Donald Tusk has already received initial warnings from Brussels regarding the migration pact—”countries that risk undermining the migration pact will face legal consequences.” However, beyond issuing such threats, the European Commission is currently limited in its actions, as the pact is set to take effect only in mid-2026. This period is intended to outline a strategy for its implementation, including the incorporation of relevant directives into Polish law and the establishment of procedural frameworks.
Nevertheless, the government of Donald Tusk has been demonstrating considerable sluggishness in this process—primarily due to the ongoing electoral campaign.
Failure to Meet European Commission Expectations
As a result, Poland has not met the European Commission’s expectations that Warsaw should begin working on the technical aspects of the pact’s implementation. Why is this the case? The reasons are political, and more specifically, they are tied to the electoral campaign—explained Professor Robert Grzeszczak in an interview with Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper.
Everything Will Begin After the Elections
The legal expert further stated that “the aim is not to alienate voters and to project an image of autonomy from any external bodies that might seek to influence asylum policy.”
He explicitly emphasized that “Poland has accepted the pact because the European Union has adopted it.” He added that Poland “must implement it, as it constitutes binding law.”
According to the professor, Tusk’s government will attempt to delay the implementation of the pact for as long as possible and, when the time comes, will introduce it discreetly, through a process of fait accompli, rather than with great public fanfare.
Tusk Is Quietly Negotiating with the European Commission
Professor Grzeszczak also noted that cooperation between the Polish government and the European Commission on this matter will not commence only after the elections—it is already underway.
“I believe that this cooperation is already taking place, but not everything is being disclosed to the public under the glare of cameras and microphones. One of the European Commission’s fundamental tasks is to oversee the adherence of member states to EU law and to respond when violations occur. The Commission’s recent statement was precisely such a reaction—thus far, a soft one, without immediate consequences,”
he explained.
When the migration pact is scheduled to take effect in mid-2026, it will coincide with Poland’s pre-election year, according to the country’s electoral calendar. The next parliamentary elections are expected to take place in 2027.