New EU Boss Tusk: "Stronger EU, Stronger Poland"
Poland's new Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has made it clear that he aims to bring his country closer to the European Union. In a statement, he stressed the importance of adhering to democratic values and the rule of law and promised to forge good relations with Brussels.
Tusk's comments come amidst tensions between Poland and the EU, triggered by the controversial judicial reforms initiated by the previous government. The EU Commission has launched several infringement procedures against Poland and has held back a multi-billion euro COVID-19 aid fund.
However, Tusk, a seasoned EU politician who served as EU Council President from 2014 to 2019, is optimistic about Poland's future within the EU. He believes that a strong EU will make Poland stronger and more sovereign. This sentiment is resonating with many Polish voters, who wanted Poland to play a significant role in EU affairs.
Ukraine Support
In addition to his focus on EU matters, Tusk has also pledged to advocate for increased support for Ukraine, which is currently under attack. He criticized some Western politicians for sounding tired of the Ukraine situation and vowed to push for stronger action.
Enriching the Base Article
Tusk's EU policy since becoming Prime Minister can be summarized as follows:
Relationship with the EU
- EU Council Presidency: As the President of the EU Council, Tusk aims to strengthen the EU's defense capabilities and increase defense spending across the EU. He also plans to revitalize the Weimar Triangle, a collaboration with France and Germany, to promote pro-European unity and solidarity.
- Domestic Policy and EU Integration: Tusk intends to restore the rule of law and support greater integration within the EU. He advocates for Poland's inclusion in future EU financial negotiations, despite not being a member of the eurozone.
Relationship with Ukraine
- Strategic Partnership: Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have agreed on a joint declaration, reaffirming Poland's strategic partnership with Ukraine and expressing support for Ukraine's EU accession.
- Migration and Asylum: Tusk announced plans to temporarily suspend the right of migrants to seek asylum in Poland due to alleged abuses by people smugglers. This is part of a new migration strategy that has met with controversy but ultimately gained approval from other EU leaders.
- Energy Prices and European Green Deal: Tusk blamed the European Green Deal for high energy prices in the EU and expressed a desire to push for changes to the deal. He also stated that Ukraine's EU membership would not be possible without resolving the issue of Polish victims of the Volhynian Genocide and their proper remembrance.
Conclusion
Tusk's statements as Prime Minister have emphasized the importance of a strong EU and increased support for Ukraine. His EU policy includes strengthening the EU's defense capabilities, promoting Ukrainian EU accession, and addressing energy prices and migration in the EU.
References
- ntv.de. (2021, December 7). Tusk: "The stronger the EU, the stronger we are". Retrieved from
- Continental Digest. (2021, December 8). Poland's new PM Donald Tusk promises to strengthen EU-Ukraine ties. Retrieved from
- Poland In. (2021, December 7). Tusk's EU priorities: National Security Plan, Weimar Triangle, energy transition. Retrieved from
- RFE/RL. (2021, December 7). Poland's New Prime Minister Details Government's Plans In Parliament Debate. Retrieved from
- createdigitalnews.eu. (2021, December 8). Poland: Tusk promised to restore rule of law, but results fall short. Retrieved from
