In Warsaw on Tuesday, the designated Polish Prime Minister, Tusk, laid out his coalition's government program, distinguishing himself from the previous right-wing nationalist PiS party led by Mateusz Morawiecki. Known for his pro-European stance, Tusk's coalition differs significantly from the PiS's strained relations with Brussels.
After presenting his speech, Tusk faced a vote of confidence in the Sejm, followed by his anticipated swearing-in as Prime Minister on Wednesday, ready to attend the EU summit in Brussels by Thursday. In a recent Polish parliamentary election, the PiS garnered the most votes, but they failed to secure a government majority, allowing Tusk's liberal-conservative Civic Coalition and its partners to seize this opportunity with their strong EU commitment and clear parliamentary majority.
During the meeting, Tusk called upon the "free world and the West" to intensify their support for Ukraine upon facing Russian invasion. He also pledged to promptly address the contentious Polish-Ukrainian truck dispute, promising to quickly accommodate the needs of Polish drivers and reopen the border.
Polish hauliers have been obstructing several important crossings to Ukraine since the beginning of November due to claims of unfair competition from Ukrainian companies following the EU's recent suspension of certain transportation border conditions in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine. This initial standstill has eased following Tusk's promise.
Meanwhile, at the EU summit, Tusk encountered pressure to reinforce the union's policy of supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. Recognizing the demand for collective action, Tusk emphasized the need to sustain peace and stability in Eastern Europe. His earlier nationalist-leaning prime minister, Morawiecki, has consistently faced criticism for his conflicting opinions with EU officials.
Insights:
The EU summit agenda involved several critical points driving the meeting:
- Strengthening ties with Ukraine: In France, leaders from Canada, European nations, and Ukraine gathered for a meeting, aiming to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees and lasting peace.
- Financial assistance for Ukraine: Upon approval, the EU would provide an additional €5 billion in aid to Ukraine, raising its total support to €134.5 billion since Russia's invasion.
- Defense investment: Intent on bolstering defense, Poland, under Tusk's leadership, aspires to encourage other NATO members to make greater investments in security efforts.
- Farmers' protests: German, Polish, and Czech protestors have demanded revisions to the EU's common agricultural policy, as well as limitations on grain imports from Ukraine, to preserve local markets.
- Easing border conflict: Ukraine and Poland agreed on opening a border crossing for empty trucks in response to Polish hauliers demanding the reinstatement of entry permits for Ukrainian competitors.
- European unity: Average European leaders addressed concerns over potential U.S. President Donald Trump's isolation of EU allies, emphasizing the importance of unity among EU members for defense projects and collective decision-making.
)
Adapted from: "Polish Prime Minister-designate Tusk commits to a strong EU"