"For the first time in many years, there were no Russians at the European Council meeting," said Tusk
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that during the informal European Council meeting in Cyprus, there was a sense of “immense relief” among the leaders due to the absence of Russian representatives.
The head of the Polish government made this remark during a briefing in Cyprus on the second day of the European Council meeting, which Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is not attending, according to PAP.
“Yesterday, you could feel a huge sense of relief among the leaders because, for the first time in many years, there were no Russians in the room—if you know what I mean,” Tusk noted during the briefing.
According to him, the current mood among European leaders has changed significantly not only because of Russia’s war against Ukraine, but also due to political changes in Europe. In particular, he mentioned the results of the elections in Hungary and the victory of opposition politician Péter Magyar.
“In the U.S., Europe, and Russia, there have been voices claiming that democracy stands no chance against authoritarianism. But that is not the case. The victory of opposition leader Péter Magyar is truly significant. It shows that there is a future for Europe, for democracy, for the rule of law, and that we are not doomed, even when we are fighting corruption and such powerful political figures as Viktor Orbán,” emphasized the head of the Polish government.
Tusk also stressed the need to strengthen the EU’s security policy in light of threats from Russia.
“The EU cannot simply remain at the level of declarations, guarantees, and treaties. Practical solutions are needed that directly address security, particularly the eastern border, and these must be Europe-wide solutions. This can no longer remain merely on paper,” he stated.
The Polish prime minister called for the substantive implementation of Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty, which provides for the mutual defense of member states, and noted that discussions on this issue could become a “turning point” for European defense policy.
Separately, Tusk added that Poland is satisfied with its defense cooperation with the U.S., agreeing with Washington’s position that Europe must strengthen its own security independently.
As a reminder, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico refused to sign the European Council’s conclusions on Ukraine dated March 19 due to the absence of a clause in the text regarding the resumption of operations of the Druzhba oil pipeline.
