Opposition politicians are echoing the claim repeatedly voiced by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson that the relocation of migrants is voluntary. This interpretation has been challenged by the Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, who has argued that the framing amounts to political manipulation. Katarzyna Lubnauer has not hesitated to engage with the discussion publicly, even presenting an alternative stance on television that positions Donald Tusk as a potential ally in this debate.
Johansson, who serves as the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, stated at a press conference held on the Italian island of Lampedusa that when a country refuses to commit to relocating migrants, financial penalties should be considered. Her remarks followed the deliberations at the Brussels summit, where she characterized the outcome as a notable success because only two member states, Poland and Hungary, opposed the proposed relocation framework. The proposal envisions relocation as a possibility rather than a binding obligation, while it makes solidarity the mandatory element of the policy. This point was reported by Ansa. The commissioner also clarified that solidarity has been codified into law, giving the Commission new tools. If a country does not relocate, it would face penalties not only to the states under pressure but also to third countries involved in the process. (Source: wPolityce)”