Donald Tusk urges Europe to arm itself and reclaim its strength during Poland's EU presidency

Donald Tusk delivers a stark message to Europe as Poland takes the helm of the EU presidency, urging the continent to embrace strength, tighten borders, and rethink green policies

Just two days after Donald Trump’s inauguration, Donald Tusk gave what many saw as Europe’s answer. Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Polish prime minister called for a continent that is armed, pragmatic, and unapologetically strong. Echoing the Polish anthem, Tusk declared, “Europe has not yet perished, so long as we are alive.” As Poland takes on the EU presidency, Tusk made a clear push to the right, both for Europe and as part of his strategy to outflank populists at home.

Tusk’s speech blended European solidarity with a sharp focus on security and realism. He embraced Trump’s call for Europe to take greater responsibility for its defence as a challenge worth meeting. He urged a reconsideration of the Green Deal’s pace and doubled down on controlling migration. For Tusk, this rightward shift is not just about Europe’s survival but also about undercutting Poland’s populist right. Critics accused him of betraying progressive ideals, but his message struck a chord with those seeking European confidence in uncertain times.

Tusk’s speech came at a critical moment. Trump’s inaugural address urged Europe to take on more responsibility for its security, signalling that the US would no longer carry the burden alone. Tusk did not see this as a slight. Instead, he called it an opportunity for Europe to show its strength. “Only a true ally wishes their partner to become stronger,” Tusk said, framing Trump’s message as a challenge to step up rather than an act of hostility.

He borrowed from John F. Kennedy to drive the point home. “Paraphrasing Kennedy, do not ask what America can do for our security. Ask what we can do for our security,” he said. These words rallied Europeans and attempted to reclaim the narrative of a united West in a time of instability.

Tusk’s tone marked a stark departure from his 2011 EU presidency speech, which centred on solidarity during the eurozone crisis. This time, his focus was defence, sovereignty, and pragmatism. He aligned himself with a more conservative agenda, aiming to neutralise the populists he sees as threats in Poland and across Europe.

“Tusk’s pivot is not about abandoning European values but adapting them to a harsher reality,” said Politico. Critics on the left disagreed. German Green MEP Daniel Freund accused Tusk of “playing into the hands of populists” by focusing on security and deregulation.

Tusk’s biggest demand was for more defence spending. He endorsed Trump’s controversial suggestion that NATO members spend 5 percent of GDP on defence. “If there was ever a time to spend more on defence, it is today,” he argued.

Citing Poland’s own example, with defence spending projected at 5 percent of GDP, Tusk held up his country as a model for the EU. He also pointed to initiatives like the “Eastern Shield,” aimed at securing borders with Belarus and Russia. “Europe must be strong, not just in spirit but in its defensive capabilities,” he warned.

The German publication Der Spiegel noted that Tusk’s focus on defence reflects Poland’s role as NATO’s eastern anchor and a close US ally. “Poland’s readiness to act could set an example, but it also pressures other EU members who are less willing to increase military budgets,” it wrote.

Migration as a Political Weapon Migration remains a divisive issue in Europe, and Tusk’s approach marks a clear break from the past. He called migration a challenge and even a threat to Europe’s democratic project. “The inability to defend our borders undermines trust in democracy and feeds political charlatans,” he said. This was a shot at populist narratives, but he also borrowed from their playbook.

In Poland, Tusk’s tough stance on migration mirrors his domestic strategy against PiS. He has embraced stricter border policies and criticised his rivals for migration failures. However, critics say this risks validating the rhetoric of the far right.

Beata Szydło, a prominent PiS MEP, dismissed Tusk’s stance as “political theatre” before Poland’s presidential elections.

“Tusk may be shifting to the right, but he cannot erase his past opposition to strict border measures,” said Patryk Jaki, another PiS-aligned MEP. Jaki also accused Tusk of hypocrisy, claiming that he “championed EU sanctions against Poland for refusing to accept migrants.”

Tusk also targeted the EU’s Green Deal, saying it has driven up energy costs. He singled out the ETS2 system, which extends carbon trading to housing and transport. He warned that it risks placing unsustainable costs on citizens. “Europe cannot be a continent of naïve people,” he said, calling for a pragmatic balance between climate goals and economic competitiveness.

The Guardian noted that Tusk’s call for deregulation could signal a deeper debate about the EU’s climate policies. “His appeal reflects growing tensions between economic pragmatism and climate action, which could dominate EU politics for years,” it wrote.

Environmentalists pushed back. “If Tusk were serious about security, he would see that climate action is integral to it,” said Daniel Freund, a German Member of the European Parliament from the Green Party, pointing to recent climate-related disasters in Europe and the US.

Tusk’s speech received mixed but largely positive reactions in the European Parliament. Members of his European People’s Party applauded his pragmatism. Centrist MEPs offered cautious support but raised concerns about his stance on migration and climate policy. Green and left-wing groups were critical, accusing him of undermining core EU values.

In Poland, reactions were predictably divided. Civic Platform supporters praised the speech as bold and necessary. PiS leaders dismissed it as electioneering. “Tusk talks about Europe’s strength, but his policies weaken Poland,” said Anna Bryłka of PiS.

Despite criticism, international outlets like El País and Euronews said the speech resonated with Europeans concerned about security and rising costs. “It was a rallying cry for a continent that cannot afford complacency,” wrote El País.

Tusk’s speech was as much about domestic politics as European leadership. By adopting positions associated with the right on defence, migration, and deregulation, he hopes to undercut PiS and far-right parties. This strategy has already helped Civic Platform regain ground after years of populist dominance.

Poland is the heart of Europe. The continent's centre of gravity has shifted and Poland is right in the middle. It's voice needs to be heard and the country – it's politics, history, culture and society - needs to be understood by anyone with an interest in Europe, the EU, global security and international politics.

None of this can understood without Poland.

PolandWatch is your way in. We explain and demystify with coverage that offers insight and analysis.

If you want to gain unique perspectives and cut through the noise, subscribe now and join a growing community of readers with a professional or personal interest in Poland’s political scene.

👉 Subscribe today for free to get all future updates directly to your inbox.