'People cannot associate democracy with a lack of strength,' he said. 'Do not ask America what they can do for our security, ask yourself what we can do for our security,' he said Wednesday in Strasbourg in a speech to the European Parliament.
Poland will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the next six months. Tusk informed the Members of the European Parliament that the Polish presidency also aims to reduce illegal migration, because the EU must be able to guarantee the security of its borders and territory in order to ensure safety and stability. Tusk emphasized that migration can be controlled without nationalist and xenophobic slogans.
He also pointed to the expansion of the EU and the accession of Ukraine as future goals. Additionally, countries in the Western Balkans also want to join.
Many MEPs insisted on continuing to reduce the purchase of energy from Russia. At the same time, the EU must guarantee that citizens have access to affordable energy. For this reason, the Polish liberal believes that the environmental requirements of the Green Deal must also be adjusted. With this, Tusk approaches the course of the European EVP Christian Democrats, who want to slow down environmental and climate legislation in the EU over the coming years.
Members of the European Parliament embraced the plans and ambitions of the Polish prime minister. A majority support Tusk's call to prioritize security and defense. They see the necessity of higher military spending. Europe must also develop a strong defense industry. Tusk concluded: 'Our future lies in our hands, not those of the Chinese or Americans, and we must not be afraid.'