Quotations of Donald Tusk

In my office of the President of the European Council, I keep a self-made poster with the inscription "It's the unity, stupid". I made it to always remember what is most important. And I will leave it there, just in case. -- Donald Tusk, Opening ceremony of the 2019/2020 academic year at the College of Europe, 13 November 2019.

Donald Tusk

This may perhaps be the greatest challenge of our times – how to make out of politics what it once was: acting and thinking for the common good. -- Donald Tusk, Athens Democracy Forum 2019, 9 October 2019.

Donald Tusk

Burning forests are a tragedy no matter where they happen and no matter their scale. A tree needs many years to grow, but only few minutes to burn. We seem to know this, but we needed a shock, the shock of the Amazon rain forest fires to awaken ourselves from our lethargy. -- Donald Tusk, meeting on the action for the Amazon, 3 September 2019.

Donald Tusk

Burning forests are a tragedy no matter where they happen and no matter their scale. A tree needs many years to grow, but only few minutes to burn. We seem to know this, but we needed a shock, the shock of the Amazon rain forest fires to awaken ourselves from our lethargy. -- Donald Tusk, meeting on the action for the Amazon, 3 September 2019.

Donald Tusk

I know that the word globalism doesn’t sound attractive. Personally, I prefer the word solidarity, so important for me and for my nation. In my political vocabulary, globalism and solidarity mean the same thing. And I am not talking about some naive ideology or abstract linguistics, but about concrete challenges and a chance for pragmatic solutions. -- Donald Tusk, 74th United Nations General Assembly, 26 September 2019.

Donald Tusk

Allow me now to say a few words from the bottom of my heart. As President of the European Council and as a Pole. For me, Georgia is not only an important partner of the EU. When I say Georgia, I mean “freedom”, when I say Georgia , I mean “pride”, when I say Georgia, I mean “courage”. You are a small country, but a great nation. You have achieved impossible things, because you were, despite all the differences, united around a common goal, that was a free, independent and modern state. You have astonished Europe and the whole world. I call on you with an earnest appeal: don’t let yourselves become divided. Only when united, will you endure. Like the whole of Europe. -- Donald Tusk, Batumi International Conference, 11 July 2019.

Donald Tusk

Fight for values with a positive attitude, not in order to defeat someone and ultimately destroy them just for the sake of defeating them, but instead in order to find, with them, a thread of understanding, some space where compromise is possible. -- Donald Tusk, "Person of the year" prize awarded by Gazeta Wyborcza, 10 May 2019.

Donald Tusk

From this place [Strasbourg, France], I would like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the whole French nation in the face of the Paris tragedy. I say these words not only as the president of the European Council, but also as a citizen of Gdańsk, 90 percent destroyed and burnt, and later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral. From Strasbourg, the French capital of the European Union, I call on all the 28 Member States to take part in this task. I know that France could do it alone, but at stake here is something more than just material help. The burning of the Notre Dame cathedral has again made us aware that we are bound by something more important and more profound than Treaties. Today we understand better the essence of that, which is common, we know how much we can lose. And that we want to defend it – together. -- Donald Tusk, to the European Parliament, 10 April

Donald Tusk

I have come here as the President of the European Council, but also as a Pole, your closest neighbour, and a sincere and committed friend (…). As your friend I feel as though I can also give you some advice. God forbid I should preach to you; I know you have had enough of all those wise people who know better than you what Ukraine should look like. After all, no one has the right to tell their hosts how to arrange their home. I understand that and it is not my intention to interfere in your work. But perhaps you will accept my advice, because it is given with a good heart. There are five things I would like to say. -- Donald Tusk, at the Ukrainian Parliament, 19 February 2019.

Donald Tusk

I often say to my colleagues in Brussels: do not teach them Europe; learn from them what Europe means. -- Donald Tusk, at the Ukrainian Parliament, 19 February 2019.

