Speaking after a bilateral meeting with the Czech government in Prague on Wednesday, Tusk said that the strategy will not only focus on combating illegal immigration but will also propose a modern migration policy for the years ahead, applicable both to Poland and the European Union.
During a joint press conference with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Tusk highlighted what he described as Poland’s unique position within the EU, with migration pressures stemming from wars, hunger and overpopulation.
He underscored that Poland's stance in the EU would remain firm, state news agency PAP reported.
“Poland is under immense pressure, like the rest of the EU, but we are also dealing with the consequences of misguided visa policies from previous governments,” Tusk said, referencing past systems that allowed "hundreds of thousands of people" to enter under flawed visa arrangements.
He further pointed to the "orchestrated migration" along Poland’s eastern border, accusing Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin of fueling the crisis.
“What’s happening on the Polish-Belarusian border resembles a war zone, with gunfire heard daily,” Tusk said.
He added that Poland’s new strategy will require a shift in European migration policies, particularly in light of these security concerns.
However, he vowed to remain steadfast in his plan. "We will not back down," he declared.
Tusk also expressed gratitude to Fiala for the Czech Republic’s support and said he was confident that Poland would gain broader backing for its proposed migration policy changes across the European Union.
Fiala echoed Tusk's concerns, stating that the EU's current approach to migration is insufficient.
He said that the reintroduction of internal border checks by Germany within the Schengen Area—a zone of passport-free travel within much of the EU—illustrates the strain migration has placed on member states.
Fiala reaffirmed Czech support for stricter migration policies and called for faster asylum procedures and a more effective system for returning migrants who do not qualify for asylum.
The new Polish migration strategy, covering the years 2025 to 2030, is currently being drafted by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, according to officials.
It is expected to address legal gaps and establish a coherent and coordinated migration system.
Legislative changes, including amendments to the law on foreigners, are expected to follow the strategy's adoption in December, with implementation planned for next year.
Tusk said in April that Poland would not agree to the EU's relocation mechanism for migrants, despite its approval by the European Parliament.
PM's party to hold convention in Warsaw on Saturday
On Saturday, in addition to the unveiling of the migration strategy, Tusk's governing Civic Platform (PO) party is set to hold a convention in Warsaw.
The party will review the past year since the parliamentary elections and outline its priorities for the coming months.
Key decisions may be made on the party's agenda for next year’s presidential election.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP