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Donald Tusk revealed Polish Presidency priorities with focus on defence

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed MEPs in Strasbourg on Wednesday (22 January), presenting Poland’s agenda for its six-month presidency of the EU Council. Under the slogan of ‘Security, Europe!’, Tusk outlined defence as the paramount theme in the EU for the next six months, given an increasingly volatile global landscape, while also touching on migration, energy, and economic resilience.

Mr. Tusk highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing the EU, urging a radical overhaul of its defence strategy in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and political uncertainties in the United States. He stressed the need for a substantial boost in military spending, proposing an increase to 5% of GDP, declaring: “If Europe is to survive, it needs to be armed. It is not our choice.” The Polish Prime Minister also called for a rethink of the EU’s relationship with the United States, stating: “Don’t ask America what it can do for our security. Ask yourselves what we can do for our own security.” This call for greater self-reliance reflects Mr. Tusk’s vision of a stronger, more autonomous Europe.

One of the most contentious topics in Tusk’s speech was migration. He stressed the importance of minimising the threat of irregular migration while ensuring Europe’s borders remain secure. He claimed that it could be achieved without resorting to “nationalist or xenophobic slogans,” advocating for a balanced and responsible approach. 

The Polish Prime Minister underscored the need for the EU to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic competitiveness. He argued that while safeguarding the climate remains a priority, the EU must ensure its policies do not undermine its global competitiveness. Stressing the importance of affordable energy for citizens, Mr. Tusk called for a review of legislation under the Green Deal to align climate goals with economic realities: “We need to protect the environment, we need to protect our climate, but […] we cannot afford not to be competitive,” he stated. Thus, he advocated for a pragmatic approach to balancing energy independence, economic competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

Finally, Mr. Tusk expressed his firm belief that the EU can resolve its economic and political challenges independently, without reliance on external actors. He underscored this conviction with a resolute statement: “The future is in our hands, not in the hands of the Chinese or the American people,” he concluded. 

MEPs broadly welcomed Tusk’s defence priorities, supporting increased military spending, NATO cooperation, and reduced Russian energy dependence. Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, on behalf of the European Commission, announced that the European executive will propose a white paper on the future of European defence.

However, divisions emerged over other priorities. MEPs from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) criticised Tusk’s migration policy, accusing him of prioritising border security over solidarity and human rights. Similarly, Tusk’s call for a critical review of Green Deal policies faced backlash from The Left and Greens groups, who argued that renewable energy remains key to achieving energy independence from other countries. In addition, conservative and nationalist MEPs were sceptical of Tusk’s domestic record, accusing his government of undermining democratic values back home.

Despite these criticisms, Tusk’s firm stance on defence appears to have united many MEPs around a shared goal of bolstering Europe’s security and autonomy in an increasingly uncertain world. As the EU navigates an era of uncertainty, Tusk’s call for unity and pragmatic action underscores the need for collective responsibility and strategic foresight. Whether the Polish presidency achieves its goals will depend on the ability of member states and European institutions to reconcile their differences and work together.

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