Donald Tusk

I am returning from there, from the funeral ceremonies for the murdered mayor of my city, Paweł Adamowicz. He loved Gdańsk, he was a Polish patriot and a heart and soul European at the same time (…) A few days ago, (…) the people of Gdańsk honoured their mayor. Over 50,000 people stood for many hours on a freezing cold night in order to make a bow, if only for a second, before his coffin. It is for such people, and thanks to such people, that Europe exists. Keep working to strengthen it, do not let the idea die. France and Germany need it to the exact same degree as Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Ireland. Remember this today and tomorrow. I, in any case, will continue reminding you about it. -- Donald Tusk, Signing ceremony of the Franco-German Treaty of Aachen, 22 January 2019

Donald Tusk

Mircea Eliade, whom I quoted earlier, Emil Cioran, the Dadaist Tristan Tzara, Eugen Ionescu – they are all heroes of my imagination. And so are the athletes, who have delighted audiences around the globe, such as Nadia Comăneci and Simona Halep. But what has left the greatest imprint on my memory was the 1986 European Cup final in Sevilla, that is the victory of Steaua Bucharest over Barcelona. And I would like to appeal to all Romanians, to defend, at home and in Europe, the foundations of our political civilisation – freedom, integrity, the truth in public life, the rule of law and the constitution – with the same determination as Helmuth Duckadam when he defended penalty shots. Back then I also couldn't believe it possible to save 4 penalties in a row! But he made it. And also you will make it. I will help you with this as much as I can. -- Donald Tusk, Opening ceremony of the Romanian Presidency, 10 January 2019

Donald Tusk

As a young historian, I was dealing at the time with the role of myths and legends in the Polish politics of the 1930s, and already back then I had no doubt that emotions, symbols and simplifications motivate people much more than rational arguments and programmes. That they can be very useful, but also very dangerous, especially if mythologies begin to dominate in the public sphere (…) Today we need leaders who understand that their role is not only having technocratic skill and the ability to stay in power. We need leaders who can use the potential of emotions to defend our fundamental values. -- Donald Tusk, Award of the honorary doctorate from the technical university of Dortmund, 16 December 2018,

Donald Tusk

In politics, bridges are more important than walls, though we know how much easier and faster it is to raise a wall, than to build a bridge. -- Donald Tusk, Award of the honorary doctorate from the technical university of Dortmund, 16 December 2018,

Donald Tusk

I could sum it up in just one sentence: don't let the sleepwalkers lead more people to disaster. -- Donald Tusk, Acceptance speech for the 2018 Polonicus prize, 28 April 2018

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From what I have told you about myself just now, it might seem that I am more Irish than some of you. Do you know that my political opponents in Poland even call me a redhead? Obviously, for no reason, as you can see. To sum up, it is no surprise that I feel so at home here in Ireland, and that I greatly appreciate your generous distinction, and the fact that you've accepted me as one of your own. -- Donald Tusk, University College Dublin Law Society, 10 April 2018

Donald Tusk

I want to, first and foremost, wish BusinessEurope a very happy birthday. Certainly from my own experience, I can tell you that this is when life really gets going, at 60. With the European economy expanding strongly, I can say with confidence that your best days are ahead. The main source of my respect for you is that — at the end of the day — businesses, both large and small, hold the key to the success of the European economy. You are on the front-lines of making Europe the workshop of a changing world economy. Politicians do not create jobs, generate wealth or adapt to technological revolutions; enterprises and employees do, working hard each day in a global market place that does not tolerate complacency or waste. -- Donald Tusk, BusinessEurope 60th anniversary, 1 March 2018

Donald Tusk

Who, if not you – the descendants of Spartacus, the inheritors of the oldest European statehood, you, who never ever lost a flag in any battle – would be better placed to rise to this important and exceptionally difficult task, that is to renew the European perspective for the whole of the region? -- Donald Tusk, Opening ceremony of the Bulgarian presidency, 11 January 2018.

