Commenting on the race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, Tusk wrote on social media: "Harris or Trump? Some claim that the future of Europe depends on the American elections, while it depends first and foremost on us. On condition Europe finally grows up and believes in its own strength."
The Polish leader, a former president of the European Council, added: "Whatever the outcome, the era of geopolitical outsourcing is over."
Commentators have interpreted Tusk's post as an appeal to the EU to reduce its reliance on America for security and take charge of its own defense, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and potential threats from Russia.
Broadcaster France Inter Radio reported that Poland spends about 4 percent of its GDP on defense—double the amount spent by France or Germany—reflecting not only historical factors and the country’s geographical position but also Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Pierre Haski, a geopolitical analyst at Radio France Inter, said that Tusk's remarks resonate strongly in a weakened and divided Europe on the eve of the US election.
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Source: PAP/X/@franceinter/@pierrehaski