There are many reasons to honour Donald Tusk.

As a member of the opposition, he played an essential role in ending the communist regime of injustice, both through word and action. As a parliamentarian and later as the Prime Minister of a free Poland, Tusk was instrumental in transforming the country into a prosperous, democratic member of the European Union. Remarkably, he is one of the few individuals from the former Eastern Bloc to hold a high-ranking position on the European stage, always standing firm in his advocacy for the values of a united Europe.

However, given the extraordinary times we are living in, I would like to highlight two specific achievements of Donald Tusk that resonate strongly today.

Over the past eight years, Poland’s reputation has suffered, particularly under the PiS (Law and Justice) government led by Jarosław Kaczyński. The rule of law was weakened, press freedom diminished, and the rights of women and minorities eroded. The country became deeply divided, and there was little hope for the opposition to stage a comeback, given the tempting financial promises made by the government to the populace. It was in this political climate that Donald Tusk re-emerged on the national stage. Instead of retiring from politics and settling into the role of elder statesman, Tusk chose to re-engage actively in the political arena.

In 2022, without a parliamentary mandate, Tusk took charge of the liberal-conservative Civic Platform and began a long grassroots campaign for the 2023 parliamentary elections. He connected with citizens directly, responding to questions from both supporters and skeptics alike, all while facing the hostility and slander from PiS supporters and state media. His resilience and focus allowed him to energise the opposition and rally a large portion of the country around the ideas of democracy, freedom, and European unity. A landmark demonstration in April 2023, called by Tusk, saw half a million people take to the streets in support of these values—a true testament to his leadership.

In the autumn 2023 parliamentary elections, this wave of democratic mobilisation succeeded. Democratic forces triumphed, toppling the authoritarian PiS-led government by democratic means. This victory in Poland sent a powerful signal across Europe: it showed that populist and xenophobic forces are not invincible. It proved that by organising around common values of freedom and security, democratic leaders can win the day. Tusk’s leadership in this crucial period was a decisive factor, and his role in restoring Poland’s democratic path deserves high recognition. We wish him continued success as he faces the next phase of Poland’s political future.

The second reason Tusk is a worthy honoree lies in his nuanced, historically informed stance on Poland’s place between its large neighbours to the east and west. Despite his family’s tragic experiences during World War II—both of his grandfathers were imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps—Tusk remained committed to Polish-German reconciliation once Germany committed itself to democracy and peaceful coexistence. On the other hand, he maintained a clear-eyed view of Russia, recognising the persistent threat posed by Russian imperial ambitions. Like many Polish politicians, he opposed the Nord Stream pipelines, foreseeing the danger they posed to Ukraine and the broader security of Europe. His warnings about appeasing Russia were rooted in Poland’s painful history of being overrun by more powerful neighbours.

Tusk’s foresight and resolve stand out in today’s context. Poland spends around 4% of its GDP on defence—double that of Germany—driven in large part by Tusk’s advocacy for strengthening European security. He understands that in the face of Russian aggression, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, Europe must be prepared to defend itself robustly. His calls for European solidarity in matters of defence and deterrence underscore his recognition that the survival of a peaceful, democratic Europe depends not just on diplomacy but on military strength as well.

In closing, I am deeply thankful that Donald Tusk stands with us in these tense times for Europe. His experience, vision, and courage are invaluable as we confront both internal and external threats to our democratic values. It is leaders like him who remind us of the importance of unity and shared purpose within the European community. His achievements not only serve Poland but benefit all of us across the continent.

I warmly congratulate Donald Tusk on receiving this honour and wish him continued success in his ongoing political work.