Donald Tusk

A European will easily identify what is common for a Portuguese and a Lithuanian, for a Swede and a Croat. Common in the spatial order and architecture, music, painting and in metaphysical experience. As different and colourful as we are – as ambiguous and complicated as we are – we all understand the Bible, Homer, Cicero, Cervantes, Dante and Shakespeare. We find ourselves in the music of Bach, Chopin and Liszt, in the paintings of Piero della Francesca and Vermeer. And we all feel good in towns where we can easily find the market square, directing ourselves towards the distant towers of the cathedral and the town hall. If we want to protect our territory, it is precisely because it is defined not only by borders, but also by the symbols of our culture. -- Donald Tusk, receiving Honorary Doctorate from the University of Pécs, 8 December 2017

Donald Tusk

There will not be a Europe as we know it, if there are no borders and no law enforcement – and there will not be a Europe we desire, if it is taken over from within by our political barbarians. -- Donald Tusk, receiving Honorary Doctorate from the University of Pécs, 8 December 2017

Donald Tusk

Britain's referendum campaign was full of false arguments and unacceptable generalisations. But it would have been a big mistake to interpret the negative result exclusively as a symptom of British exceptionalism and Euroscepticism, because all over Europe, even moderate voters were asking "Is the European Union the answer to problems of instability and insecurity, or is it now standing in the way?" -- Donald Tusk, Address to the European Committee of the Regions, 10 October 2017.

Donald Tusk

In many parts of our world, people feel that they are surrounded by lies, manipulation and fake news. But I deeply believe that truth is invincible. And that this ceremony is also an expression of this invincibility. -- Donald Tusk, 2017 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony, 20 October 2017

Donald Tusk

I appeal to you not only as the President of the European Council, but also as a strong believer in the motto of the EU: "United in diversity", as a member of an ethnic minority and a regionalist, as a man who knows what it feels like to be hit by a police baton. And as a former prime minister of a big European country. In brief, as someone who understands and feels the arguments and emotions of all sides. (…) the force of arguments is always better than the argument of force. -- Donald Tusk, Address to the European Committee of the Regions, 10 October 2017.

Donald Tusk

As a European, a Pole and someone from Gdańsk in equal measure, I feel particularly well placed to say a few words of farewell to Helmut Kohl, honorary citizen of Europe and honorary citizen of Gdańsk. (…) Helmut Kohl's contribution to the process of building mutual understanding was momentous. It is thanks to him, as well as others, that words such as 'trust' and 'reconciliation' became meaningful once more in Franco-German and German-Polish relations. -- Donald Tusk, European ceremony of honour for Helmut Kohl, 1 July 2017

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You may say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one. -- John Lennon, quoted by -- Donald Tusk ahead, ahead of the European Council meetings, 22 June 2017

Donald Tusk

There is a tendency to remember those who signed the Treaty of Rome as political geniuses and evangelists of a United Europe. The truth is that they were leaders with their own private doubts, under incredible pressure from events and in a state of profound vulnerability. The collective powerlessness of Europe after the Second World War forced them together. The alternatives were extremely unattractive. And the horrors of the war's destruction were still clear to see every day. -- Donald Tusk, To speakers of EU Parliaments, 17 March 2017

Donald Tusk

Now is the perfect time to recall (Alcide De Gasperi) famous words: "The future will not be built through force, nor the desire to conquer, but by the patient application of the democratic method, the constructive spirit of agreement and by respect for freedom." Perhaps these words are not dramatic enough in the age of politics by Twitter. But I still appreciate their truth and power. I still believe they are enough to guide us from here. -- Donald Tusk, To speakers of EU Parliaments, 17 March 2017

Donald Tusk

Tell me: why should we lose our trust in the purpose of unity today? Is it only because it has become our reality? Or because we have become bored or tired of it? -- Donald Tusk, Ceremony of the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, 25 March 2017

