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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk spoke in the European Parliament, saying that Europe must take greater responsibility for its security. He supported US President Donald Trump’s idea to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, calling it a “positive challenge”, AFP reports.
“The time for comfort is over. If the United States calls on Europe to be more active in ensuring its security, we should take this as a call to action, not a threat,” Tusk said.
He stressed that Europe must become a strong partner for the US by investing in its defence and countering external threats. Tusk also warned against cutting corners on security, noting that Poland already spends almost 5% of its GDP on defence.
“Do not ask what the United States can do for the security of Europe, ask what we can do for our own security,” the politician said, paraphrasing John F. Kennedy.
The main points of Tusk’s speech:
- Defence of Europe: a call to strengthen military capabilities, although the question of creating a single European army remains open.
- Migration and borders: the priority is to strengthen control over the EU’s external borders.
- Energy: reducing dependence on Russian energy resources and combating high energy prices.
- Disinformation: strengthening information security and countering fakes.
Tusk also criticised excessive regulation in the EU, which he said was holding back economic development. He called on European institutions to “roll up their sleeves” and launch a large-scale deregulation campaign.
In conclusion, Tusk stressed that Europe can be the most reliable ally for the US and NATO if it takes care of its own security. “Europe has been and will always remain great,” he concluded.
