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Poland tightens visa rules, protects key firms from hostile takeovers

18.12.2024 15:50
The Polish government has introduced new rules regarding visas and asylum applications, as well as expanded the list of companies subject to protection. 
Donald Tusk gives a statement to the media at Warsaws Okęcie Airport on December 18, 2024. The Polish Prime Minister is heading to Brussels to attend a one-day EU-Western Balkans summit.
Donald Tusk gives a statement to the media at Warsaw's Okęcie Airport on December 18, 2024. The Polish Prime Minister is heading to Brussels to attend a one-day EU-Western Balkans summit.PAP/Albert Zawada

The updated list now includes major media companies such as Cyfrowy Polsat and TVN, as well as mobile network operators such as P4 and T-Mobile.

"We are regaining control over Poland's borders and the visa issuance system," Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday, before heading for an EU summit in Brussels.

"I hope that the Sejm will secure the majority needed to adopt these new regulations," he added.

Polish PM emphasized the need to tighten Poland's laws on this matter.

"We are all aware that illegal migration has become a serious issue for Poland and Europe, directly related to security concerns," the politician said.

While Poland remains open to students from all over the world, Tusk stressed that measures are being put in place to prevent abuse of the educational system for illegal migration.

Additionally, the prime minister announced that the government has adopted a regulation on the list of companies under protection in Poland.

The new rules will apply if a foreign entity seeks to acquire a company with strategic importance for the state.

Among the newly added companies are Cyfrowy Polsat, P4 (operator of the Play network), TVN, Polsat, T-Mobile, and WB Electronics.

"These companies will be protected in the event of an attempt to take them over," explained the Prime Minister.

Source: IAR/PAP/KPRM

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