Europe Must Be Secure and United - Prime Minister Tusk Ahead of the European Council Summit
Republic of Poland - The Chancellery of the Prime Minister
20.03.2025
The rearmament of Europe and strengthening the protection of the EU's eastern border are the main topics of the European Council summit. Before departing for Brussels, Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Poland played a key role in negotiating joint European funding for NATO's eastern flank. The head of government also appealed to the President to promptly sign a bill enabling the temporary suspension of the right to apply for asylum for individuals illegally crossing the border.
Europe's Security Depends on Unity
In the context of the war in Ukraine, the security and inviolability of Poland's borders have become matters not only of European but also global significance. NATO's eastern flank needs reinforcement, and Europe must speak with one voice in this regard.
"We are close to finalizing the most important European project of recent decades: a Europe that is secure, armed, and united against the Russian threat," said the Prime Minister before leaving for Brussels.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Poland's security is an integral part of Europe's overall security, and that EU-wide cooperation is the best deterrent against Russia.
European Parliament Votes on the East Shield Project
The Prime Minister also referred to the vote in the European Parliament, during which PiS and Confederation politicians opposed the Eastern Shield project and European rearmament.
"I have no doubt that Putin's worst nightmare is a strong and united Europe, ready to invest in its security. That is why any action that hinders European unity on defense matters is, in fact, Russian sabotage," said Donald Tusk.
Today, the Sejm will also debate a resolution on the East Shield. Prime Minister Tusk commissioned the preparation of a document that, if supported, "offers a chance to wash away the shame of those who did not support the European Parliament's resolution on this matter."
"Today we'll see whether that vote was a mistake, stupidity, or political calculation. This vote will show who truly cares about Poland's security and who is acting against the national interest," the Prime Minister added.
The resolution supports the measures included in the European Parliament's resolution. It particularly emphasizes the importance of the Eastern Shield program. On Thursday morning, the project was addressed by the Sejm's National Defense Committee.
Illegal Migration as a Tool of Hybrid Warfare
The Prime Minister also urged the President to urgently sign a law enabling the temporary suspension of the right to apply for asylum by individuals illegally crossing the border. Fast legislative action is key to strengthening border protection.
"Illegal migration at the Belarusian border is no coincidence; it's a tool of hybrid warfare by Putin and Lukashenko. What's crucial is the understanding that in Poland, one cannot apply for asylum when the border is crossed illegally. That will be a major deterrent," the Prime Minister stressed.
He also announced that once the President signs the law, the government will immediately introduce the necessary regulation to hinder smuggling operations and discourage attempts to cross the border illegally.
Poland Will Not Be Left Alone
Prime Minister Tusk reminded that Poland had for years warned Europe about the Russian threat. Today, there is no longer any doubt in Europe - Poland's security is Europe's security.
"We are now one step away from Europe, as a whole, taking responsibility for our shared security. We cannot waste this historic opportunity," said the Prime Minister.
At the European Council summit, key matters will include European rearmament and a joint European response to the Russian threat. Topics related to economic policy and the situation in the Middle East will also be addressed.
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