Poland's Tusk takes over EU presidency

"I come here with a strong sense of purpose in this difficult times," Tusk said during the ceremony. He said "protecting Europe's fundamental values, solidarity, freedom, unity against the threats against the European Union coming from both outside and inside" is the first thing for a successful Europe, Xinhua reports. Under a circumstance of near stagnation economy, Tusk underlined Europe needs "ruthless determination to end the economy crisis". He also noted Europe has to secure its borders and support those from neighborhood who share the values. "The relations between Europe and the United States are the backbone of the community of democracies," Tusk added. Tusk was elected European Council president at an EU summit on Aug. 30.