The draft EU budget review, which does not include support for Ukrainian refugees, is viewed as a misalignment of the European Commission’s priorities by Radosław Fogiel, head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee. He described the situation as a distortion of how European policy should respond to countries that have opened their borders to those fleeing the war.
A Polish diplomatic source told PAP that although the European Commission’s draft budget for 2021-2027 adds funds for migration, it does not allocate resources to Ukrainian refugees.
Not a word about refugees from Ukraine
Even as Ursula von der Leyen announced an additional 15 billion euros for migration policy as part of the budget review, the document contains no designated support for Ukrainian refugees. The funding is directed toward migration programs in the Mediterranean region, which has caused disappointment among Poland and other frontline countries.
A Polish diplomatic source noted that the move signals a shift in priorities within the European Commission.
Fogiel described this situation as a mockery of nations that have welcomed refugees from Ukraine.
He argued that additional migration funds should be found within the budget, but there is still no targeted support for Ukraine’s neighboring states, particularly Poland, which has seen millions of Ukrainian refugees cross its borders amid the ongoing conflict.
Fogiel acknowledged a migratory route issue in southern Europe and raised questions about how the EU intends to spend the additional resources there.
He recalled that when a border crisis with Belarus occurred and thousands of irregular migrants arrived, a top border agency official faced dismissal over border defense. It remains unclear whether funds earmarked for the Mediterranean will be used to fortify borders or for other purposes.
Fogiel linked these concerns to the broader migration pact, characterizing it as promoting the forced displacement of migrants. He criticized the policy direction of several European countries and Brussels, arguing that it places the burden on Poland and other border states.
He emphasized that the stance represents a frivolous approach and that Poland would not acquiesce. A summit of the EU will be used to raise these issues, Fogiel said.
Information from PAP indicates that Poland’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Andrzej Sadoś, told colleagues in Brussels that the draft budget does not provide aid for Ukrainian refugees. The Polish diplomat reportedly stated that the EC proposal does not address the needs of countries bordering Ukraine, considering issues such as war refugees, the agricultural sector, border infrastructure, and border security.
No shifts in the budget
Poland notes that the commission does not propose any transfers within the budget to address these needs. The project does not include new measures to close off the eastern border, and Poland plans to raise the matter at the upcoming EU summit, according to sources.
Sources indicate that Sadoś also asked the Commission to explain how the 50 billion euros in macro-financial assistance for four years to Ukraine aligns with the country’s real needs, given the EU’s 18 billion euro allocation this year alone. This has been cited as evidence of insufficient support.
gih/PAP
Source: wPolityce