The European Council President made the admission despite the EU’s own critics often bemoaning the Brussels political projects unnecessary red tape surrounding its decision-making.
Addressing world leaders and UN officials on behalf of the EU, Mr Tusk praised the organisation, insisting it was the “best tool” to address global issues such as famine, terrorism and nuclear tension.
Mr Tusk was lambasted for his comments, with critics warning the European Council President about the irony of questioning the bureaucracy of another organisation.
Mr Tusk said: “The European Union stands for freedom and a credible rules-based global order. Because this order is a real sine qua non-condition for peace, stability and a global economy that works for everyone.
“An alternative to this order is chaos which always encourages violence, egoism and extremisms.
“The United Nations is the best tool we have to address, on a global scale, today’s conflicts, famine, forced displacement, terrorism, and a return to nuclear tensions.
“For the EU and its Member States, it is imperative that the UN rise to these challenges. This is why together we contribute approximately one-third of UN core financing, make one-third of UN peacekeeping contributions, and put in half of all voluntary contributions to UN funds and programmes.”
Despite seemingly heaping praise on the UN, Mr Tusk then accused the organisation of being caught up in red tap as he pushed the idea of EU-backed reforms.
The EU Council President added: “We also expect the UN to become a more energetic, and a less bureaucratic organisation that can act with clarity and purpose in all its actions.
“Therefore, the EU considers the reform ideas of the UN currently on the table as the necessary minimum.
“What is needed is more ambition, not less.”
Ukip MEP Jane Collins said it was “ironic” Mr Tusk had resulted in questioning the levels of bureaucracy in another organisation.
She said: “The irony of someone working in the European Union calling another organisation bureaucratic is not lost on me, nor will it be lost on the hundreds of thousands of small businesses tied up with EU red tape.
“In fact, while I know the UN has its flaws, Mr Tusk is the President of an organisation that would regulate red tape and take years to do that – setting up committees and working groups in the process.
“I would be very interested to know which bits he finds bureaucratic, perhaps it’s the ‘tedious’ nature of having to vote unanimously before military action is taken that he fines a problem?”