Tusk: "The EU must be prepared to defend its own borders. Trump's words have been a cold shower for everyone"

The concern over the potential return of former President Donald Trump to power in the US and the implications it may have for NATO and European security has sparked a repositioning of power centers within the European Union. This shift has been particularly noticeable since the pro-European Donald Tusk assumed power in Poland, leading to a belief within the EU that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security even while maintaining its membership in NATO.

A significant development in this regard was the recent meeting near Paris between the foreign ministers of Poland, France, and Germany. This meeting symbolized the revitalization of the Weimar triangle, a platform for political cooperation between these three nations that had fallen dormant in recent years. The discussions held during this meeting, as well as Tusk’s separate meetings with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, have paved the way for increased cooperation and potential reforms within the EU.

One of the major areas of concern addressed during these discussions was the lack of coordination and dispersal of the European arms industry, resulting in inefficiencies and gaps in defense capabilities. The leaders of Germany, France, and Poland expressed a shared objective of enhancing cooperation among European companies and establishing a common defense policy that does not compete with NATO. They emphasized the importance of NATO and the principle of collective defense, while also recognizing the need for Europe to bolster its own security.

The EU faces significant challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the potential interference of Russia in European elections, the uncertainty surrounding US aid, and the possibility of Donald Trump returning to power. As a result, there is a growing awareness among EU member states that the Union must be capable of ensuring its own security. However, this does not mean abandoning NATO or embracing Trump’s mercantilist approach.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described Trump’s remarks as irresponsible and playing into Russia’s hands. Poland, in particular, expressed concern over Trump’s comments due to its reliance on US military support as a deterrent against Russian aggression. Tusk stressed the need for Europe to become a safe continent, with strong countries like France and Poland capable of defending their borders and collaborating with allies.

Macron recognized the key role played by France and Poland in European security and defense, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. He expressed the EU’s determination to support Ukraine and highlighted the importance of developing the EU’s own defense industry. German officials also reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and transatlantic cooperation, despite considering Trump’s comments.

While NATO does not require its members to pay bills, it does expect them to invest a certain percentage of their GDP in defense. Poland has consistently met this target, and Germany has announced plans to increase its military spending to reach the 2% goal. France has already reached this level of defense expenditure.