Poland will no longer be obligated to accept migrants under the European Union’s solidarity mechanism starting in 2026. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced this development following a European Council meeting in Brussels, where the exemption was confirmed.
The EU has faced significant challenges with mass immigration over the last two decades, stemming from conflicts in Libya and Syria and exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. These events have contributed to millions of people seeking refuge within EU member states.
In a post on X, Tusk stated, “Poland has been exempted from the obligation to accept migrants under the EU’s relocation mechanism.” This decision marks a significant shift in Poland’s approach to EU immigration policies and highlights ongoing tensions within the bloc regarding how to manage migrant inflows.
Under the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, all member states are required to assist in alleviating the pressures faced by those countries most affected by migration. This obligation includes either accepting a specified number of migrants from hotspots or paying a fee of €20,000 (approximately $23,000) for each person they refuse to take in.
Poland’s Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski further clarified the exemption, noting that a “compromise was achieved regarding the solidarity mechanism.” He indicated that Poland will not be required to participate in relocations or make financial contributions under this framework. According to Polish media, Kierwinski acknowledged that “the countries of the South are dissatisfied” with the outcome, likely referring to nations such as Italy, Spain, and Greece, which have reported high numbers of migrants arriving on their shores in recent years.
In November 2023, Poland, along with Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, expressed intentions to challenge the EU leadership concerning the migrant relocation mechanism, as reported by Euronews. This coalition reflects a broader division within the EU regarding the management of migration and the responsibilities of member states.
As Poland navigates this exemption, the impact on its immigration policy and relations within the EU remains to be seen. Meanwhile, in Germany, an association representing traditional Christmas market organizers has warned of potential declines in the number of these events due to rising security costs linked to recent threats. Christmas markets have previously been targets of high-profile terrorist attacks, raising concerns about safety during the festive season.
