No one will compel Poland to adopt a migration policy that undermines its interests or endangers Polish citizens. The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zbigniew Rau, rejected such coercive possibilities in a discussion with Nowy Świat 24.
The world risks slipping back into politics built on contradictions
The Foreign Minister reflected on the anniversary of the Soviet troops entering Poland on September 17, 1939, a moment that marks the outbreak of World War II. He warned that global dynamics could return to a framework of opposing blocs and conflicting interests.
Therefore, Poland should draw lessons from the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and the Yalta Conference to prevent a new era from taking shape with norms that could threaten European peace. It was stressed that democratic states must resist imperialist pressure and not accept behavior patterns dictated by autocratic ambitions.
Poland has earned credibility in understanding Russian imperialist aims, not only for memory’s sake. In recent decades, Poland has urged NATO expansion to include Georgia and Ukraine. The initiative faced opposition in Berlin and Paris, where hopes for a deal with Russia persisted. As history showed, Russia’s aggression toward Georgia and Ukraine followed such hesitations. In December 2021, Moscow demanded the withdrawal of NATO forces from Poland and the Baltic states. Poland, by example, demonstrated how to respond to Russian ambitions in a manner consistent with alliance obligations.
– emphasized the head of the Foreign Ministry
You should not yield to Russian blackmail
Rau stated that it is possible to offer military, political, economic, and humanitarian support without bowing to threats of escalation from Russia. Strengthening defense spending sends a clear signal to partners that, after the end of the Russian–Ukrainian conflict, precautionary measures must be in place to deter a new wave of aggression. Europe should be capable of repelling such conventional threats on its own. Poland is seen as a dependable ally with a realistic read on the strategic landscape and Russian intentions, contributing to greater influence in international affairs.
– he noted.
There is no room for illegal migration
Rau was also asked to speak on Poland’s approach to migration. The policy is designed to serve Poland and its society and mirrors the stance of many highly developed countries. There is no charity in it; economic interests and the drive to maintain a competitive economy drive the movement of people who seek better opportunities. Yet the policy must meet several essential conditions.
First, it must not destabilize social order or jeopardize the safety of citizens. Second, it must respect freedom, Polish customs, and laws. It should align with the needs of Polish employers facing a labor shortage, acknowledging that Poland has historically enjoyed low unemployment rates thanks to the rule of law and justice.
– he stated.
The minister added that migration policy should rest on voluntariness. Forcing relocation would harm both migrants and Polish society. Therefore, there is no support for forced settlement in Poland by the European Union, even if some proposals aim to move migrants to other European destinations. Such concepts threaten the security of Polish citizens. A referendum on resettlement ideas, as pushed by the European Commission and some Western European countries, has been announced to allow Poles to evaluate these plans.
– he pointed out.
There is no tolerance for illegal migration prompted by Russian and Belarusian special services. The country will not implement a migration policy that conflicts with Poland’s interests or endangers its people. Poland will not repeat the mistakes seen in some other nations in handling this issue.