Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk participated in the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, stressing that the defense of Europe’s eastern flank has become a central priority for the European Union. He underlined that the protection of EU and NATO borders with Russia and Belarus is no longer solely Poland’s concern but a shared responsibility of all member states, including Germany and France.
Security at the top of the agenda
The Copenhagen summit followed an informal EU leaders’ meeting in the Danish capital on Wednesday, focused on Europe’s security and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. According to Tusk, Poland’s consistent advocacy has helped make the defense of the eastern flank a “common point of view” within the Union.
“No one questions anymore that our eastern border with Russia and Belarus is the border of the whole of Europe and NATO, and that everyone must take responsibility—financial and organizational—for its protection,” the Polish Prime Minister said.
Tusk recalled that his earlier call in 2014 for a European air shield in response to Russia’s first invasion of Ukraine met little response. “Only the direct threat of Russian provocations woke the rest of Europe, and today no one disputes it,” he noted.
A ‘drone wall’ against Russia
Among the security measures discussed was the construction of a so-called “drone wall” along the eastern flank to counter threats from Moscow. Tusk stressed that while such a system cannot guarantee complete safety, it would significantly strengthen Europe’s defenses.
“We are realists. We don’t expect a drone wall to eliminate all risks. But if someone looks for one hundred percent guarantees, they will never find them,” Tusk said, emphasizing the need to use every possible tool to enhance security.
Support for Ukraine
Another major issue at the summit was continued assistance for Ukraine, especially in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent shift toward a more pro-Ukrainian stance. While Tusk welcomed this as a positive signal, he highlighted Washington’s expectation that Europe take on greater financial responsibility.
“Ukraine must have the necessary financial means to continue resisting Russia, which is also in Poland’s vital interest,” Tusk explained. “If we are to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, as our American partner expects, we need to start organizing this now.”
Tusk confirmed he had discussed the financing of military support with EU leaders and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
“We live in times of war”
The Polish leader urged European partners to abandon illusions about Russia’s actions.
“The first illusion was, and still is, that there is no war. Some prefer to call it aggression, incidents, or provocations. No—it is war. A new, complex kind of war, but war nonetheless,” he said.
Tusk argued that determination and courage would ensure Europe’s victory over Moscow, pointing to Moldova’s recent elections as a “spectacular victory over Russian propaganda.”
During his visit, Tusk also joined a panel discussion alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
