The exemption also applies to Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia, which had similarly requested relief from the so-called “solidarity pool.”
In Poland’s case, ministers cited the high costs of protecting its eastern border with Belarus, as well as the country’s reception of large numbers of war refugees from Ukraine.
Under the EU pact, member states are expected either to accept migrants from countries facing surges of arrivals or pay €20,000 per person they do not accommodate.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński welcomed the decision, saying it fulfilled government promises.
“We have what we promised. We said we would not take in any refugees under this mechanism, nor pay any compensation, so this is a good day,” he said.
The politician added that the mechanism recognises Poland as a country under migratory pressure for supporting Ukraine and expects the arrangement to remain in place for many years.
(mp)
Source: IAR/Polish Radio/X/@PR24_pl/@MSWiA_GOV_PL