Tusk and Merz Strengthen Polish-German Ties Amid Security Talks

Tusk also took the opportunity to ask for continuation of German's deployment of its Patriot air defense systems in Poland until years end. In January Germany sent two Patriot batteries to Rzeszów in southern Poland, a Westward hub for military aid to Ukraine. Tusk emphasized that the air defense and troops from Poland, Germany, and other countries are good for Ukraine but also the entire Europe. He also called for stronger European defense cooperation to fend off external threats, adding: “What else would make sense other than protecting the whole of European territory?”

Security Co-operation and NATO Responsibilities
Chancellor Merz acknowledged the security threat emanating from Moscow especially to Poland that has outer boundary borders with Russia as well as Belarus. He thanked Poland for its work on the behalf of NATO, saying, “Poland is making tremendous efforts in this area and is doing so also on behalf of the whole NATO alliance.” Merz emphasized the necessity of fast and substantial progression in the deterrence assets of Europe. In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and apprehensions about the United States’ role in the region during Donald Trump’s presidency, many European countries have raised their defense budgets.

With 4.7 percent of GDP spent on the military, a figure that should rise to 5 percent by 2026, Poland is the leader in the alliance for defense spending. Germany, in the meantime, had to change its constitution in order to clear a course around its debt brake and spend heavily on defense. “This is our contribution to European security,” Merz said, emphasizing the broader European effort to bolster military capabilities.

Joint position on the migration policies
Tusk and Merz also focused on illegal immigration. The two leaders were in agreement that all of Europe must come together to stop illegal migration. We have to have an EU-wide approach,” Merz said. This week, his new interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, decreed that illegal migrants, including asylum seekers, should be turned back at German borders.

Tusk said Poland backed the reform of the readmission policy that would allow countries to return illegal migrants but added: "We categorically don't want any of them to be sent to Poland, so we won't accept them. Poland has been under increasing pressure at the border with Belarus since 2021, which it has said was engineered by Belarus and Russia to wage a “hybrid war.”

Before going to Warsaw, Merz also held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The two leaders announced a Franco-German Defence and Security Council to deal with the increasing security and economic challenges facing Europe.

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