Donald Tusk described the European Union as an “imperfect” yet vital miracle of peace, while President Karol Nawrocki moved to initiate a referendum on EU climate policies.
Tusk’s Reflection on the European Union
Donald Tusk stated on the X portal that the European Union is “imperfect, annoying, and boring,” but noted that nothing better has been invented in history. He described the current era of peace, prosperity, freedom, democracy, and international solidarity as a miracle that should endure as long as possible.
Defense Funding Secured Through SAFE Agreement
On Friday, May 8, Poland became the first European Union country to sign an agreement regarding the SAFE program with the European Commission. The signing ceremony was held at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, where representatives from the Polish government and the European Commission signed the document. The agreement will provide €43.7 billion in low-interest loans for Polish armament.
This follows President Karol Nawrocki’s mid-March veto of the law implementing SAFE, which had proposed a special fund for EU funds. In response, the government adopted the “Polska Zbrojna” program, authorizing the Ministers of National Defense and Finance to sign the SAFE agreement and loan documents. The loan will be taken by the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego for the Armed Forces Support Fund to modernize the Polish military.
Presidential Push for Climate Policy Referendum
On Thursday, May 7, Karol Nawrocki informed the Senate of his request to hold a referendum regarding EU climate policy, citing the right of Polish citizens to express opinions on the consequences of the Green Deal. As a civic presidential candidate who signed an agreement with the “Solidarność” trade union, Nawrocki pledged to act against the negative impacts of the European Green Deal.
Nawrocki argued that the Green Deal and ETS lead to higher energy prices, decreased economic competitiveness, and the decline of agricultural production. The proposed referendum, scheduled for September 27, 2026, would ask citizens if they support climate policies that have increased the cost of living, energy prices, and business or agricultural operations. Senate Vice-Marshal Magdalena Biejat stated that the president’s request will be rejected.
