Warsaw wanted to think big on Tuesday, November 19, bringing together the Polish, French, German and Italian foreign ministers, as well as the designated high representative of the European Union (EU) in foreign affairs, at the former royal residence in Lazienki. Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, who was joined by videoconference by the heads of British and Spanish diplomacy. On the thousandth day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Europeans were eager to show their support for kyiv, calling to strengthen their common defense while preserving their relations with the United States.
“We are convinced that, in the current geopolitical situation (…)“Only strong transatlantic ties will allow us to effectively counter growing threats from Russia and other states.”stressed the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radoslaw Sikorski, believing that the time has come for “Europe will take more responsibility for its own security”.
This observation was shared by all participants. “Every euro allocated to the security of Ukraine is 1 euro that strengthens our capabilities”declared the head of German diplomacy, Annalena Baerbock, insisting on the need for European countries to dedicate at least 2% of their gross domestic product to defense.
The fact that this meeting was held in the Polish capital is not due to chance. Since Donald Tusk came to power in December 2023, his government has made a notable return to managing European affairs, breaking with eight years of Euroscepticism and diplomatic chaos.
Unlike France and Germany, weakened by political instability, Warsaw has a strong government, the result of the October 2023 legislative elections, marked by record turnout. Poland is also preparing to take over the rotating presidency of the EU Council on 1Ahem January 2025. While Donald Trump’s return to the White House on January 20, 2025 opens the door wide to the question of the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, Warsaw is seen more than ever as a link between Brussels and Washington.
Prepare to face the American withdrawal
The center-right government, fearing unfavorable peace conditions for Ukraine, continues to intensify diplomatic initiatives. The former president of the European Council (2014-2019), close to Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the Commission – and a member like her of the European People’s Party –, Donald Tusk, continues bilateral meetings in preparation for the European Council in December. He will also be invited, on November 27 and 28, to the Council of the Baltic and Nordic Countries in Stockholm, where a strategic partnership agreement between Poland and Sweden will be signed.
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