Poland’s government has taken a stand against illegal immigration, aiming to convey a resolute message to the European Commission (EC) and domestic political opposition. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki made this announcement following a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
The cabinet’s resolution addresses the ongoing migration crisis on Italy’s Lampedusa Island and responds to proposed migration policies by EU bodies designed to manage significant migratory flows.
In his post-cabinet meeting statement, Morawiecki emphasized that this resolution signifies the government’s unwavering stance against illegal immigration. He underscored that it serves as a stern warning to both the EC and all political factions within Poland, including the centrist Civic Platform (PO), that the country does not condone illegal immigration.
Morawiecki also voiced concerns about the situation on Lampedusa, likening it to a warning sign for the entire European Union. He cautioned against repeating past mistakes and adopting ineffective mechanisms proposed by the EC, highlighting that these mechanisms had already been rejected by the European Council in June 2018.
Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who leads the ruling Law and Justice party, echoed these sentiments, stating that the Lampedusa situation symbolizes a threat to the entirety of Europe. He emphasized the necessity of securing borders and implementing measures to return individuals who manage to enter illegally.
The European Commission’s proposed migrant pact, which mandates that EU member states accept an initial quota of 30,000 migrants from countries grappling with Middle East and Africa migration, has faced significant opposition. Countries unwilling to comply would face a substantial financial penalty of approximately EUR 22,000 for each migrant refused entry.