Poland’s outgoing EU Presidency (January – June 2025) – Grupa Zagranica‘s achievements:
During the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Grupa Zagranica carried out a range of activities aimed at strengthening public engagement and policy influence in the field of development cooperation:
🔸Through a re-granting scheme, it enabled nine grassroots projects across Poland to implement initiatives focused on humanitarian aid, climate justice, and decolonisation approach – effectively reaching local communities, educators, and youth.
🔸At the 2025 European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels, Polish NGOs played a visible and active role, contributing to key discussions and showcasing their humanitarian work through a multimedia exhibition. Their presence underscored the need for more flexible, long-term support for local actors on the frontlines of crisis response.
🔸It mobilised public interest in EU development policy, global solidarity, and the 2030 Agenda through educational tools – including an animated video.
🔸It supported advocacy efforts targeting EU budget negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for external action, contributing to increased awareness among both policymakers and citizens.
🔸At an expert debate co-organised by Grupa Zagranica at the Polish Institute of International Affairs, participants discussed the future of Polish development cooperation in the context of evolving global challenges. The event highlighted the need for a more strategic and cross-sectoral approach – “Polish Aid 2.0”- with long-term engagement in Ukraine’s reconstruction seen as a key priority.
Grupa Zagranica’s Presidency Project has combined advocacy, public engagement, and capacity building – especially through re-granting – to drive policy impact and strengthen the role of Polish civil society in shaping an open, fair, and sustainable Europe.
Denmark’s upcoming EU Presidency (July – December 2025) – Global Focus’ objectives:
On the 1st of July, Denmark assumes the EU Presidency under the headline “A strong Europe in a changing world.” The programme places geopolitics at the heart of the EU agenda, with a broad understanding of security that spans defence, migration, economic resilience, enlargement, and democratic robustness. The Presidency aims to safeguard the EU’s shared values while promoting equal partnerships with countries in the Global South.
At the same time, Denmark will work to strengthen a competitive and green Europe, where climate, energy, and industrial policy are closely linked. The green transition is framed as a driver of growth and competitiveness, supported by a simplified Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and streamlined regulations.
Throughout the Presidency, the Danish civil society platform Global Focus will integrate its strategic work into the European framework, working to advance future financing and sustainable funding models while securing civil society’s central role. Global Focus will also challenge power dynamics in EU international partnerships by advocating for civil society and local community inclusion in Global Gateway projects.
Key Events for Global Focus during the Presidency:
🔸On the 4th of September: Climate and Rights Conference
A conference on climate democracy ahead of COP30 calling on Denmark and EU to participate in COP30 with a democratically anchored and rights-based climate agenda.
🔸On the 30th of September: Building Partnerships of Purpose
A high-level conference on EU international partnerships and geopolitical role, focusing on Global Gateway. Policymakers, academics, civil society, and private sector leaders will discuss balancing strategic interests with development goals.
🔸On the 30th of October: VOICE x Global Fokus Roundtable
A chance for strategic dialogue to discuss nexus, humanitarian action and funding modalities by bringing together humanitarian actors, civil society, and policymakers.