Tusk gets second term for top EU job

European Union leaders have confirmed Donald Tusk for a second term as their president, earning the wrath of his native Poland and opening up a new rift at a time when EU unity is essential.

The 27 other EU leaders overrode weeks of objections from the nationalist government in Warsaw, which has a long and bitter rivalry with former Prime Minister Tusk and opposed giving him another term at the EU.

Tusk's supporters portrayed his re-election as head of the EU Council, one of the bloc's most prestigious jobs, as a sign of stability and continuity for the troubled bloc.

Tusk's future was dealt with in less than an hour as fellow leaders rejected the argument of Poland, an increasingly awkward partner, that a decision should be delayed.

Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said it was "very bad" that Tusk was pushed through over the objections of his home country, adding that "today it applies to Poland, but in the future this may apply to other nations."

Tusk still felt there was enough unity around him to go on for a second term of two and a half years. The council president is responsible for chairing summits, coordinating the work of member countries and making sure the 28 nations speak as much as possible with one voice on the international stage.

"It may sound like a paradox because of the context, but anyway, your decision is an expression of our unity today," Tusk told leaders after his re-election. "I will work with all of you without any exceptions because I am truly devoted to a united Europe."