveness. Further, Mr

ŠEFČOVIČ mentioned that the Commission would soon adopt its proposal for the long-term

EU budget which would need to be reformed to meet the needs of today. He also remarked that

the EU should continue to play a strong role on the global stage – including supporting Ukraine

for as long as it takes - despite the increasingly volatile geo-political environment. Mr

ŠEFČOVIČ remarked that the EU should focus on agreeing on mutually meaningful and

efficient trade deals tailored to each partnership. On the topic of the US, he described the tariffs

on European goods as unjustified and underlined that the Commission is fully engaged in

discussions and remarked that a negotiated solution remains the preferred outcome for the

Commission. Moreover, Mr ŠEFČOVIČ also mentioned the importance of re-balancing EU-

China relations.

Mr GONZÁLEZ PONS began by thanking the Commissioner for his address but remarked that

he found it unacceptable that the Commission was not present at the COSAC Plenary. Mr

GONZÁLEZ PONS noted that the national Parliaments met in a geopolitical context where

European democratic values and systems were being challenged. He highlighted three main

objectives of the European Union’s Strategic Agenda 2024-2029. First and foremost, a free and

democratic Europe, for which it was crucial to protect freedom, rule of law and fundamental

values. The second objective was a secure and strong Europe, where Mr GONZÁLEZ PONS

among others remarked that Europe should be responsible for its own security and would need

to develop its own defence capabilities to complement NATO. The third objective was to

provide a prosperous and competitive Europe: it should be a continent of growth,

entrepreneurship and innovation going hand in hand with an acceleration of environmental and

digital transformation.

Mr GONZÁLEZ PONS emphasised the European Parliament and national Parliaments’ role in

the monitoring and implementation of the EU Strategic Agenda. He listed several mechanisms

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

to discuss the state of play in implementing the Commission’s Work Programme, such as

structured dialogues with the different Commissioners, and also called for developing

mechanisms such as the “green card”.

During the following debate 30 speakers took the floor.

Speakers discussed several themes of the Strategic Agenda and in that regard put forward

different arguments and perspectives, with three recurring themes: defence and support for

Ukraine, climate and environment, as well as competitiveness and innovation.

On the topic of defence, most interventions expressed strong support for Ukraine, emphasizing

the importance of solidarity, rule of law, and comprehensive security policies. The war in

Ukraine was mentioned as being crucial for European defence and security, and there were also

calls for swift implementation of sanctions against Russia and support for lasting peace in

Ukraine. On the topic of defence there was also a focus on protecting democratic values.

On the topic of climate and environmental issues, links were made between natural disasters

and the need to tackle the climate crisis. In that regard there were calls for further green

solutions and enhancement of competitiveness without harming the planet and while respecting

social balance. Moreover, there was a call for accountability for environmental damage Russia

had caused during the war in Ukraine, and mentions of the needs of investments in climate

resilience.

Competitiveness and innovation were also recurring themes, with an emphasis on industrial

competitiveness, fostering innovation, and ownership of technology. Some speakers put

forward concrete examples such as the need to take ownership in areas like AI and quantum

computing. To increase industrial competitiveness there were calls for, among others, a strong

internal market to support further job creations and qualified workers.

Moreover, EU enlargement was also mentioned as a tool to strengthen the EU’s security as

well as competitiveness.

The following speakers took the floor during this debate:

Eero HEINÄLUOMA (European Parliament), Anton HOFREITER (German

Bundestag),

Evangelos SYRIGOS (Greek

Vouli ton Ellinon),

Katrijn VAN RIET (Belgian

Kamer van

volksvertegenwoordigers/Chambre des représentants),

Mika LINTILÄ (Finnish

Eduskunta),

Bastiaan VAN APELDOORN (Dutch

Eerste Kamer),

Ján FERENČÁK (Slovak

Národná

rada),

Szymon SZYNKOWSKI VEL SĘK (Polish

Sejm),

Róbert DUDÁS (Hungarian

Országgyűlés),

Daniel FREUND (European Parliament), Eirini DOUROU (Greek

Vouli ton

Ellinon),

Milagros MARCOS ORTEGA (Spanish

Congreso de los Diputados),

Robert O

DONOGHUE (Irish

Dáil Eireann),

José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA (Spanish

Congreso de

los Diputados),

Ruslanas BARANOVAS (Lithuanian

Seimas),

Marco LOMBARDO (Italian

Senato della Repubblica),

Pieyre-Alexandre ANGLADE (French

Assemblée nationale),

Didier

MARIE (French

Sénat),

Vicente MONTÁVEZ AGUILLAUME (Spanish

Cortes Generales),

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

Beáta JURÍK (Slovak

Národná rada),

Rebecka LE MOINE (Swedish

Riksdag),

Kristo ENN

VAGA (Estonian

Riigikogu),

Ivan RAČAN (Croatian

Hrvatski sabor),

Ina COȘERU

(Moldovan

Parlamentul Republicii),

Mimoza MUSA (North Macedonian

Sobranie),

Ismail

EMRAH KARAYEL (Turkish

Büyük Millet Meclisi),

Olena VINTONYAK (Ukrainian

Verkhovna Rada),

Alison SUTTIE (United Kingdom

House of Lords),

Arman YEGHOYAN

(Armenian

Azgayin Zhoghov)

and Diljá MIST EINARSDÓTTIR (Icelandic

Alþingi).

SESSION III - The new EU Multiannual Financial Framework – a perspective on the

EU’s challenges

The Session was chaired by Mr GRODZKI.

In his opening speech Mr SZŁAPKA, Minister for European Union Affairs, stressed that the

new multiannual financial framework (MFF) post 2027, for which the draft proposal by the

European Commission is set to be revealed mid-July 2025, should bring stability and safety for

the Member States. He added that the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

wished to start the debate on the next MFF already and had organised a series of events

involving Member State governments and regional actors to this end. The Minister stressed

that regions should be at the centre of cohesion policy in the future.

The line of keynote speakers continued with the Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of

Finance of the Republic of Poland, Mr Paweł KARBOWNIK’s intervention. Mr

KARBOWNIK underlined that the Union’s budget in its present form is not fit for the future:

the one percent of GNI is far from enough to tackle challenges the Union is facing. He

advocated for the establishment of European public goods, like joint initiatives to strengthen

defence as a possible example. The Undersecretary of state also urged the mobilisation of

private funding to bridge the gap between investment needs and the current size of the EU

budget. He concluded by saying that if Europe will not live up to the challenges it faces it will

become a passive follower of global events.

The final keynote speech was given by Mr Sven SIMON, Chair of the Committee on

Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament. Mr SIMON stressed that the new MFF

should be more ambitious, more simple and more transparent. He urged the introduction of

new own resources to complement the EU budget, since he too considered the current size of

the EU budget of one percent of GNI as insufficient. He deplored the European Commission

for not being present at the LXXIII COSAC plenary meeting. Mr SIMON also expressed the

Parliament’s opposition to the possible introduction of individual national plans during the

course of the next MFF, since it would hamper Parliament’s legislative and discharge

competences. Similarly, he also expressed criticism towards the European Commission for the

recurring use of Art. 122 TEU as a legal basis for its legislative proposals. Mr SIMON finally

stressed the fundamental role of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of

conditionality for the protection of the Union budget in the next MFF. He also proposed to

establish a general mechanism on transparency on the basis of the recent report by the European

Court of Auditors.

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

During the following debate 36 speakers took the floor.

A large number of speakers defended the traditional policies of the EU, namely the cohesion

policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which they considered essential to preserve

in the next MFF. Many speakers advocated adding new priorities to the budget, namely defence

and the support for Ukraine. Many Parliaments/Chambers considered climate policy, climate

related natural disasters, social cohesion, migration, the defence of the EU’s external borders,

and the support for farmers as cornerstones of the future MFF. Members of the European

Parliament argued for an extended EU budget, which was met with opposition from some of

the Parliaments/Chambers. A number of speakers stressed the need for further simplification,

cutting red tape and budget flexibility.

The following speakers took the floor during this debate:

Vincent BLONDEL (Belgian

Senaat/Sénat),

Rasa BUDBERGYTĖ (Lithuanian

Seimas),

Mihai COTET (Romanian

Senat),

Edward ZAMMIT LEWIS (Maltese

Kamra tad-Deputati),

Jean-François RAPIN (French

Sénat),

(Belgian

Kamer van volksvertegenwoordigers/

Chambre des représentants),

Ionel-Ovidiu BOGDAN (Romanian

Camera Deputaţilor),

Ján

FERENČÁK (Slovak Národná

rada),

Anton HOFREITER (German

Bundestag),

Jelena

MILOŠ (Croatian

Hrvatski Sabor),

Francisco José CONDE LÓPEZ (Spanish

Congreso de los

Diputados),

Peeter TALI (Estonian

Riigikogu),

Szymon SZYNKOWSKI VEL SĘK (Polish

Sejm),

Christian FRIIS BACH (Danish

Folketing),

Barbara HEGEDŰS (Hungarian

Országgyűlés),

Daniel FREUND (European Parliament), Mikko POLVINEN (Finnish

Eduskunta),

Eileen LYNCH (Irish

Seanad Eireann),

Martin KINNUNEN (Swedish

Riksdag),

Franz FAYOT (Luxembourgian

Chambre des Députés),

José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA

(Spanish

Congreso de los Diputados),

Dimcho DIMCHEV (Bulgarian

Narodno sabranie),

Christiana EROTOKRITOU (Cypriot

Vouli ton Antiprosopon),

Michael MURPHY (Irish

Dáil

Eireann),

Elena MURELLI (Italian

Senato della Repubblica),

Zoi RAPTI (Greek

Vouli ton

Ellinon),

Markus TÖNS (German

Bundestag),

Pia Maria WIENINGER (Austrian

Nationalrat),

Jan BERKI (Czech

Poslanecká sněmovna),

Laurent MAZAURY (French

Assemblée

nationale),

Ivanna KLYMPUSH-TSINTSADZE (Ukrainian

Verkhovna Rada),

Ina COȘERU

(Moldovan

Parlamentul Republicii),

Ismail Emrah KARAYEL (Turkish

Büyük Millet

Meclisi),

Milan RADIN (Serbian

Narodna skupština),

Ozgur Erdem INCESU (Turkish

Büyük

Millet Meclisi),

Andreas Arthur SPANRING (Austrian

Bundesrat).

MEETING OF THE CHAIRPERSONS OF COSAC

The session was chaired by Ms POMASKA. During the meeting, the draft Troika proposal for

the Contribution of LXXIII COSAC was discussed. Following several votes on proposed

amendments, an amended draft Contribution was adopted. The adopted text was put forward

for approval by LXXIII COSAC at the closing session (see below).

SESSION IV - Enlargement policy of the European Union

The Session was chaired by Ms POMASKA.

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

The session began with a keynote speech by Mr Marek PRAWDA, Undersecretary of state in

the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. Mr PRAWDA began by underlining

that Poland was an example of the success and potential of the enlargement process. This made

the country a strong advocate of enlargement for those countries meeting the Copenhagen

criteria. In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EU enlargement is more than ever a

geopolitical imperative for the peace, stability and prosperity of the region. Mr PRAWDA

noted that this had also reshaped the EU’s views on enlargement moving from a community of

rules to a community of fate and increasing the importance of the perspective of Eastern

Member States in the EU. He also detailed the state of play in enlargement negotiations with

the different candidate countries and regretted that the Polish Presidency’s objective of opening

the first chapter in negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova was not met due to the objections

of Hungary.

This was followed by a keynote speech by Mr Jan TRUSZCZYŃSKI, former Ambassador of

the Republic of Poland to the European Union and former Chief Negotiator for Poland’s

accession to the EU. Mr TRUSZCZYŃSKI noted that his speech was based on his personal

experience, and his concern of how to make the EU enlargement process more efficient and

effective. He outlined five important topics to ensure progress. First, enlargement always had

to be on top of the EU’s political agenda. Second, there had to be a realistic programme for

legislative changes by candidate countries, and an outreach to the broader society. Third, it was

imperative to overcome bilateral disputes that risked blocking the progress of EU enlargement.

Fourth, he advocated for the potential of gradual or staged integration, including giving

candidate countries an observer status in the Council for areas in which accession chapters had

been closed. Fifth, he called on Member States to make more frequent use of underutilised

capacity building tools, such as technical assistance and twinning programmes.

During the following debate, 37 speakers took the floor.

Most speakers underlined that, in the current international situation, the EU enlargement

represented a geopolitical imperative and an investment in peace and stability. It was necessary

to extend EU membership to prevent negative interferences and instability in Eastern Europe

and the Western Balkans. At the same time, numerous interventions noted that the strategic

urgency generated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should not undermine the merit-based

process. EU enlargement had to be based on strict compliance with the Copenhagen criteria,

and there could be no fast-track enlargement. Speakers also underlined the need for the EU to

accompany the reforms in candidate countries with adequate funding. Other interventions

noted also that monitoring respect for the rule of law should continue after EU accession to

prevent backsliding from Member States.

Various interventions stressed the need for the EU to carry out important reforms to deepen the

Union by promoting a more effective functioning of its institutions, as it enlarges in size by

welcoming more Member States. These reforms were noted as particularly important in terms

of the future EU budget and decision-making, with a number of calls to move away from

decision-making based on unanimity, as this could paralyse the EU. A minority of interventions

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

rejected further EU enlargement and instead advocated for strengthening the EU within its

current shape. Representatives of parliaments from candidate countries who took the floor all

welcomed the new momentum in the EU enlargement process, and noted the importance which

European aspirations had for their countries. Some speakers underlined the urgency generated

by the new geopolitical situation and security challenges, while others stressed the importance

of individual assessment of each country’s progress in meeting enlargement criteria.

The following speakers took the floor during this debate:

Dimitar GARDEV (Bulgarian

Narodno sabranie),

Barry WARD (Irish

Dáil Eireann),

Erik

OTTOSON (Swedish

Riksdag),

Mihai COTET (Romanian

Senat),

Edward ZAMMIT LEWIS

(Maltese

Kamra tad-Deputati),

Evangelos SYRIGOS (Greek

Vouli ton Ellinon),

Bastiaan

VAN APELDOORN (Dutch

Eerste Kamer),

Katrijn VAN RIET (Belgian

Kamer van

volksvertegenwoordigers/Chambre des représentants),

Anton HOFREITER (German

Bundestag),

David KLOBASA (Slovenian

Državni svet),

Laurent MAZAURY (French

Assemblée nationale),

Ionel-Ovidiu BOGDAN (Romanian

Camera Deputaţilor),

Gabriela

MORAWSKA-STANECKA (Polish

Senat),

Geadis GEADI (European Parliament), Jasna

VOJNIĆ (Croatian

Hrvatski Sabor),

Johan DECKMYN (Belgian

Senaat/Sénat),

Dan HARDY

(Luxembourgian

Chambre des Députés),

Jani KOKKO (Finnish

Eduskunta),

Radvilė

MORKŪNAITĖ-MIKULĖNIENĖ (Lithuanian

Seimas),

Andreja RAJBENŠU (Slovenian

Državni zbor),

Fiona O’LOUGHLIN (Irish

Seanad Éireann),

Aikaterini SPYRIDAKI (Greek

Vouli ton Ellinon),

Kristo ENN VAGA (Estonian

Riigikogu),

Ivan RAČAN (Croatian

Hrvatski

Sabor),

Didier MARIE (French

Sénat),

Christiana EROTOKRITOU (Cyprus

Vouli ton

Antiprosopon),

Milagros MARCOS ORTEGA (Spanish

Congreso de los Diputados),

Robert

O DONOGHUE (Irish

Dáil Eireann),

Szymon SZYNKOWSKI VEL SĘK (Polish

Sejm),

Ivanna KLYMPUSH-TSINTSADZE (Ukrainian

Verkhovna Rada),

Ivan VUKOVIĆ

(Montenegrin

Skupština Crne Gore),

Ina COȘERU (Moldovan

Parlamentul Republicii),

Milan RADIN (Serbian

Narodna skupština),

Ismail Emrah KARAYEL (Turkish

Büyük Millet

Meclisi),

Pawel BARTOSZEK (Icelandic

Alþingi),

Alison SUTTIE (United Kingdom

House

of Lords),

Hans-Peter PORTMANN (Swiss

Assemblée fédérale)

SESSION V - TOWARDS STRENGTHENING THE EU’S COLLECTIVE EFFORT

TO IMPROVE CYBER-RESILIENCE AND TACKLE DISINFORMATION

The Session was chaired by Mr GRODZKI.

