Politics

Europe must be ready to defend itself, says Polish PM

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addresses the second plenary session of the European People's Party Congress in Bucharest, Romania
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addresses the second plenary session of the EPP Congress in Bucharest, Romania. Photo: PAP/EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT.
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Today the most important thing is for Europe to believe in its strength - appealed Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the congress of the European People’s Party (EPP) on Thursday in Bucharest. He emphasized that Europe must be ready to defend itself militarily and also guarantee its food security.

“It is crucial today for Europe to believe in its strength; Europe’s potential in economic, demographic and moral dimensions is greater than the potential of those who attack us,” Tusk emphasized.

“Europe wanted to live and develop in the post-war world, but today we must say clearly that we are faced with a simple choice: either we will fight to protect our borders and territory, our values, and, consequently, we will defend our citizens and future generations, or the alternative is failure,” the Prime Minister continued.

The head of the Polish government is also the chairman of the Civic Platform, which belongs to the EPP. The Polish People’s Party is also a member of this European political family.

“The fight against totalitarian trends, corruption and lies takes place on many fronts; its most dramatic illustration is, of course, what is happening during the war in Ukraine. Responsibility for the future of Western civilization, based on freedom and respect for every person, rests with each of us,” Tusk noted.

“The times of peace are over, the post-war era is over. [...] We live in new times - in the pre-war era; for some of our brothers it is no longer even the pre-war era, but the period of full-scale war in its most cruel version,” said the Prime Minister. He added that Europeans cannot “continue to feed on illusions. No one will take away from us the responsibility for fighting for our future and security; We ourselves are its best guarantors,” Tusk said, turning to other European leaders.

Tusk expressed his belief that Europeans will be united when they see clearly that the EU is “truly our Europe, that it is a safe home for our citizens.” “Our farmers and our producers are waiting for such a signal today. They are patiently waiting for such a signal. They want a Europe that will also defend them and understand their concerns,” he emphasized. Food security in Europe

The PO chairman recalled that a few years ago he appealed to European leaders to unconditionally support Ukraine, and also appealed to European leaders to establish a European energy union to become independent from Russian resources. He added that when the migration crisis began to develop, he called for solidarity within the framework of cooperation for the common defense of the external borders.

“And today I appeal to you regarding food security on our continent. This is one of the conditions for us to be safe in all aspects,” Tusk noted.

“I know that together with leaders like you, presidents, prime ministers, leaders like Ursula [von der Leyen] and Roberta [Metsola], we will overcome this challenge too,” he assured. The EPP congress takes place on Wednesday and Thursday in Bucharest in preparation for the European elections in June. During this meeting, the largest political family in the European Parliament adopted a manifesto constituting its election program, and also chose Ursula von der Leyen as its candidate for President of the European Commission in the next term.

In the capital of Romania, Tusk also met with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and President Klaus Iohannis.
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