Tusk calls for EU defence spending hikes

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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged European countries to increase defence expenditures in alignment with the official 2% of GDP target for NATO members, as frequently cited by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Tusk emphasised that the EU’s survival depends on its ability to strengthen security and defence. He said “Ask not what America can do for Europe and its security – ask what we ourselves can do for it.”

Addressing European lawmakers, Tusk stressed the need for unity and decisive action in response to Russia’s aggression. “This is a time when Europe cannot afford to cut back on security,” Tusk said, adding that “the EU faces an existential threat with Russia waging war in Ukraine, and we must take responsibility for our own defence rather than relying solely on the US.”

“Europe will be free, our nations will be free, we will be strong – however, there is one condition: we must show strength, determination and courage. We face great and sometimes threatening challenges: the war in Ukraine caused by Russian aggression and changes in our allies. All of this reminds us of the importance of solid and lasting relationships in politics.

“We want to work together so that our political community can effectively compete against those who are not always in our favor. Europe can once again become the most competitive in the world – not only economically, but also in politics. We have always been creative and brave in the past. Europe is, was and will be strong!” Tusk added.

Polish PM restates seven main EU presidency objectives

Under the banner “Security, Europe!” Poland’s presidency aims to reinforce the EU’s security framework across multiple dimensions, including external and internal defense, economic stability, energy resilience, and protection against foreign interference. The Polish Presidency has outlined seven core priorities:

Tusk’s call for increased defence spending aligns with broader discussions within the EU regarding the bloc’s strategic autonomy. Poland’s leadership is expected to push for concrete commitments from member states, reinforcing the EU’s collective ability to deter security threats and safeguard its stability in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Tusk’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the EU, as geopolitical tensions, migration pressures, and economic challenges test the bloc’s resilience. The Polish government has acknowledged that its presidency coincides with a period of significant uncertainty stemming from Russia’s three-year-long war in Ukraine, as well as concerns over European competitiveness and energy security.

Poland’s rising role in European defence

UK weekly The Economist wrote last week that Poland is emerging as a key player in shaping Europe’s defence landscape, reinforcing EU security structures and NATO’s collective deterrence capabilities.

Poland has rapidly increased its defence budget and troop numbers, now ranking third in NATO for personnel, below the US and Turkey. The CEE country is now among the few NATO members meeting enhanced defence spending targets, demonstrating its commitment to the alliance’s collective security framework.

Poland’s defence budget has tripled in real terms, making it one of the highest military spenders in Europe relative to GDP, and is executing large-scale military procurements to bolster its security. Investments include Apache attack helicopters and advanced air-defence systems made in the US, reinforcing its strategic ties with the superpower.

The country sees itself as a bridge between the EU and the US, advocating for strong transatlantic defence ties, and emphasising deterrence and rapid response capabilities. The shifting geopolitical landscape has encouraged Poland to support greater European defence self-reliance, while maintaining its stance that NATO is the foundation of European security.

Additionally, Poland is playing a key role in supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts, serving as a logistics hub for military assistance. However, historical tensions and differences in diplomatic engagement have hit bilateral relations. Despite this, Poland remains committed to Ukraine’s path toward EU and NATO integration, The UK business weekly added.