Mr Rafał ROSIŃSKI, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Digital Affairs of the Republic

of Poland, emphasized that cybersecurity and cyber resilience are key priorities for the

European Union, especially in light of rising geopolitical tensions, technological change, and

the growing threat landscape. He underlined that Poland, during its Presidency of the Council

of the EU, placed strong focus on this area. Among the presidency’s achievements, he

highlighted the adoption of the EU Cybersecurity Blueprint for coordinated crisis response,

conclusions on resilient connectivity, and the Warsaw Appeal – a joint informal declaration on

cybersecurity cooperation. Mr ROSIŃSKI stressed the need for deeper collaboration among

EU Member States, including better information sharing, joint threat responses, and stronger

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

links between civilian and military cybersecurity actors. He called for improving risk

assessments, advancing cyber diplomacy, and implementing the NIS 2 Directive effectively

and uniformly. He also urged support for innovation-friendly regulation, increased investment

in cyber technologies such as post-quantum cryptography, and the development of a skilled

cybersecurity workforce. Protecting undersea cables and other critical infrastructure was

identified as another key priority. In addressing disinformation, Mr ROSIŃSKI underlined the

importance of protecting freedom of expression and ensuring access to reliable information.

He pointed to the role of the Digital Services Act in holding platforms accountable while

safeguarding democratic values. He concluded that a secure and resilient digital environment,

built on respect for human rights and the rule of law, is essential for Europe’s democratic and

economic future.

Ms Martyna BILDZIUKIEWICZ, Deputy Head of Division, Strategic Communication

Regional Teams and Coordination of Task Forces in the European External Action Service,

delivered a speech outlining the growing threat posed by foreign information manipulation and

interference (FIMI). She described how recent events such as a large-scale blackout in Spain

and Portugal were rapidly exploited by Russian-linked networks to spread disinformation. Ms

BILDZIUKIEWICZ emphasized that FIMI is not just about competing narratives, but a

systemic and strategic effort to corrode democratic foundations like trust, shared facts, and

civic participation by paralyzing rather than persuading. It involves an ecosystem of state

media, proxy platforms, fake experts, bots, and amplified content across multiple languages

and platforms. Over 1,000 disinformation cases and more than 300 manipulation techniques

have been documented by EU efforts. She outlined the EU’s four-pillar response to FIMI: (1)

situational awareness - real-time monitoring and analysis of information environments through

partnerships and systems like the Rapid Alert System; (2) resilience building - investing in fact-

checkers, journalists, and strategic communicators, and promoting effective, credible

messaging; (3) disruption - using tools such as the Digital Services Act and sanctions to raise

the cost of manipulation; and (4) external cooperation with NATO, G7, Ukraine, and others to

coordinate responses and strengthen partner resilience. Concluding, Ms BILDZIUKIEWICZ

called on lawmakers to prioritize FIMI across all policy domains, ensure institutional

preparedness, support independent media and media literacy, and promote responsible public

discourse. She stressed that while the tools and frameworks exist, political leadership and

coordination are now critical.

During the following debate, 25 speakers took the floor.

The debate focused on rising cyber threats, disinformation, and digital technology misuse,

especially in the context of hybrid warfare and foreign influence - mainly from Russia and

China. These state actors use cyberattacks, social media manipulation, and distorted narratives

to destabilise democracies, particularly targeting both Member States and countries like

Ukraine. Participants called for stronger EU-wide cybersecurity cooperation, including the

implementation of NIS2, the Digital Services Act, and investment in cyber resilience, AI

regulation, and digital literacy. AI was seen as both a tool for progress and a risk for spreading

deepfakes and manipulating public opinion. Maintaining democratic values while combating

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

disinformation was emphasized with warnings against overreach that could harm free speech.

