Stockholm – This Wednesday and Thursday, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is hosting colleagues from the Nordic and Baltic regions at Harpsund, his official retreat, with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk in attendance.
Tusk is currently traveling across Europe to bolster ongoing support for Ukraine and to prepare the EU for a potential shift in leadership in the U.S. when Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.
There are various factors driving Tusk’s proactive approach. With Poland being a neighbor to Ukraine and significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict, the urgency is evident. Additionally, Germany and France, typically the engines of EU policy, are grappling with their own political challenges.
As Poland prepares to assume the EU presidency on January 1, Tusk’s vigorous engagement can be interpreted as a proactive strategy to lay the groundwork for his leadership.
At Harpsund, Tusk will connect with fellow leaders who align with his stance on the necessity of sustained support for Ukraine. He is also set to meet with NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The next EU foreign affairs chief will be Estonia’s Kaja Kallas, known for her strong criticism of Russia and support for Ukraine.
Tusk brings valuable experience to the table, having previously negotiated with Trump during his time as President of the European Council when Trump was last in office.
(November 25)
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