The decision, which he defended as necessary for national security, has sparked intense debate both domestically and across Europe. Human rights organizations and several European governments have voiced concern over the move, while others see it as a continuation of Poland’s strict migration policies.
In a tweet, Tusk explained that the suspension is a direct response to what he described as a "hybrid war" being waged against Poland and the European Union by regimes in Moscow and Minsk. He argued that these governments are deliberately organizing mass movements of people across borders as part of their strategy.
“The right to asylum is being used as a tool in this war and has nothing to do with human rights,” Tusk wrote. “Border control and the territorial security of Poland are and will remain our priority. Our decisions and actions will be uncompromisingly focused on this.”
Asylum suspension as part of a broader migration strategy
Tusk's announcement came during a Saturday convention of the Civic Coalition, where he outlined the temporary suspension as part of a broader migration strategy. The new policy, set to be discussed at a government meeting on Tuesday, focuses on stricter border control and ensuring full oversight of who enters and leaves Poland.
The Ministry of the Interior has shared additional details on social media, noting that the government’s strategy includes 100% control over migration and the enforcement of Polish cultural standards among foreign arrivals. The strategy also rejects EU proposals, such as the migration pact, if they threaten Poland’s security.
Another key aspect of the strategy is the promotion of accelerated repatriation for Poles and people of Polish descent living abroad, encouraging them to return to Poland for work and study.
European reactions: Germany and Austria weigh in
Tusk’s announcement has not gone unnoticed in Europe. German and Austrian media have been quick to report on the potential suspension of asylum applications in Poland. Austria’s Kurier described the move as surprising but noted that it continues, and even deepens, the migration policies pursued by Tusk’s predecessors from the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Commentators suggest this shift may lead to further tensions with Brussels.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine highlighted that the Polish and Czech governments are calling for a tougher EU debate on the protection of the bloc’s external borders. German public broadcaster ARD noted Tusk’s aim to restore Poland’s status as a country secure from illegal immigration, which could facilitate the return of Polish citizens currently living abroad.
Germany’s Bild newspaper described Tusk’s position as a strong stance against Russia’s hybrid warfare, aimed at destabilizing Europe. While human rights organizations have condemned the increasingly hardline approach, the paper noted that it has garnered significant support among the Polish public.
Human rights organizations slam the decision
Tusk’s announcement has drawn swift condemnation from human rights advocates. Former Deputy Ombudsman Hanna Machińska argued that the suspension violates European law, warning that it ignores Poland’s international obligations. Machińska described Tusk’s migration strategy, titled "Regain Control, Ensure Security," as a rejection of asylum rights.
Joanna Ochojska, lawyer Maria Poszytek from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, and Amnesty International have also expressed their disapproval, raising concerns about the implications for refugees and asylum seekers.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24