On Thursday in Brussels, the summit of the European Council took place, one of which was the issue of maintaining the existing sanctions of the European Union imposed on Russia because of the war in Ukraine.
The prime minister at a joint press conference with the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the chairman of the European Council Antonio Costa emphasized that the Polish position towards Ukraine has always been clear. – With great satisfaction I also accepted this next decision to extend the sanctions. There is always such a slight fear (…) whether there will be unanimity to extend the sanctions – said Tusk.
He added that before the community there was still a decision regarding the 18th Package of Sanctions, which – as the prime minister explained – to concern the so -called shadow fleets. – This is not only a threat to our infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, but it can also be – there is already a gigantic environmental threat – he emphasized. He noted that work in this matter will be continued.
The prime minister also referred to the so -called Groups of Friends of Ukraine, which include: France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Poland, in which the President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zielnski also took part. He pointed out that the leaders of these countries had the impression that “the chance of Solidarity Actions of Europe and the United States was more real, when it comes to sanctions of policy towards Russia and support for Ukraine.” – It is also a very important signal for me and maybe not still “happy end”, but such a good signal at the end of the Polish presidency that our Solidarity with fighting Ukraine has also become the norm – said the head of the Polish government.
-I am very happy that not only the presidency was Poland, but also the last two days (during the NATO summit on June 24-25-PAP), so the final of this presidency was also very Polish. (…) Despite great difficulties and doubts it was possible to obtain the consent of all members of the North Atlantic Pact as to the amount of reinforcement expenses NATO members. And it was established, (…) that this level would be Polish, i.e. 5 percent. – said the prime minister.
He also noted that in the last six months Europe has changed its approach to migrationincreasingly focusing on the protection of external borders.
– We made such hard decisions at home (…) and we will be really arguing (…) so that we would all understand that the only method of limiting to a minimum of illegal migration is effective protection of external borders – he added.
Donald Tusk: The US position is unambiguous
The prime minister was asked about fears whether a new commitment of NATO countries to spend 5 % on defense. GDP, will actually be implemented by all countries, some of which have not yet reached the threshold of 2 percent. GDP for this purpose.
– As the prime minister of the Polish government, I am responsible for the effective spending of our money on our reinforcements. Here, as everyone knows, Poland is a role model – replied the head of the Polish government.
The prime minister admitted that the European average, when it comes to defense expenses, is not satisfactory. – There are countries that reach a good level of expenses, e.g. Greece. There are countries that constantly defend their arms and legs against increasing expenses, disregarding in my opinion a little threat just because they lie far from Russia – he said.
He stipulated, however, that he was not “nervous” or “irritated” that “not all enthusiastically approached this commitment at the level of 5 percent.” – We will all look after each other. It seems that it has finally reached everyone that the position of President Trump and the Washington administration is unequivocal that Such military holidays for Europe have ended – said Tusk.
