Polish Leaders in Strasbourg Challenge the Migration Pact
In Strasbourg, Patryk Jaki and Beata Szydło, members of the European Parliament, addressed reporters during a press conference tied to the ongoing debate over the European Union’s migration pact. Their remarks highlighted a firm Polish stance that rejects the acceptance of illegal migrants, resettlement schemes, and the penalties proposed by the European Commission. The day’s discussion underscored Poland’s position as a nation that will not bow to what its representatives described as coercive EU measures that would shape national immigration policy from Brussels rather than through national sovereignty.
Beata Szydło, a former Prime Minister and a current MEP, asserted that the Commission’s proposals fall short of solving what she described as the chaos in migration across Europe. She argued that the core issues are not being addressed, pointing to what she characterized as the outcome of certain German policies that enabled large-scale inflows of irregular migrants. Her critique centered on the belief that only a more rigorous approach to border control and asylum procedures can bring true stability to European communities.
According to Szydło, the debate is not simply about a temporary adjustment but about a fundamental rearrangement of the EU’s treaty framework. She suggested that the urgency behind accelerating negotiations on the migration pact stems from a broader effort to rethink and sometimes curb the powers of member states. The proposed changes, she stated, would align with a broader trend of centralizing decision-making at the EU level, a direction she believes would erode national sovereignty in favor of supranational authority. Her position remained explicit: the migration pact, as currently drafted, does not meet Poland’s expectations for protecting national interests or for maintaining the integrity of its borders.
Jaki: A Crucial Moment for Poland’s Future
We are at a crossroads of significant consequence for the country. The room was filled with questions about the motivations and stances of others in the European Parliament, particularly leaders of the Polish opposition. Jaki commented that these leaders appeared to retreat from making a clear choice in the debate, citing their perceived alignment with different lines of the discussion. He challenged their positions and pressed for a straightforward decision that favors national priorities over external dictates. The sense he conveyed was one of urgency and accountability to Polish voters, who would soon face pivotal decisions on how to respond to migration policy at the national level.
Jaki emphasized a forthcoming moment of truth scheduled for October 15, a date he framed as a simple, binary choice: Poland or Germany. His remark pointed to a perceived divergence between national interests and a broader European push toward rapid treaty changes. He urged the Polish public to recognize this moment as a test of sovereignty, insisting that the country must decide in a referendum on the migration pact rather than accept a top-down imposition from European institutions. This stance reflected a broader belief that the Polish people would ultimately opt for a safe and orderly Europe while also safeguarding their own national priority to govern immigration policy independently.
Commentators suggested that Poland’s position was seen by some in Brussels as provocative or confrontational, yet Polish officials framed their approach as principled defense of sovereignty and public safety. The argument was that a rapid settlement of the pact could set a dangerous precedent, pushing through measures perceived as undermining member state autonomy. The speakers cited a need for a clear, people-centered response to migration challenges, arguing that public confidence in EU governance depends on respecting the will of voters who expect national governments to manage borders responsibly and fairly. The discussion included assertions that Poland’s stance would prevent hasty decisions that could later require costly corrections or provoke broader political turmoil across the continent.
Both speakers highlighted the notion that the Polish public would expect a referendum to determine the fate of the migration pact. They argued that a direct vote would provide legitimacy to Poland’s approach and would demonstrate a commitment to democratic processes even when disagreements with EU partners arise. The narrative framed the issue not as resistance for its own sake but as a protective measure aimed at preserving safe, stable, and coherent EU policy that respects the diverse circumstances of each member state.
In closing, the commentators tied the discussions to the broader debate over Europe’s security and social cohesion. They argued that the migration pact touched on core questions about who makes decisions, how those decisions are implemented, and the extent to which ordinary citizens should determine the direction of a continent-wide policy. The overarching message was clear: Poland seeks a pragmatic, controlled, and democratically accountable approach to migration, one that upholds safety, sovereignty, and shared European values without compromising the fundamental prerogatives of its people.
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Source: wPolityce