Speaking at the 16th European Economic Congress in the southern Polish city of Katowice on Tuesday, Tusk emphasized that large sums of money wisely spent now could avert war for a long time.
Tusk highlighted Poland's leadership in matters concerning Europe's future, from security to a practical approach to using European funds.
He also focused heavily on security, saying that "only a blind person or someone of ill will could pretend that everything is as it was before."
Reflecting on the war in Ukraine, Tusk remarked that if Europe had been better prepared, Russia might not have dared to attack Ukraine.
He asserted: "Europe can and must avoid conflict. Europe is secure, and Poland, as its heart, will also be secure if we don't squander our collective efforts."
Tusk called for the appointment of a European defense commissioner, saying that this proposal by Poland has been seriously considered in Brussels.
He also stressed that Europe must be prepared in the coming months and years so that no force dares to threaten it.
"We are ready for this," he declared.
He outlined a vision for a safe Europe, noting the need for a "dome" over the continent, which would require significant financial investment.
He proposed a minimum of EUR 100 billion for defense and security, possibly from unused recovery funds, and argued that such spending would push war away from Europe's borders for a long time, possibly permanently.
Tusk emphasized the importance of secure European skies, which he said should become a European project.
He argued that discussions on security should not be limited to scientific discourse or political declarations. Instead, the financial effort to build a "dome" over Europe should be a priority, as it is a politically unifying issue, he told the conference.
"Where is the conflicting interest when it comes to a safe sky over the entire continent? There's no room for dispute here, no room for internal competition; this is a place solely for collective effort," he said.
He also addressed the need for a secure European border and spoke about economic concerns, particularly for European businesses, including those in Poland's southern Silesia region.
He stated that European businesses should feel secure against competitors from outside Europe. He argued that the European Union should support its companies "within healthy rules and sensible procedures."
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Source: IAR, PAP
Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.