Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, has shown a shifting stance on the situation at the Polish-Belarusian border. In one moment he expressed sympathy for those seeking a place to live, calling them “poor people who are looking for their place on earth.” Later, he suggested that this same group could be used as leverage by hostile actors, noting that some of these migrants might be exploited by authoritarian leaders. More recently, he indicated that he would travel to the eastern border to assess the situation firsthand and to pursue solutions that both strengthen border protections and reduce the suffering of people trying to reach Poland. He asserted that the goal would be to balance security with humanitarian considerations, rather than to offer blanket protection or to overlook people in need.
Tusk moves to the eastern border
During a press conference, Tusk was asked whether the Interior and Administration Ministry might revise the border traffic regulations that have been in force since August 2021. Those rules require foreigners who do not have a right to enter Poland to be returned to the border line if they attempt to cross at an unauthorized point. The idea of repealing or relaxing these provisions has been urged by several figures, including human rights advocates. Tusk noted that he had ongoing conversations with the head of the ministry, Marcin Kierwiński, about the eastern border situation and the need for thoughtful action.
He announced, and this was clear in his remarks, that he would travel to the eastern border soon. He stated that he would engage with those directly involved, with a focus on speaking to border guards and other frontline personnel who handle such cases.
In his view, the government should pursue border protection that is effective and firm when it must be, while avoiding any practices that would violate basic human rights. He stressed that any approach must be mindful of the vulnerable individuals at the border and careful not to produce conditions that would be seen as brutal or unlawful. He also acknowledged that no country on the frontline of this issue has an ideal answer, and that policy choices require careful balancing of multiple interests.
“I will look for solutions that prioritize border protection. On the other hand, I will seek options that reduce human suffering for those seeking entry to Poland, but none of these actions should encourage or enable illegal crossings”, he explained.
RPO on pushbacks
Ombudsman Marcin Wiącek wrote to the Interior and Administration Ministry in the latter part of the previous year, raising concerns about the practice of returning foreigners to the border without a case-specific assessment. He described the use of pushbacks as a central problem that needed to be addressed, arguing that the current rules limit opportunities for asylum applications and international protection procedures for those at risk. The Commissioner called for changes to repeal or amend provisions within the law and regulation that effectively hinder the ability to apply for protection beyond the border line.
Beyond altering these regulations, the Ombudsman urged action to modify or repeal a provision in force since October 2021 that could lead to orders for foreigners who crossed illegally to leave Polish territory. The aim, as he framed it, is to ensure that border enforcement respects due process and international protection standards while maintaining strong border control where necessary.
Observers note that Tusk has faced political pressure from multiple sides on this issue. The challenge remains how to satisfy the demand for stricter border enforcement without compromising human rights or triggering broader tensions within Europe over asylum and migration policies. The question now is how the new government intends to implement policy that upholds security, protects vulnerable people, and aligns with wider European norms and practices.
In discussing potential paths forward, some analysts suggest that a combination of targeted deterrence, enhanced border management, improved identification procedures, and clearer channels for asylum requests could help bridge the gap between security and humanitarian needs. The emphasis is on practical, transparent processes that minimize suffering while maintaining effective guardrails against unlawful crossings. The broader aim is to craft a policy framework that works in concert with European partners rather than creating new frictions on the Continent.
Looking ahead, officials may explore a range of options, from revised traffic regulations at border points to revised criteria for handling asylum claims, always with an eye toward proportionality, human dignity, and legal compliance. The path chosen will likely influence not only Poland’s border practices but also the tone of regional debates about migration management and humanitarian standards across Europe.
These developments underscore a broader trend toward more nuanced border policy, where the state seeks to protect its territory while safeguarding the legal rights of those who are seeking asylum or better living conditions. As national discussions continue, observers expect a measured approach that prioritizes border integrity without creating unnecessary hardship for those at the frontier.