Prime Minister Donald Tusk: Europe Must Be United and Secure

Ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the urgent need for unity and security across the continent. Key topics at the meeting include strengthening the EU’s eastern border and bolstering Europe’s overall defense in response to ongoing threats, particularly from Russia. Tusk highlighted Poland’s pivotal role in the negotiations for joint European funding to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, describing it as a historic step toward a more secure and cohesive Europe.

Speaking before his departure, the Prime Minister underscored that Poland’s security is inseparable from the security of the entire European Union. With the war in Ukraine continuing to destabilize the region, he stressed the importance of collective European action, calling the current initiatives “the most important European project of recent decades” — aimed at creating a Europe that is “safe, armed and united against the Russian threat.”

Tusk also addressed recent developments in the European Parliament, where Polish opposition parties, including PiS and Confederation, voted against the East Shield and European defense initiatives. He warned that any attempts to weaken Europe’s unity on security matters serve the interests of the Kremlin. In his words, “For Putin, the greatest nightmare is a strong and united Europe… Any action that hinders European defense unity is, in effect, Russian sabotage.”

Back in Warsaw, the Sejm is debating a resolution that reaffirms support for the European Parliament’s position on the East Shield. The resolution, which was taken up by the National Defense Committee on Thursday morning, highlights the critical importance of Poland’s participation in broader European security measures. Tusk framed the vote as a test of political priorities, questioning whether previous opposition was due to ignorance, miscalculation, or deliberate political choice. “This vote will show who truly cares about Poland’s security,” he declared.

Turning to domestic matters, Tusk urged President Duda to sign a newly passed law enabling the temporary suspension of the right to apply for asylum for those illegally crossing Poland’s borders. He called this legislation a vital response to the growing threat of hybrid warfare, citing illegal migration from Belarus as a strategic tool used by Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. “The goal is to make clear that one cannot apply for asylum after illegally crossing the border,” he said. Once the law is signed, the government plans to swiftly introduce regulations to further deter human smuggling operations.

Tusk also emphasized that Poland will not face these challenges alone. He reminded the public that Poland had long warned its European allies about the threat posed by Russia. Now, with greater recognition of those warnings, he believes the continent is ready to act collectively. “We are one step away from Europe taking shared responsibility for our security. We must not waste this historic opportunity.”

In addition to defense and border issues, the European Council summit will also address economic policy and the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Source: gov.pl
Photo: Prime Minister Donald Tusk