Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared that European nations must stop “outsourcing” their security to the United States, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election. In a post on X shared on Saturday, Tusk emphasized that Europe’s future is not contingent upon the election results between Democrat Kamala Harris and her Republican rival, Donald Trump.
“We should not look to the outcome of the US election. Harris or Trump? Some claim that the future of Europe depends on the American elections, while it depends first and foremost on us,” Tusk stated. He served as president of the European Council from 2014 to 2019 and urged the European Union to embrace its own strength and capabilities. “Whatever the outcome, the era of geopolitical outsourcing is over for Europe,” he insisted.
Tusk’s remarks come amid concerns in Europe regarding the potential implications of a Trump victory, which could undermine US security guarantees to its allies, particularly through NATO and the nuclear umbrella. An article in the Financial Times noted that many Europeans are anxious about Trump’s possible approach to international security, especially concerning Ukraine, fearing that he might seek a resolution favoring Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In contrast, most Europeans reportedly feel more secure with a Harris administration. During her campaign, Harris has pledged “ironclad” support for NATO and has committed to ongoing assistance for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong international alliances. A recent poll conducted by Savanta in several European countries, including Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, indicated that a majority believe a Harris presidency would be more beneficial for European security. The poll revealed the highest level of trust in Harris in Spain at 70% and the lowest in Poland at 58%.
As the November 5 vote approaches, David McAllister, head of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, advised that the EU should be prepared for both electoral outcomes in the United States. He noted that while the tone of US foreign policy might shift, a Harris administration would likely still encourage Europe to enhance its own security and defense capabilities.
Tusk’s message serves as a wake-up call for Europe, urging the bloc to recognize its responsibility in shaping its security landscape, independent of US political dynamics.
