Poland begins its role as new head of the EU

(AP) Poland's prime minister, whose nation just took over the presidency of the European Union, met with top EU officials on Friday to discuss key issues including the financial crisis and immigration.

Tusk had a one-on-one meeting with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and then they both led talks involving 26 EU commissioners and Polish Cabinet ministers. They discussed ways to stimulate the EU's economic growth, steps toward EU enlargement, immigration policy amid a sudden influx of North Africans and the EU's long-term budget.

Tusk told a news conference following the talks that Poland's presidency will "apply all forces to help Europe come out of the crisis painlessly" and stressed the need for close cooperation of all EU offices in overcoming the financial and economic difficulties.

"If we are together, all the 27 members, then we can defend our national interests" in contacts with partners and competitors, Barroso said.

He said he hopes the optimism and enthusiasm of Poland, which joined the EU in 2004, will be "contagious."

Poland has pledged to breathe new energy and ideas into the EU, but also hopes its six-month EU presidency will strengthen the nation's international position.