Donald Tusk sets four priorities as new President of the European Council

Former Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk, who took over the post of President of the European Council, set four priorities for his term: political unity of the EU, end of economic crisis, protection of European security and strengthening the ties with the United States.

Tusk replaced Herman Van Rompuy as the President of the European institution. He was elected by the 28 EU heads of state or government – on 30 August 2014, for an initial term of 2,5 years.

His predecessor, Herman Van Rompuy, was the first President of the European Council, in office from 2009 to 2014.
At an handover ceremony taking place in Brussels, Tusk expressed his appreciation for the work of Herman Van Rompuy and outlined four of the priorities that will guide his mandate.

“First, protecting our fundamental values: solidarity, freedom, unity against the threats to the Union and its unity coming from both inside and outside. Today, not only are eurosceptics questioning the EU’s value, the Union even has enemies. Politics has retu rned to Europe, history is back, and such times need leadership and political unity.

Second, we need ruthless determination to end the economic crisis. It is our responsibility to complete the genuine Economic Monetary Union. I take this task very seriously. And we must remember that our common currency, the Euro, is our advantage, not our disadvantage.

Third, the European Union must be strong internatio nally. Europe has to secure its borders and support those in the neighbourhood who share our values.

And fourth, the relations between Europe and the United States are the backbone of the community of democracies. Both we and the Americans are responsible for the future of our relations. The year ahead will be crucial,” Tusk said.