Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. NEW YEAR, NEW LEADERSHIP: POLAND TAKES THE HELM OF THE EU FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2025 As the year 2025 begins, Poland takes over the Presidency of the European Union for the second time history. To mark the occasion, a grand gala was held at Warsaw's National Theatre, where Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for a united Europe, emphasising that the continent's future is inextricably linked to its strength and sovereignty. Poland’s Presidency comes at a critical time, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, escalating tensions at the Polish-Belarusian border, and Europe’s broader security concerns. With a focus on defence and European stability, Poland plans to increase EU efforts to support Ukraine and address the growing security threats. Tusk framed…