European security requires cooperation
 

On September 17, 1939, the Red Army attacked Poland, then fighting Germany, in breach of the Polish-Soviet non-aggression pact.

"Today it is not enough to remember that time and honour the memory of the victims. Together with our allies, we must think about how to protect our countries and the European Union from attacks by Russia," said the Prime Minister after meeting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.

The Russian-Ukrainian war has recently moved much closer to Poland's eastern border.

"Today I received another report – a massive, brutal attack on western Ukraine, close to the Polish border, has just ended. Our aircraft were scrambled and on alert," PM Donald Tusk said.

In the face of the Russian threat, cooperation with partners takes on particular importance.

"I am very pleased with the way we are working with the Austrian Chancellor for the security of Europe and our countries. I am glad that Austria's leader is a declared friend of Poland. In these difficult days, that means a great deal," the Head of Government said.

Cooperation and solidarity among European countries are key to our continent's security today.

Poland and Austria strengthen economic cooperation
 

Poland wants to be among Europe's fastest-growing and most innovative countries, and cooperation with Austria opens new opportunities in this respect. Chancellor Stocker is accompanied in Warsaw by a delegation of Austrian business leaders.

"I hope that Austrian companies will build a programme for an innovative Poland and Austria together with us," the Prime Minister noted.

The debate on the next EU budget should also take into account the mutual benefits countries gain from the single market and European funds.

"When we discuss European finances, it is always worth remembering that although Austria is a net contributor and Poland a major beneficiary, in the end net contributors turn out to be beneficiaries too. Austrian companies are an example," Donald Tusk explained.

Chancellor Stocker stressed that trade between Austria and Poland grew by almost 7% in the past six months.

"Our countries should cooperate even more closely, which is why we have agreed on cooperation in economic matters," Christian Stocker said.

Every two years, the ministers responsible for the economy in Poland and Austria will hold a conference with business representatives.

"Poland is the largest economy in this part of the European Union and also has the highest growth. This creates extraordinary opportunities for our countries," the Austrian Chancellor said.

Christian Stocker also announced that Austria is investing €1 billion in upgrading the Vienna–Warsaw railway line to cut travel time by half.

Poland's eastern border means security for all of Europe
 

Donald Tusk and Christian Stocker also discussed negotiations on the next EU budget in the context of security.

"I thank the Chancellor for saying that if the threat of possible Russian attacks becomes even clearer, security will come first in talks on European finances," said the Prime Minister.

The debate on the EU budget must also take into account the protection of the EU's eastern border.

"You cannot talk about European money without seeing what is happening beyond our border. When we pursue a responsible asylum policy and spend billions of euros on strengthening the eastern border, we do it for all of Europe. That is why I am proud that our East Shield project has been recognised as a project serving the security of the entire EU," the Prime Minister stressed.

He added that no decision concerning security on the eastern flank will be made without Poland. We are key because of our geography, our potential and our army.