European Parliament discussion centers on the border crisis and the film Green Border
In the European Parliament, Member of the European Parliament Janina Ochojska and director Agnieszka Holland commented on the refugee surge at the Polish border following the screening of the film Green Border. Their remarks drew attention for what many described as curious and naive statements.
Ochojska outlined her view on how Poland might respond to pressure from Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. She suggested that Poland should resist blackmail by not bending under the crisis, even if that meant allowing migrants moved into Poland by Lukashenko’s pushers. Her argument implied a scenario in which accepting certain migrants could be a strategic countermeasure against the hybrid attack she described.
Ochojska commented, describing a hypothetical situation in which allowing those migrants to enter would demonstrate to Lukashenko that coercion would fail. She framed this as a bold, unconventional tactic to show resolve. Critics saw this stance as a provocative approach that reframes the border crisis as a tool in a political game rather than a humanitarian concern.
They are not born with white skin
Holland, the film’s director, indicated no obstacle to admitting illegal migrants into Poland. She also drew a distinction between those fleeing war and those seeking entry through other means, a distinction that has frequently surfaced in debates about migration policy. Some supporters argue for admitting people who arrive by any route, while others urge caution about differentiating refugees from other migrants.
Holland noted that Poland has previously accepted large numbers of refugees, including thousands from Ukraine and tens of thousands in earlier periods. She suggested that such admissions could be framed as addressing labor needs and demographic considerations, emphasizing a broader view of population needs in the country.
According to her remarks, Poland would benefit from recognizing that citizens from different backgrounds can contribute to the workforce and broader society. She touched on the idea that immigration policy intersects with economic requirements and the goal of creating a diverse citizenry capable of supporting national development.
Belarusian President Lukashenko might find it favorable if Polish authorities adopted positions aligned with these viewpoints and admitted more migrants in response to pressure. Critics warn that such a move could destabilize the country and potentially lead to greater waves of people seeking entry, complicating security and social integration efforts.
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