‘Polish-Irish synergy’ can help shape European policy, Tusk tells Harris

By Cillian Sherlock, PA in Rzeszow

There is an opportunity to create a “Polish-Irish synergy” on shaping European policy, Poland’s prime minister has said.

Donald Tusk made the remarks as he hosted Taoiseach Simon Harris for a bilateral meeting in Rzeszow.

Mr Harris was in eastern Poland on his return from engagements with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv.

In Rzeszow, the Irish and Polish leaders discussed the Russian war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza as well as issues on the agenda of the European Council, including migration and security.

Mr Tusk said Ireland “sets an important example” for other countries by providing unequivocal support for Ukraine while maintaining its military neutrality.

“Neutrality cannot mean indifference towards evil and the tragedy that befalls innocent people,” he said.

“Therefore I want to emphasise how much we appreciate the personal engagement of the Irish prime minister in providing non-military but humanitarian aid to Ukraine in these difficult times for the country.”

Mr Tusk also said the two countries shared views on what European politics should look like.

He said this follows on from a “traditional friendship” which was founded on the fact that many Polish people emigrated to Ireland in the past.

Praising Ireland’s economic resilience and creativity, Mr Tusk said the two countries could leverage a “Polish-Irish synergy” to profile new European policies on security and competitiveness.

He said he “counted on” Irish support for calls for increasing protection of Europe’s eastern border in Poland, including an air-defence system.

As Mr Tusk was president of the European Council for almost the entirety of the strenuous negotiations with the UK over post-Brexit arrangements, Mr Harris said he was grateful for the “solidarity” the prime minister showed to the people of Ireland.

He said: “Thank you for your leadership during a most difficult time for my country and indeed for the European Union as we together navigated the unprecedented challenges posed by Brexit.

“Your friendship, your solidarity, but also your skill really helped managed that process.”

He added: “The people of Ireland and the Government of Ireland will always be grateful and consider you a true friend.”

Mr Harris said Ireland had benefited from the approximately 100,000 Polish people living in Ireland.

“Whilst we are geographically far away, in our hearts and in our minds, we are close.”