Former MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski accuses Poland’s Tusk government of fully implementing EU migration directives despite public denials. The controversy deepens following an informal ministerial meeting in Warsaw. Read more on the unfolding debate.
In a recent statement, former MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski criticized Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s administration for allegedly implementing European Union directives without question. Speaking to Niezalezna.pl, Saryusz-Wolski argued that despite the government’s public rhetoric suggesting skepticism towards the EU’s migration policies, their actual administrative actions indicate full compliance.
“Regardless of what the Tusk government says for domestic political purposes, distancing itself from migration policy, in its official actions as the EU presidency, it implements all Brussels directives without question,” Saryusz-Wolski stated.
A Controversial Ministerial Meeting
The controversy follows an informal meeting of EU interior ministers in Warsaw, chaired by Polish Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. The meeting focused on migration security, population protection, and crime prevention. European Commissioners Magnus Brunner and Hadja Lahbib also participated.
According to the Polish EU presidency, the discussions emphasized innovative solutions in migration policy, cooperation with third countries, and strengthening border security. However, German Interior Ministry spokespersons claimed that there was consensus on accelerating the implementation of the EU’s Migration Pact.
Journalist Aleksandra Fedorska reported that the German spokesperson confirmed the agreement on fast-tracking the migration pact, leading to questions about Poland’s actual position. Minister Siemoniak, however, denied any official commitments were made, explaining that no formal decisions are taken at such informal meetings.
Contradictions and Political Fallout
Siemoniak’s statements were met with skepticism, particularly as journalists circulated footage of the German spokesperson’s remarks. This contradiction led Saryusz-Wolski to criticize what he described as political doublespeak:
“This back-and-forth between journalists and Minister Siemoniak is a dialogue of the deaf. The German ministry has confirmed that there was agreement on accelerating the asylum and migration pact. There is no reason to doubt this. Minister Siemoniak, on the other hand, argues that no decision was made, but informal meetings are meant to align positions, not sign formal documents.”
Poland Bound by EU Migration Policies
Further complicating the situation, MEP Marcin Sypniewski revealed a response from EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, confirming that Poland is fully bound by the Migration and Asylum Pact.
“Poland is subject to all legislative instruments within the migration and asylum pact. There is no legal possibility of excluding Poland from its implementation,” the statement read.
Saryusz-Wolski argued that this confirmation exposes the government’s wishful thinking:
“The European Commission’s response only reinforces what we already knew—that Poland is bound by EU migration policy with no opt-outs. Tusk’s government is engaging in wishful thinking if they believe they can negotiate an exemption.”