Donald Tusk

Shortly after taking office as President of the German Federal Republic in 1994, Roman Herzog was invited by the Polish President Lech Wałęsa to take part in a commemoration, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. It was a time of heated historical debates and discussions about the wounds that could not heal. Not everybody in Germany thought that an inexperienced president should choose Poland, and specifically such a ceremony, as the destination of his first foreign visit. And not everybody in Poland accepted the participation of a German president in such a commemoration, in such a place. Newspapers published opinions of Polish citizens, both for and against. And then President Herzog came and offered Polish people words which were surprising, honest, bold and deep. He used language which won over many sceptics. Newspapers were now printing statements by Polish citizens, including veterans of the Warsaw Uprising, expressing respect for the President and taking back their earlier objections. We know that this doesn't often happen. This is one of the reasons why we consider Roman Herzog's Warsaw speech extraordinary and historic. -- Donald Tusk, State funeral of former German President Roman Herzog, 24 January 2016.

Donald Tusk

The last thing your people in Aleppo need today is more words of sympathy. The only thing you need today is real and effective protection and assistance. -- European Council President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Brita Hagi Hasan, President of the local Council of Eastern Aleppo, 15 December 2016.

Donald Tusk

When I gave my first policy statement ten years ago, as Prime Minister of Poland, I spoke for nearly three hours. One of the commentators correctly observed that had my speech been as wise as it was long, it would have been one of the best in Polish history. -- Donald Tusk, 20th anniversary of the European Policy Centre, 13 October 2016

Donald Tusk

The words uttered by one of the leading campaigners for Brexit and proponents of the "cake philosophy" was pure illusion: that one can have the EU cake and eat it too. To all who believe in it, I propose a simple experiment. Buy a cake, eat it, and see if it is still there on the plate. The brutal truth is that Brexit will be a loss for all of us. There will be no cakes on the table. For anyone. There will be only salt and vinegar. -- Donald Tusk, 20th anniversary of the European Policy Centre, 13 October 2016

Donald Tusk

When we gather in places like Babi Yar, Auschwitz or Ponary, to honour the memory of the murdered victims, we helplessly search for the right words and phrases. Some, like Pope Francis, who recently visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, choose silence (…) . It is (…) understandable that we most often choose silence, because silence can be louder than a scream. -- Commemorative Ceremony of Babi Yar Massacre, 29 September 2016

Donald Tusk

We must all together think about the challenges of a more general nature. Whether or not we rise to these challenges will affect not only the economic future of Europe, but also its very existence as we know it. At stake is the liberal-democratic order, along with whole catalogue of values and principles, which have become a foundation of Western civilization. (…) What we desperately need today is cool heads and warm hearts. Not the opposite. -- Donald Tusk, European Business Summit, 1 June 2016

Donald Tusk

What is then the challenge for the third generation of European unity? Nothing less than to deliver on the promise of Europe with a ruthless determination. President Tusk, Charlemagne Prize, 13 May 2015

Donald Tusk

Their ranks include kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, popes… and Poles. President Tusk, Charlemagne Prize, 13 May 2015

Donald Tusk

The game of chicken needs to end, and so does the blame game. Because this is not a game and there is no time for any games. (…) There is still time, but only a few days. Let us use them wisely. European Council President Tusk on the Euro Summit, 19 June 2015

Donald Tusk

Every year, you gather here in Berlin on this day to commemorate the fall of the Wall, not other historical events. This is because you have a good sense of how rich and powerful the metaphor of a torn-down wall is. And how universal and timeless it is. Before turning to Europe, let me say a few words about this metaphor. European Council President Address Donald Tusk at Die Europa-Rede, Berlin, 10 November 2015

Donald Tusk

As we learn from the myth of Cadmus, Europe is only to be found in the process of creating it. The true way to define Europe is to build Europe. Denis de Rougemont, quoted by European Council President D Tusk, Address to the Committee of the Regions, 10 fevrier 2016

Donald Tusk