English Section

Poland, Denmark strengthen ties with focus on Ukraine, European security

16.04.2024 08:00
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen have reaffirmed their shared stance on security issues and continued European support for Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen meet in Warsaw on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen meet in Warsaw on Monday, April 15, 2024.Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

During a meeting in Warsaw on Monday, the two leaders discussed their countries' collaboration on developing an "Iron Dome" defense system designed to protect European skies from potential missile and drone attacks.

The meeting marked another significant discussion on the future of Europe, Tusk emphasized during a joint press conference.

He highlighted the unity between Poland and Denmark as Poland prepares to assume the EU presidency on January 1, 2025, to be followed by Denmark six months later.

"We will want to accelerate some of the Union's work, whether it relates to the expansion of the EU or security in the broad sense," Tusk said.

"I count on excellent cooperation when it comes to European security, food security, energy, military, and border security," he added.

Tusk expressed optimism about the effectiveness of the EU's support for Ukraine, compared to other global powers, and emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions rather than criticism of EU partners.

He said: "We will work today and in the future towards a unified, clear, and fair EU stance on the war in Ukraine, and we will be among those who help and mobilize others to assist Ukraine. Denmark and Poland rule out any scenario other than the one in which Ukraine maintains its integrity and independence."

The leaders' dialogue also covered the EU's role in global security, echoing the urgency of reinforcing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and responding to recent international events, such as Iran's attack on Israel, which underscored the importance of a robust anti-missile and anti-drone system for Europe, according to officials.

Frederiksen responded positively to Poland's intention to join the European project aimed at building the protective dome, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

The discussion also addressed the ongoing Russian "shadow fleet" issue — unflagged vessels often in poor condition that are used to transport Russian oil to bypass EU sanctions.

Frederiksen suggested that the European Commission ought to issue guidelines on how member states might combat this threat, stressing that both Denmark and Poland are committed to finding solutions.

Tusk and Frederiksen also reviewed the responses to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent pleas for increased anti-aircraft defense and ammunition supplies.

"Germany has already responded by sending additional Patriots to Ukraine," Frederiksen said, as quoted by the PAP news agency.

She added: "There should be further deliveries following this. This needs to be done now so that Ukraine can protect itself from attacks and secure its infrastructure."

(rt/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP