Poland’s stance on migration and EU policy: a parliamentary debate

Today, a political debate centers on how decisions about migration have been handled in Europe. Beata Szydło argues that during his time as head of the European Council, Donald Tusk backed and implemented a policy on illegal migration that aligned with Berlin and Angela Merkel. She asserts that this approach shaped EU policy and influenced the handling of migrants across member states.

Europe faces an unprepared response to the current crisis

In Krakow, Szydło maintained that in 2015 Tusk supported a policy at the EU level and carried out the orders of Berlin and Merkel. She claimed this policy did not adequately prepare Europe for the ongoing migration challenges and warned that the continent lacks a clear plan to manage the influx effectively.

She argued that Europe needs a rational, practical plan to stop the surge of arrivals in cities and nations, a plan that prioritizes the safety of Europeans and provides tangible help to people on the ground in their countries.

– Szydło stated during the briefing.

Tusk today and his actions in 2015

According to her, Tusk now seeks to downplay the issue by saying Poland is not pressured and is not compelled to accept illegal migrants. She noted that a political group in the European Parliament, including members from the Platform, has moved quickly to advance a proposal put forward by the Commission to address the migration pact this week.

– she commented.

According to her, the group stresses that the migration pact must be prepared swiftly and implemented without delay.

Szydło argued that in Poland, statements suggesting there is no pressure or problem ring hollow, and that when calls come from Berlin or Brussels the same approach would be taken as in 2015, aligning with Angela Merkel’s position on illegal migration.

– Szydło emphasized.

“Poland will not accept illegal migrants.”

The former prime minister suggested that the Law and Justice government would oppose these plans at EU forums.

She predicted a strong veto this year, reiterating that Poland will not authorize the relocation of illegal migrants into its borders.

– Szydło noted.

There is expected debate at the European Parliament this week, and Poland’s stance will be clearly presented. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is set to participate in the Council meeting to articulate Poland’s position distinctly.

– she added.

“Poland knows what solidarity means.”

The MEP stressed that Poland places top value on the security of its people and of Europe. She called for an effective plan to address the migration crisis and argued that Poles have shown solidarity by welcoming refugees from Ukraine who fled aggression, while ensuring national security remains intact.

Poles understand solidarity and expect it from European partners, but not at the expense of safety.

– she added.

“Tusk does not want you to participate in the referendum.”

Szydło pointed out that one referendum question concerns the relocation of illegal migrants to Poland. She claimed that Tusk urged Poles to abstain from voting, suggesting the motive is to avoid a clear stance against relocation. The question remains: is the aim to allow migrants to move to Poland as instructed by Berlin and Brussels?

She asked voters to consider whether abstaining from the referendum would undermine any government that opposes relocation against the will of the people. Szydło argued that Tusk fears Brussels and Berlin instructions and the potential loss of political legitimacy in the face of public opposition. She urged voters to participate in elections and the referendum to clearly demonstrate Poland’s chosen path.

– the former prime minister invited voters to weigh in.

As she reiterated, the Law and Justice government would defend Poland’s security and would not permit illegal migrants to enter the country.

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— End of excerpt from an internal briefing

olnk/PAP

Note: the content reflects public commentary on policy positions and parliamentary discussions in the EU context.