Judicial oversight, transparency, and support for journalists were seen as essential. A strategic

push for EU digital sovereignty, innovation in emerging tech, and reduced reliance on foreign

providers was urged. Combating disinformation was framed as defending democracy itself,

requiring a coordinated, multi-layered approach grounded in resilience, oversight, and social

cohesion.

The following speakers took the floor during this debate:

Peeter TALI (Estonian

Riigikogu),

Bernadette GEIEREGGER (Austrian

Bundesrat),

David

KLOBASA (Slovenian

Državni svet),

Helena LANGŠÁDLOVÁ (Czech

Poslanecká

sněmovna),

Christofer RANZMAIER (Austrian

Nationalrat),

Anton HOFREITER (German

Bundestag),

Ionel-Ovidiu BOGDAN (Romanian

Camera Deputaţilor),

Gabriela

MORAWSKA-STANECKA (Polish

Senat),

Geadis GEADI (European Parliament), Vicente

MONTÁVEZ AGUILLAUME (Spanish

Congreso de los Diputados),

Anna VIKSTRÖM

(Swedish

Riksdag),

Elhadj Moussa DIALLO (Belgian

Senaat/Sénat),

Arminas LYDEKA

(Lithuanian

Seimas),

Catherine MORIN-DESAILLY (French

Sénat),

Cees VAN DE

SANDEN (Dutch

Eerste Kamer),

Fiona O’LOUGHLIN (Irish

Seanad Éireann),

Leonid

YURKOVSKIY (Swedish

Riksdag),

Milagros MARCOS ORTEGA (Spanish

Congreso de los

Diputados),

Franz FAYOT (Luxembourgian

Chambre des Députés),

José María SÁNCHEZ

GARCÍA (Spanish

Congreso de los Diputados),

Pavel STANĚK (Czech

Poslanecká

sněmovna),

Ismail Emrah KARAYEL (Turkish

Büyük Millet Meclisi),

Dmytro LIUBOTA

(Ukrainian

Verkhovna Rada),

Jovan SUBOTIĆ (Montenegrin

Skupština Crne Gore),

Víðir

REYNISSON (Icelandic

Alþingi).

CLOSING SESSION OF THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE LXXII COSAC

The session was chaired by Ms POMASKA.

She informed delegations that the draft Conclusions of LXXIII COSAC had been sent out

ahead of the meeting and that no proposed amendments had been received. The updated draft

Contribution of the LXXIII COSAC, following the meeting of the chairpersons of COSAC,

had been circulated to delegations. A physical copy containing a clarification from the Belgian

delegation in the form of a footnote had been handed out to delegations. The clarification

concerned paragraph 15 of the Contribution. In the view of the Belgian delegation, the wording

of this paragraph should instead be in line with the Contribution of the LXXII COSAC, as

adopted in Budapest in October 2024.

Two speakers took the floor. Ms Katrijn VAN RIET (Belgian

Kamer van

volksvertegenwoordigers/Chambre des représentants)

underlined that the inclusion of the

aforementioned footnote was of importance to the Belgian delegation. Mr Szymon

SZYNKOWSKI VEL SĘK (Polish

Sejm)

also took the floor and expressed his view on the

wording of paragraph 6 of the draft Contribution.

Following these remarks, the Conclusions and Contribution were adopted.

EUU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 572: Referat fra COSAC-plenarmødet og Trojka-møde 8-10/6-25 i Warszawa

Mr GRODZKI then took the floor to thank delegations for their attendance. He extended a

special thanks to Mr GONZÁLEZ PONS, Vice-President of the European Parliament, for

having taken an active part in the debate, and expressed his regret that, in contrast, no

representative of the European Commission had attended the conference.

Lastly, Mr GRODZKI gave the floor to Ms Brigitte KLINTSKOV JERKEL of the Danish

Folketing,

who informed delegations about the incoming Danish Presidency and welcomed

delegations to the next meeting of the chairpersons of COSAC on 3-4 July 2025 in Copenhagen,

as well as to the LXXIV COSAC on 30 November - 2 December 2025 in Copenhagen.