Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election will have serious consequences for European security, but he added he could not predict precisely what those consequences would be.
“The US elections will have serious consequences for European policy, especially in the area of security,” he told a news conference ahead of his flight to Budapest for a European leaders’ summit.
“For us, it is very important, I want to emphasize this, Poland has clearly defined interests,” he said.
The Polish prime minister said his main message to other European leaders would be “to consolidate transatlantic relations”, adding that he had “good personal relations” with Trump during his first term when he was the President of the European Council.
He described Trump as a “demanding” partner who believed in utilising “unpredictability” in politics both towards his allies and enemies.
“We must be prepared for a change compared to Joe Biden’s presidency. Does this mean – for us in the key issues of security, Ukraine, Russia, war – an about turn in Washington? I don’t know anyone who could precisely answer this question,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Hungary, European leaders are meeting to discuss the continent security challenges.
Ahead of the summit, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters that European countries need to send a clear message to the US and the incoming Trump administration that they will support Ukraine as much as needed.
Finland, which is an EU member, joined NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The war in Gaza and Lebanon is also expected to be discussed. Irregular migration and economic security are also said to be on the agenda.
The fifth meeting, external of the European Political Community in Budapest will include 47 heads of state and government from countries including the UK and Ukraine as well as EU institutions
