The European Union’s migration pact remains a contentious topic, fueling debates and insecurities among member states. Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, representing Poland’s Law and Justice party (PiS), shared insights into the far-reaching consequences and power dynamics within the Union during an exclusive interview with Telewizja Republika.
Saryusz-Wolski highlighted the unprecedented authority the European Commission seeks to wield in shaping migration policies, diverging from established treaties. According to him, the Commission’s ambition to dictate migration strategies across member states is a concerning shift in power dynamics.
Recent negotiations among the European Commission, Parliament, and Council regarding the migration pact’s preliminary version, held from September 23rd to December 20th, concluded without a definitive resolution. Expressing apprehension over the pact’s finalization lacking transparency, Saryusz-Wolski anticipated the European Parliament to conclude deliberations around April.
Amidst this, Saryusz-Wolski revealed Poland’s position during the trilogue closure. While Poland did not contest the negotiations, unlike Prime Minister Morawiecki’s government, the MEP highlighted the inevitable adherence to the pact’s terms.
He bluntly stated Poland’s dilemma: accept migrants or face substantial fines of €20,000 per rejected migrant under the proposed terms just before Christmas. This prospect of the Commission permanently holding sway over migration policies contradicts member states’ sovereign rights, a concern voiced by Saryusz-Wolski based on existing treaties.
Moreover, Saryusz-Wolski voiced apprehensions about the pact’s text lacking constraints, allowing the Commission unilateral leeway to increase migrant quotas or penalty amounts. He cautioned against relying solely on a country’s size or GDP as determinants, hinting at potential additional measures like population density or absorption capacity targeting specific member states.
Regarding Donald Tusk’s recent remarks opposing mandatory migrant relocation, Saryusz-Wolski contradicted Tusk’s stance with historical evidence of Tusk’s support for compulsory relocation during his tenure. The MEP criticized Tusk’s contradictions, warning of potential penalties for Poland if Tusk genuinely rejects migrant acceptance.
Acknowledging reports suggesting an equalization mechanism, where hesitant countries would need to accommodate more migrants, Saryusz-Wolski hinted at closed-door discussions around this idea.
As debates escalate, the migration pact underscores the delicate balance between national sovereignty and the EU’s push for a unified migration strategy. Uncertainties loom over the pact’s fate and its implications for member states, setting the stage for further deliberations and potential conflicts within the European Union.