Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland will no longer comply with the Dublin Regulation, a European Union framework governing the processing of asylum claims. This decision represents a significant shift in Poland's immigration policy amidst rising migration pressures and ongoing geopolitical issues.
At a press conference following an EU summit in Brussels on March 21, 2025, Tusk stated his intention to halt the practice of returning asylum seekers to the country where they first applied for protection, emphasizing that Poland bears a substantial burden due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the influx of refugees from Belarus. "We know very well there is an agreement on so-called readmission between Poland and Germany," Tusk said. "Because of the migration pressure... and because we have this problem on the eastern border, Poland will not implement these points of the treaty." His commitment resonates significantly as Poland aims to protect its national interests amid rising concerns about illegal immigration.
The Dublin Regulation, which came into effect in 1997, mandates that the initial member state receiving an asylum application is responsible for processing that claim. In recent times, Germany has reportedly turned back hundreds of asylum seekers to Poland under this arrangement. Furthermore, since 2023, Germany has implemented stricter border controls, resulting in the return of thousands of migrants who do not meet legal entry requirements.
While tensions have escalated with Germany's plans to establish a new "departure center" aimed at expediting deportations of asylum seekers, Tusk's stance has drawn attention. Amidst these developments, he has rejected any new EU migration pact that would force Poland to welcome migrants or contribute financially instead of taking them. "Poland will not implement the EU migration pact if it involves the forced acceptance of migrants," he asserted, pointing to the risks faced by Border Patrol officers working diligently to maintain Poland's security.
During a recent parliamentary session, critical legislation was approved that allows the government to partially suspend the right to file asylum claims in specific situations deemed emergencies. This legislative move has sparked concern among human rights organizations, notably the UN's refugee agency, which openly condemned the proposed asylum rules as violations of both international and national law.
The European Commission promptly reacted to Tusk’s announcement, reminding Poland that it, like all EU member states, is required to comply with existing asylum laws. A commission spokesperson acknowledged Poland's unique challenges along its eastern border, describing the struggles of migration being used as a weapon by Belarus and Russia. Nonetheless, the EU emphasized that all member states must adhere to current asylum rules.
As tensions mount, Poland remains home to nearly one million Ukrainian refugees, a figure second only to that of Germany. Since the onset of the conflict, Poland has taken on the responsibility of sheltering a massive influx of refugees, which has complicated its already strained asylum policy. Tusk's firm approach reflects the government's aim to protect Polish interests while navigating its obligations to the European Union.
Public sentiment around immigration remains highly charged, illustrated by ongoing protests against perceived German actions which many claim flood Poland with migrants. Demonstrators have taken to the Polish-German border, voicing their opposition to the EU's migration policies and their perceived threat to Poland's cultural identity.
The opposition within Poland has also depicted the current government as too soft on immigration issues. This criticism comes despite Tusk highlighting a higher number of returned asylum seekers during the previous administration under the Law and Justice (PiS) party compared to the current government. Tusk emphasized this point, indicating that the number of asylum seekers sent back to Poland by Germany in 2023 was greater than during his tenure.
As Poland grapples with its immigration policies amid rising numbers of migrants and complex geopolitical challenges, Tusk's announcement about the Dublin Regulation reflects a broader strategy to reinforce national sovereignty while responding to shifting dynamics within the EU. His statements are likely to shape the future narrative around Poland's relationship with both its EU partners and its domestic migration policies.
