The international situation is changing the balance of power in Europe. The eastern flank is gaining from this NATOThe importance of the Baltic and Nordic countries is growing, CzechRomanians and (above all) Poles – describes Politico. According to the portal, it is precisely those countries that are already clearly involved in helping Ukraine and deterring Russia that can decide on EU policy.
Tusk the leader of Europe? Poland can lead the eastern flank in the EU
The importance of the Eastern countries is growing, especially since the current leaders of Europe are experiencing a crisis: Germany and France. The problem is especially their leaders. Politico calls Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz “lame ducks”. Their place in Europe is to be gradually taken by Donald Tusk.
“While Paris's push for full strategic autonomy has alienated some countries that see it as a benefit mainly to France, Germany has withdrawn from leadership on key geopolitical challenges facing the bloc. That has created a boulevard for Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to assert himself on the EU stage and in transatlantic relations,” the website writes. “His defense spending, friendly but realistic approach to Washington and clear support for Ukraine make him more palatable to many countries on Europe's eastern flank than either Macron or Scholz,” Politico writes. It even suggests a “Polish trio” that could lead in Europe.
“Polish Trio” Could Lead EU. Politico on Surprising Meeting
In addition to Donald Tusk, he mentions Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Piotr Serafin, who recently became a candidate for EU budget commissioner. According to Politico, Sikorski is to convince other countries to redefine the EU's approach to transatlantic relations, while Serafin is to redirect EU spending more towards defense. “Together, these three Poles can influence Ursula von der Leyen,” writes Politico.
In addition to the Polish trio, a key politician is to be Kaji Kallas, former prime minister of Estonia, who is now to become the bloc's top diplomat. Her task will be to become a link between Poland and the Nordic and Baltic countries. “A sense of common purpose brings Poland and its Baltic and Nordic partners closer together. Representatives of these flanking countries are meeting to agree their positions ahead of the final meetings of EU leaders in Brussels. This is an announcement new power dynamics that could surpass the so-called Weimar format consisting of Warsaw, Berlin and Paris,” Politico believes.