Tusk: EU-US relations are in crisis, but we must protect them

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said before the EU summit on Thursday in Brussels that EU-US relations are in crisis. However, as he emphasized, they need to be protected, “although today it is much more difficult than ever before.”

– Coercion is not a good method, especially in relations with our transatlantic partners – the Prime Minister told journalists when entering the summit. He added that the EU was built so that coercion was not the essence of politics.

– As Polish Prime Minister, I will always be very committed to transatlantic relations, Tusk emphasized. He added that the United States is absolutely the most important element when it comes to Polish security.

– That is why it is so important for all of us, including our partners in Washington, to understand the difference between domination and leadership – Tusk noted.

Tusk: It cannot be that due to unnecessary confusion, Ukraine has faded into the background

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday before the informal EU summit in Brussels that “it cannot be that due to unnecessary confusion and emotions, Ukraine has faded into the background; after all, it is crucial for our security and that of Europe.”

The head of the Polish government stated that arrangements regarding Ukraine were expected in Davos, because such were the announcements two weeks ago. Meanwhile, due to US President Donald Trump's customs threats and threats against Greenland, the Ukraine issue has faded into the background.

– The fact that Ukraine has faded into the background is very bad news, Tusk said, adding that the Ukraine issue is fundamental for the security of both Poland and Europe.

The Prime Minister added that he would try to convince American friends and all Europeans to “return to the right place when it comes to geopolitics.”

Tusk: It's good that the EU is mobilizing regarding Greenland

Tusk was asked about his opinion on the EU's use of pressure in connection with US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 10 percent tariffs on goods from eight European countries that decided to delegate representatives of their armed forces to Greenland, which was due to the US' ambitions to acquire the island.

The Prime Minister emphasized that in relations with the authorities of EU countries he always tried to explain “due to Polish experience that cajoling, making concessions, showing weakness is not the method and our opponents then do not respect us.”

– It's certainly good that the EU is mobilizing and gaining more confidence in its own capabilities, but it would be bad to turn it into something anti-American – he said.

According to Tusk, transatlantic ties span “entire decades; thanks to these decades we are alive at all.” He added that Poland is independent because, regardless of tensions and crises in relations, the community of the entire West ultimately won. (PAP)

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