BRUSSELS, (MILLAT/APP/AFP) – A row over Poland’s bid
to replace EU President Donald Tusk threatens to overshadow a summit this week that was meant to focus on post-Brexit unity.
Most of the 28 European Union leaders had hoped to push through Polish ex-premier Tusk’s re-election with a minimum of fuss so they could concentrate on a host of challenges.
But instead, the two-day summit starting Thursday risks being consumed by splits along old east-west lines as the eurosceptic Polish government proposes a rival candidate, with support from Hungary.
The leaders also face rifts over Britain’s exit as they meet without Prime Minister Theresa May to draw up plans to mark the EU’s 60th birthday in Rome later this month.
Unity is at a premium for the EU as it deals with challenges including Britain’s departure, Russian aggression and new US President Donald Trump.
Centrist former Polish premier Tusk has broad support among the leaders for a second mandate until 2020 for his handling of crises including migration and Greek debt.