Tusk described the presidency as a breakthrough in convincing EU countries, leaders, and institutions to abandon the long-held belief in an inviolable, peaceful Europe and instead prepare for a more precarious future.
A new era of European readiness
“It was extremely difficult to shift the EU into a state of mobilisation - into thinking seriously about how to defend itself against potential threats. The Polish presidency was a breakthrough in this regard,” he said during a press conference in Brussels, underlining the significant challenge Poland faced in refocusing the Union’s priorities.
The head of the Polish government also highlighted progress beyond security.
Poland leads EU reform and defence shift
“I am very pleased that, during the Polish presidency, deregulation ceased to be merely a slogan - and concrete work began on delivering real deregulation measures,” Tusk added, emphasizing efforts to streamline EU policies and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Reflecting on Poland’s role, he said, “Times have changed. It was Poland that first reminded Europe - and made everyone realise - that the European Union must take responsibility for its own borders and its own defence capabilities.”
This statement underscored Poland’s leadership in pushing the EU towards a more self-reliant security stance amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Poland’s leadership and a new chapter for the EU presidency
As Denmark takes over the presidency on 1 July, Tusk expressed relief, noting the burden on Poland’s government and signalling a return to concentrating fully on domestic affairs.
The handover, he suggested, would ease pressures on Poland while allowing continued attention to European interests.
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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@POLAND25EU