Investments in EU Security

One of the key topics at the informal summit of EU leaders was strengthening security. Poland presented key proposals for the future of European defense.

"I am very proud that the Polish-Greek initiative regarding Europe’s air defense and the 'Shield East' project for protecting the EU’s eastern border have gained the understanding of all our interlocutors,"

-stated the Prime Minister during a press conference with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

There was also agreement that Europe must invest in defense to take greater responsibility for its security. All leaders expressed their readiness to accelerate work on concrete solutions in this area.

"One of the European Union's joint tasks will be the protection of territorial waters and seas – the Baltic Sea as well as the North Sea,"

-announced Donald Tusk in Brussels.

The funds allocated by member states for defense should be increased. Today, the EU average is around 2% of GDP, whereas Poland already spends 4.7% of GDP. The EU budget in this area also requires further increases.

"I want to explore and use the full range of flexibility within the new Stability and Growth Pact to enable a significant increase in defense spending,"

-stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

It is also crucial to provide greater support to the defense sector through international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB).

European Defense Priorities

Although the EU leaders met in an informal format in Brussels, the debate was very promising and productive from Poland’s perspective. European leaders prepared defense guidelines that will contribute to the White Paper on the Future of EU Defense.

"We discussed the intentions of all 27 member states regarding the need to accelerate work on arming Europe, making it safer, as well as full solidarity with EU countries and Ukraine,"

– said Donald Tusk.

"The Commission will present a document on the future of European defense by March. This document will serve as the basis for member states to make the necessary decisions in June,"

-explained Ursula von der Leyen.

Investments in the defense sector will allow the European Union to enhance its competitiveness on the international stage.

Solidarity with Denmark and Ukraine

EU leaders also expressed solidarity with Denmark in its conflict with the United States over Greenland. For the European Union, territorial integrity is non-negotiable and remains a top priority for the entire community.

"Everyone who unanimously supported Denmark was aware of the possible consequences. It is very important that our words of solidarity are not just slogans but a conscious undertaking of potential challenges,"

-explained the Prime Minister.

A key issue remains ensuring support for Ukraine, which continues to fight against Russian aggression. EU military assistance must be long-term.

"We Europeans have already provided support to Ukraine worth €134 billion, and we will continue to provide this support because we are determined to assist Ukraine for as long as necessary and by all necessary means,"

-assured António Costa.

European investments in defense research and technology are crucial. Europe can also cooperate with Ukraine in this regard.

Transatlantic Cooperation

For Europe, close cooperation with NATO and strengthening transatlantic ties is essential. EU defense initiatives should align with NATO standards and requirements.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also attended the informal retreat.

"The strategic partnership between the European Union and NATO is crucial for ensuring transatlantic security. Most organizations will continue to cooperate and strengthen each other,"

-stated the President of the European Council.

"We discussed our transatlantic partnership, which remains our most important relationship—fundamental for peace, security, and prosperity. [...] The European Union is prepared for a strong yet constructive dialogue with the United States,"

-added Ursula von der Leyen.

Earlier in Brussels, Donald Tusk urged EU leaders to act rationally regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on EU goods.

"Poland will be the country that calls for common sense. Any attempts to engage in ‘tariff wars’ would be a misunderstanding,"

-appealed the Polish Prime Minister.

The EU should not introduce any restrictions or limitations on spending money on American weaponry. The security of the entire continent is at stake.

United Kingdom – A Key EU Ally

Although the United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020, it remains a crucial partner, particularly in matters of security.

"As the presidency, we initiated today's British segment of the meeting. Regardless of Brexit and its consequences, the UK must cooperate as closely as possible with the EU on security matters,"

-stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

For this reason, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was a special guest at the meeting.

"Since Brexit, relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union have never been better. We will certainly be able to minimize the consequences of our separation from a few years ago,”

-emphasized the Polish Prime Minister.

The next European Council meeting is scheduled for March 20-21, 2025.