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Prime Minister Tusk: Europe Will Win This Arms Race

Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister

06.03.2025

The rapid armament of Europe and continued support for Ukraine were the two most important topics of the extraordinary European Council meeting attended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday. The leaders gathered in Brussels unanimously adopted conclusions on defense, thus giving the green light to the "ReArm Europe" plan. Presented by the President of the European Commission, the plan includes, among other things, a €150 billion loan package for defense purposes. The 26 member states also expressed unwavering support for the European Union's backing of Ukraine.

Russia Will Lose the Arms Race It Started

Even before the official start of the special European Council meeting, which focused on European defense and the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Donald Tusk predicted a breakthrough in Europe's approach to security.

"We are at a moment when everything can change regarding Europe's determination on armament, the defense industry, and readiness to take on the challenge that Russia has posed to the whole world," said the Polish Prime Minister in Brussels.

Europe has moved from words to action. The first sign of the EU's decisive steps was the five-point "ReArm Europe" plan presented this week by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Thursday's extraordinary European Council meeting concluded with the adoption of defense-related conclusions aimed at strengthening the bloc.

"There is no doubt that the war in Ukraine, the new approach of the U.S. administration toward Europe, and, above all, the arms race started by Russia present new challenges for us. Europe must win this arms race. [...] I am convinced that Russia will lose this race, just as the Soviet Union lost it 40 years ago," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk, referencing historical events.

The European Council emphasized the need for a significant increase in defense spending. One of the key actions in this regard will be the implementation of the "ReArm Europe" plan, which will allow member states to access loans secured by the EU budget, totaling up to €150 billion. The European Union also plans to invest more in the defense industry, enabling Europe to gradually reduce its reliance on external suppliers.

Poland has long treated security as a priority, setting the direction for Europe's actions. This is reflected in initiatives such as Poland's EU Council Presidency slogan, "Security, Europe!", its record-high defense spending compared to other NATO countries, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk's international proposals, such as strengthening control in the Baltic Sea.

"We have lost a lot of time as Europe. But today, everything has truly changed. I am speaking about both the Commission's proposal and the determination of all my interlocutors. [...] As Europe, we will arm ourselves faster, smarter, and more efficiently than Russia," declared the Prime Minister.

A strong European Union means security for its citizens and better security guarantees for Ukraine. By increasing its military capabilities, Europe is also working to strengthen transatlantic relations—credible partnerships require taking greater responsibility for one's own security.

Security of the Eastern Border is the Security of All Europe

The European Council stated in its conclusions that protecting the EU's land, air, and maritime borders contributes to the security of all Europe. This is especially important for the eastern border, which is constantly exposed to threats from Russia and Belarus.

"The East Shield and the defense of the European Union's eastern border have become a priority that is no longer questioned by anyone. And this also means funding and infrastructure support," the Prime Minister announced before the summit.

In the near future, Poland will also push for an increased presence of European and NATO forces at its eastern border.

"Today, we talk a lot about security guarantees for Ukraine, but to truly provide someone with a security guarantee, we must first ensure our own safety. Therefore, the first thing we should do in Europe is to fully secure European borders—especially with Russia and Belarus—the sea, particularly the Baltic, airspace, and cyberspace," the Prime Minister emphasized.

At the summit, the EU also reiterated its support for Ukraine. The 26 member states firmly acknowledged that the security of Ukraine, Europe, and the world are inseparably linked. Thus, Europe supports Ukraine's right to defend itself against Russian aggression and, in line with Poland's long-standing calls, emphasizes that decisions regarding Ukraine must be made with Kyiv's involvement.

During his time in Brussels, Prime Minister Donald Tusk also held meetings with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, acting Romanian President Ilie Bolojan, and Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Zhelyazkov.