Poland aims to help enhance ties between Europe and US amid global upheavals: PM

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Saturday that his country aims to play a key role in maintaining and strengthening the transatlantic partnership between Europe and the United States amid growing geopolitical instability and Russian influence.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks at a gathering of his governing Civic Coalition (KO) party in Warsaw on Saturday, April 11, 2026.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

Speaking at a gathering of his governing centrist Civic Coalition (KO) in Warsaw, Tusk said the world was undergoing profound change marked by wars, shifting geopolitical dynamics and global tensions.

“Let’s call things by their name: the world we have known for decades is falling apart before our eyes,” Tusk said, adding that politics in Poland, Europe and beyond had taken on a “to be or not to be” dimension.

He told party members that Poland faces a crucial period ahead of upcoming elections and said he was confident in his ability to guide the country through what he described as a difficult time.

“We must eliminate everything that reeks of betrayal—everything that constitutes collaboration with those who threaten Poland’s independence and Europe’s unity,” Tusk said.

The prime minister accused Russia of pursuing a strategy to weaken the European Union, sow divisions between European countries and undermine democratic institutions.

He outlined what he called a “five-point plan” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, including efforts to pit Poland against Ukraine, fuel tensions with Germany, block defence funding and erode democratic systems.

Tusk argued that similar actions could be observed within Poland’s domestic politics, drawing parallels between Russia’s strategy and the policies of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party and its leader Jarosław Kaczyński.

“I don’t need to convince anyone that we see actors of this scenario in Poland every day,” he said, adding that such actions amounted to a betrayal of national interests.

He also warned that Russia seeks to weaken NATO and argued that it is in Poland’s and the West’s interest to maintain a strong transatlantic alliance.

“Poland is a reliable and committed NATO ally, especially for the United States,” Tusk said. “Our role is to speak honestly—not flatter, but engage in serious and open dialogue.”

Tusk said Poland is “predestined” to strengthen ties between Europe and the United States, particularly in the face of the Russian threat.

He also referred to upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, expressing hope that the opposition there could defeat Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, as PiS lost power in Poland in 2023.

“Poland should remain open to cooperation with democratic partners,” Tusk said, adding that „unity among pro-democratic forces” is key to countering political threats in Europe.

He urged his supporters to prepare for a challenging electoral contest next year, saying the 2027 parliamentary elections would determine Poland’s independence, security and position in Europe.

Tusk also touched on concerns about the cryptocurrency sector, suggesting that some entities linked to it could be used as channels for Russian funding of political activities.

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Source: IAR, PAP

Radio Poland