An article published in the German weekly Die Zeit intended to portray Donald Tusk as one of the key figures in European politics. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the Polish prime minister—famously known for saying “no one in Europe listens to me”—is not treated as an equal partner by Berlin and Paris. On the contrary, Tusk is positioned as a secondary figure in the narrative.
Tusk – The “Musketeer” from the Bench?
According to Die Zeit, the core of the new “European Quartet” consists of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and potentially future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Tusk, although listed among the four “musketeers,” appears more as a politician playing a secondary role in this arrangement. Why? Because he perfectly fulfills the role dictated by the Franco-German axis: to eliminate the “enemies of the EU” in Poland and keep the country fully subordinated to Brussels and Berlin. Additionally, he plays a part in pushing America out of Europe.
Not Tusk’s Role as a Leader
The article notes that Tusk has defeated the “enemies of the EU” in Poland, and that without him, a new European security architecture would be impossible. However, is Tusk truly the architect of this policy? Far from it. It is Berlin and Paris that set the direction, with the Polish prime minister serving as their loyal executor. This dynamic has not changed compared to the previous government led by Tusk’s team.
“The third in this alliance of current leaders is Donald Tusk, even though he remains somewhat in the background,” the article states.
Attempts to elevate Tusk to the status of a “musketeer” seem almost comical. Unlike Macron or Starmer, the Polish prime minister does not pursue an independent foreign policy. Instead, he merely repeats directives coming from Western Europe. He does not initiate any actions that would strengthen Poland’s position as a significant player in Europe. Even though Poland still holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, it is already clear that the upcoming summit on peace talks regarding Ukraine will take place in Paris, not Warsaw.
Tusk’s Mission?
Throughout the article, one thing becomes clear: Tusk is not regarded as a real leader of Europe. He is at best a steward on behalf of Berlin and Brussels, someone tasked with ensuring that Poland does not act out of line or pursue its own interests on the international stage.
Furthermore, Die Zeit openly discusses the new front of European leaders “against Trump.”
“Starmer, Tusk, Macron, and Merz – four men against Trump and Putin. The task they face is immense. This quartet may turn out to be a fortunate coincidence,” the article concludes.
Previously, as President of the European Council, Tusk openly criticized Trump, calling him “a threat to Europe.” He even went as far as to label him a “Russian agent.”